Feeling Nostalgic with Ally Salort
Photo by Max Christiansen
[UNPUBLISHED:] You recently released your new single “Nostalgic” - what was the process like for creating that song?
[ALLY SALORT:] This song started with just the hook and ended up sitting in a Dropbox for around 2 years; not because we forgot about it, but because the rest of the song wasn’t coming to us and we didn’t want to force mediocre verses on such a special chorus/beat. I eventually took it home, wrote the pre-chorus, and 5 months later we finished the rest. I remember so vividly driving home, blasting it in my car after finishing it, and feeling so much pride.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What was your inspiration behind the song?
[ALLY SALORT:] I am a very sentimental, nostalgic person. I tend to romanticize my past whether it was good or bad. It’s such a bittersweet feeling that I’ve always loved and attached myself to. Because of this, I wanted to write a song about meeting someone who evokes those kinds of warm, homey feelings. About a classic love that you would think only exists in movies. It’s simultaneously a manifestation of what I want in a partner, while also pulling pieces from real-life past relationships and people who’ve made me feel that way.
[UNPUBLISHED:] In your opinion, where would be the perfect place to listen to the song?
[ALLY SALORT:] In the car, at night.
[UNPUBLISHED:] If you could feature an artist on your new song "Nostalgic" who would it be and why?
[ALLY SALORT:] I think Steve Lacy. I just love his voice and I think he could sound good on anything. I could also hear Jack Harlow on it lol.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Do you have a favorite song you’ve released thus far?
[ALLY SALORT:] I honestly love all the songs I’ve released so far but “Stranger Things” will always be very special to me because it was my debut single, and also because it never fails to make me feel good every time I listen.
[UNPUBLISHED:] How do you think being from New Jersey has influenced your sound?
[ALLY SALORT:] I grew up in a very artsy, musical town so subconsciously I feel very accepted in whatever genre or song I make. It made me feel freer as an artist, constantly being surrounded by all different types of music. I also went to the same high school as SZA and Lauryn Hill so I was exposed to them and their music pretty early on. Both are so incredible and inspire me in a lot of ways.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What’re some of your favorite places in New Jersey? Give us some recommendations!
[ALLY SALORT:] Asbury Park is great. They have a dog beach that my mom and I would take my dog Belle to all the time. South Mountain Reservation is a great place to go on hikes or you can take your dog to their dog park. The Millburn Deli is a great place for amazing sandwiches.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What are some upcoming projects you are excited about?
[ALLY SALORT:] My EP! It’s pretty close to being finished and I’m super excited to get that out. I’m already so proud of it.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Who is an artist you’ve been listening to a lot recently?
[ALLY SALORT:] I’ve recently gotten into Noah Cyrus. Her new album is really good. “I Just Want a Lover” and “Mr. Percocet” have been on repeat.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What is one fun fact that not many people know about you?
[ALLY SALORT:] I love musical theater. I used to be in shows all the time in local productions or at school. There was a phase where I wanted to be on Broadway.
