Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Tiffany Alvord

Tiffany Alvord is the girl next door who’s living out her dreams and creating a legacy on the screen and in the studio. She’s a gifted writer, composer, actress, and singer—also known as a quadruple threat. She made her feature film debut in School Spirits and is now leading the extraordinary cast of AT&T Hello YouTube series, Guilty Party. It’s a full circle moment for her, since she got her start at the age of fifteen posting covers and originals on her YouTube channel, which now has amassed over 642 million views. We sat down with Tiffany to chat about her exciting career.

PC: When did you first realize you wanted to pursue a career in music?
Tiffany: I’ve had a passion for writing songs since I was about ten, but the moment I realized I wanted to do this as a career was when I started sharing my music on YouTube. I realized how much my music touched others and how it allowed me to connect with people around the world. It hit me that my music could make a difference in letting people know they aren’t alone in what they’re feeling.

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re working on a new song and how has it changed over the years?
Tiffany: It’s always different from project to project. Growing up, the only way I’d write was by pulling out my guitar and playing in my room. I’d start with some chords to set the tone and mood, and then I’d write whatever I’d feel. I would start at the beginning and write each section of the song as I went. Now, I work in the studio and have co-writers for my songs. I LOVE it because we feed off of each other’s ideas and come up with a lot of cool stuff!

PC: How would you describe your sound and who are some of your musical influences?
Tiffany: My music is like an acoustic guitar covered in glitter. It’s playful and feel-good pop music mixed with love, sweat, and tears?! My musical influences are from a lot of newer, current artists. For example, I love what Charlie Puth, Lauv, and Julia Michaels are doing.

PC: Who are some people you’d love to collaborate with in the future?
Tiffany: I would love to collaborate with Lauv, Chelsea Cutler, Matoma, Shawn Mendes, and Ed Sheeran.

PC: You’re well-known for your covers. What has the transition been like to releasing your own original music?
Tiffany: I’ve always been all about originals ever since I started my YouTube channel ten years ago. I would post original songs in between my covers so people would know I was an original artist! I feel like covers are what attract new fans and then my originals are where I get to speak out and show more of who I am and what I’m about! So the transition has been pretty seamless since I’ve been releasing originals since the beginning!

PC: If you had to pick your favorite song that you’ve written, what would it be and why?
Tiffany: Definitely my new single, “I’ll Never Be Your Girlfriend”.

PC: Do you have a venue you dream of playing?
Tiffany: I would LOVE to play the Staples Center or any arena tour!

PC: If you could go back in time and give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be and why?
Tiffany: I would tell my younger self that in order to be happy, I need to let go of the negative things and people in my life; that I deserve respect, care, compassion, and friends that help me move forward and encourage me; and to dream big and then dream a little bigger because that’s what keeps me excited and full of life.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Tiffany: Pretty Little Liars and Riverdale

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Tiffany: High School Musical [laughs]

PC: Favorite book?
Tiffany: The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Tiffany: Annie

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Tiffany: Sabrina and Friends

PC: First album you purchased?
Tiffany: I think it was Backstreet Boys or Ricky Martin. [laughs]

PC: First concert you attended?
Tiffany: Beach Boys

PC: Go-to karaoke song?
Tiffany: “You’re The One That I Want” from Grease!

PC: An artist or band that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Tiffany: I feel all the music on my playlists is a bit predictable, but maybe You Me At Six. Love them!

PC: Hidden talent?
Tiffany: I can walk on my hands.

Make sure to follow Tiffany on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, and pick up “I’ll Never Be Your Girlfriend” on iTunes.

Photo Credit: Nathan Tecson