Allison Victoria’s musical talent landed her a gig opening for R&B icon Tank, but the 23-year-old singer/songwriter says community connections mean more to her than celebrity fame. When she is not working on new tunes, she helps organize and host Localmotion, a performing arts hub that offers musicians, poets, dancers, rappers and visual artists of all ages outlets for creative expression.
We caught up with Victoria to learn more about her work.
Indianapolis Recorder Newspaper: How long have you been making music?
Victoria: I’ve been singing as long as I can remember. I don’t remember an age, but I remember knowing that I could sing, you know, I felt it. But I was shy, and I would pretend like I couldn’t. It took a long time before I stepped into that and was not too shy to sing around family and friends.
What made you step into that? Was there anyone who encouraged you to show your talent?
It started at church. They could get me to do family funerals or church events, but I wouldn’t join the choir. I was discouraged because I went to a Catholic elementary school, and I loved the music teacher, I looked up to her, but she told me I don’t really blend in or fit with everyone else. So, basically, she said I couldn’t have the solo. I was very discouraged. My junior and senor years of high school, I had the urge to do more with music, because having a gift is one thing, doing something with it is another. It’s not just going to come to you; you have to cultivate the skill and water your flowers and let your garden grow. Not until a year and a half ago, my senior year, did I do that.
How would you describe your sound?
That’s what I’ve been asking myself. I love every genre, but I can’t say I do bluegrass or country, because I haven’t produced that, but I feel I could. I would say soul, because I put a soulful spin on everything, even if it was a different type of beat. I would say soul, neo-soul, but I don’t want to put myself in so small of a box, because I love everything.
I know you opened for Tank recently; can you tell me about that experience?
Oh, man. Let’s start with the fact that I don’t do competitions, because my anxiety is terrible. I said I would try anyway, and it turned out. We got to meet and talk, and I appreciate all the connections that came, not just from meeting Tank, but all the others willing to help you build your vision. I have a lot of connection from the community in Indy and all over. (Tank) made a post and my page has been going semi-viral. People from different places are starting to notice, and it’s touching.
What has been your most memorable experience?
The first time I traveled for music was the coolest thing. We went to D.C. for an open mic. People wanting to bring us that far to share our art was pretty cool. Someone saying let me fly you out and bring you here was crazy.
What do you hope to be doing this time next year?
I want to move around and plant seeds everywhere. People ask me where I want to live, and I don’t even know. I want to travel first, and I’ll worry about that later. Hopefully, I’ll have more content available for people.
Localmotion
Every second Saturday at Fletcher Place Arts & Books, 642 Virginia Ave.
7-10 p.m.
$7
Appropriate for ages 13 and up
