Lacey Allen – Thanks for Asking! – by Liam Sweeny.
RRX: What would you like fans to know before they come to see you play? (No basic stuff; get specific.)
LA: Well… if I’m being honest, if you’re coming to see me perform, chances are YOU are also performing! As an entertainer, it’s my job to keep the audience engaged and comfortable. I do my best not only to communicate with the audience, but also to give them a chance to sing and dance along with me. Whether that means joining them on the dance floor, handing them the mic, or simply asking if they’re having a good time, I’ll find a way to keep them involved. Happy audience, happy life!
RRX: Stereotypes are a bitch. I mean, aside from the really bad ones, you have cultural stereotypes about everything, including music. Would do you think is the stereotype for the music you play, and how far are you away from it?
LA: As we all know, the rock and roll community is often associated with partying, heavy drinking, and dabbling in drugs. For me, that couldn’t be further from reality. In fact, I am straight edge. For those who may not be familiar with this lifestyle, I completely avoid drugs and alcohol. I’ve actually never even tasted a sip of alcohol or done drugs in my life, and I take great pride in that. When I’m on stage, I’m fully present, clear-minded, and intentional with every note I sing and every emotion I share. One of the things I am most proud of is that I never need to be under the influence to have fun, let loose, or keep an audience engaged. Instead, I let the music take full control and “get high” off the love of the art.
RRX: We have to play somewhere, and sometimes those places have more going for them than a stage and a power outlet. What is a memorable place you played, and bonus points if it’s not a well-known place.
LA: A very important place comes to mind and that would be Proctor’s Theater in Schenectady. This is where “CASA” hosts their annual “Raise Your Voice” Singing Competition Fundraiser. I was sent the advertisement in the newspaper back in 2022 and was very tempted to participate due to the amazing cause and my eagerness to perform. After I had auditioned and made it to the final round, I wound up winning the entire competition. It changed my life. The exposure had opened so many doors for me musically and also gave me the opportunity to meet long lasting connections and friendships.
If you do not know about this nonprofit organization, CASA’s volunteers are specially trained advocates who work in the best interests of children who have experienced abuse and neglect. These volunteers spend countless hours providing support, necessities, and hope for children who are or are at risk of being removed from their homes.
When these innocent children are removed from their homes, they often have absolutely nothing: no clothes, shoes, personal hygiene items, blankets, money, etc. Basic things that we all have and take for granted.
All the funds raised go directly to these children to provide the care, support, and love they deserve. That is why Proctors Theater is so important to me and will always have a special place in my heart. If you want to learn more about CASA, please visit theccj.org
RRX: What do you think is the most dangerous song to cover from the perspective of criticism? Who do you think is too hard to cover, and why?
LA: Whitney Houston!!! Hands down, the hardest songs EVER to sing live. I couldn’t choose just one if I tried. Each of her tunes are so iconic that it’s incredibly difficult to even come close to doing her justice. She will go down in history as a music legend, and rightfully so. For that reason, my heart skips a beat whenever someone requests “I Have Nothing”.
RRX: Is there a favorite time of year? What time of year does the band have the most shows? Is there a recurring thing in the year that’s particularly memorable?
LA: My favorite time of year is obviously summer! I think everyone in Upstate New York can agree. However, the best time of year for gigging is the Spring. This is when the Lake George Steamboat Company season starts up. I’m the lead singer on the Lac du Saint Sacrement cruise. My first opportunity to sing professionally was on the Lac with Danny Lombardo on keys. Danny pushed my singing skills and taught me everything I needed to know about the industry. This upcoming season will be my fourth year on the boat. I’ve loved every second since I first started, and I can’t wait to be back!
RRX: Let’s talk about your next project, your next few. Just not the ones you’re working on now. The ones you have your eyes on for the future. What’s coming to us?
LA: I love being asked this question because it seems to change every time I answer it! I spent many years trying to convince myself to take the safest option in life, which, in my mind, was not music. I was so afraid of failing, but now my mind is completely open to following my dreams and my heart.
So, with that being said, you can expect to hear some original music soon! I’ve been allowing the creative process to take over, and I’m really proud of the progress so far. As for other projects, I’m always searching for new acting, modeling, and, of course, singing opportunities. In this phase of my life, I barely say “no,” and I’m finding it incredibly rewarding!