June 10th, 2013 
Derek Scancarelli 
Allison Weiss may just be the quirky and charismatic songwriter that Vans Warped Tour has been looking for, so it’s a good thing they snagged her for the Acoustic Basement Stage this summer. It appears as though she has the ability to cheerfully boost morale while maintaining a maturity and sincerity rarely found in an artist of her stature. Her appreciation for fans and whole-hearted attitude nearly surpasses her witty songwriting.
Read more to see UTG’s exclusive interview with Allison!
If you’re part of any local music scene, odds are Allison Weiss has passed through your state in an arguably game-changing tour package, including but not limited to the likes of What’s Eating Gilbert (featuring Chad Gilbert of New Found Glory), Pentimento, Candy Hearts, State Champs, Handguns, Forever Came Calling, and many more.
Her full-length album, Say What You Mean, was released in April on No Sleep Records. Fortunately, I was able to snag an interview with Allison to let you guys see a bit of what she’s all about. If you like what you read, make sure to catch her perform unplugged this summer at the Acoustic Basement stage.
I read about your time spent playing alongside Lou Reed (of The Velvet Underground) on your website. How did that all come about? What was your favorite part of the entire experience?
A friend of mine was working at Lou’s management company at the time, and she submitted my music to his weekly radio show. Turns out he loved it so much that he came to see me play at a small club in Brooklyn. The next thing I knew, I got an e-mail offering me a chance to open for him on half of his European tour. A few days before the tour, I got a phone call — Lou wanted me to come down to the rehearsals and sing some backup vocals. I ended up having to learn about 8 songs in just a few days. I barely knew a couple the first night of the tour. Though it was nerve-wracking, that was my favorite part. Getting to sing the girl part on “Wild Side” was surreal.
You’re playing a bunch of dates at the Acoustic Basement stage at this summer’s Warped Tour. Are you excited for that? How would you say this stage’s experience differentiates from others?
I think it’s super cool that Warped has started to invite more acoustic artists to perform. I think a lot of people love seeing their favorite bands stripped down to just acoustic guitars and songs. For me, it’s great because it’ll be easy. I love playing with my band more than anything, but I’m grateful that I started out as a solo artist. I can just bring my guitar and my suitcase and not have to worry about anything else.
Are you looking forward to going out on the road with Slingshot Dakota?
Absolutely. I love Slingshot. They’re such great musicians and people. Every time I’ve met them they’ve been so nice and excited, and we don’t even really know each other yet. These shows will be a total blast for sure. I only wish it were a longer run!
Say What You Mean came out in April. How has the response been to the album?
It seems like everyone likes it! I’m just so stoked to finally have it out, and even happier that I can start playing the songs live. It feels like I’ve been waiting forever. I’m so proud of it, and the response has been great. Even some of my favorite musicians, the people I grew up listening to, they’ve become fans after hearing it. That’s an incredible feeling.
Does being gay affect your music? Are you outspoken about your sexuality? If so, has that led to any instances where people have told you that you’d inspired or helped them in their personal lives?
I don’t think it affects my music at all. I write love songs, very universal love songs. To be honest, most people don’t ask about it. I think we’re finally coming to a point in time where people don’t care as much, it’s not a big deal. That said, I’ve definitely had young fans come up to me after shows and tell me to my face or in letters that they came out to their parents after finding out I was gay. It’s amazing! That’s why I decided to come out in the first place. I think it’s important to be a role model, to help change minds and show kids that there is nothing wrong with them. We’re all normal.
How has it been working with No Sleep Records?
No Sleep is great. They’ve got a cult following of people who just love their label. They trust that NS is putting out great music, because they are. It’s exciting to see them signing so many great new bands and it’s exciting to be a part of that.
The only time I’ve personally seen you play was up in Albany with Handguns, State Champs, and Forever Came Calling. How did that tour go?
That tour was so punk rock! I was definitely the odd man out, but it was a blast. Handguns’ fans are insane and amazing. Pop punk breeds the kind of fans who dance, party, scream along to the songs, and pretty much do whatever it takes to make a band feel totally awesome on stage.
I saw that you did some personal hand-written notes on your albums. You seem to find fan appreciation important. Is this a big part of your music career?
Of course it is. I wouldn’t be here now, making records and doing interviews, if it weren’t for the people who’ve supported me all along. When I was a kid, I was the kind of fan who would show up to a show 8 hours before doors and drive 5 hours to get there, so from the start, I’ve always approached everything with the mentality of a fan. I try my best to always do what I would want my favorite bands to do for me.
What’s your favorite kind of pizza? What about favorite food spots in Brooklyn?
I like a standard Margherita pizza. My faves are Fornino and Pauly Gee’s, both in Brooklyn. Vinnie’s has a good vegan slice if you’re into that.
Did that question catch you off guard?
Sure didn’t! People love to ask me about pizza.
Do you find that there are people you grew up listening to who you are now crossing paths with? Must’ve been cool playing with Chad Gilbert.
NFG wasn’t my favorite band growing up, but I definitely loved a few of their songs. Chad is a DREAM. He and I became instant pals on the March Radness tour. This past year has been the craziest. I’ve met and hung out with a number of musicians I’ve admired since I was a teenager. Chris Carrabba was particularly awesome. Dashboard was a big influence when I first started writing, so hanging with him at the AltPress showcase at SXSW was pretty neat!
How was tour with Pentimento, Candy Hearts, and What’s Eating Gilbert?
March Radness! It was everything I wanted and more! It’s such a privilege to get to watch bands like these every night. The guys in Pentimento are some of the nicest dudes I’ve ever met. I seriously cannot say enough good things about them.
Do you have an extensive HitClips collection? Yeah, I crept your Instagram.
I only had one HitClips and it was N*SYNC’s “Bye Bye Bye,” which I got at a McDonalds in Ohio and listened to on repeat during a 10-hour car ride on a family vacation. Never forget.
Tell me about “The Adventures of Bess Rogers and Allison Weiss.”
Bess Rogers is one of my best friends. We wanted to go on tour together, but decided to make it really exciting. The Adventures of Bess Rogers & Allison Weiss was the first time I had a tour-specific online store. We offered postcards, posters, a DVD, all the way up to a dinner with the band package. It was a total blast.
What can we expect to see from you in the future?
More touring and more records! I plan to be out on the road as much as possible. After Warped Tour and the run with Slingshot Dakota in July, I’ll just be writing more songs and getting ready to go back on the road. Stay tuned to find out more.
Written and conducted by: Derek Scancarelli Follow @DerekUTG
(Check out his concert photography here, D. SKANK PHOTOGRAPHY)
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