We met Allie the first week of blink-182 recording at John Feldmann's Foxy Studios. We hit it off immediately, talking about music and photography, and even running a clothing brand (she has her own line called AnxietyCo.Org ). Most of the great photos you've seen from the blink recording are to be credited to Allie. She's not only a great photographer, but a super cool person to have around. When blink was done, we didn't lose touch, knowing that we wanted to interview her for the site. She's a very interesting and charming person and we hope that comes through in this mini, Hi My Name Is segment.
HMNI: Where did you grow up?
Allie: I grew up in a small town in Los Angeles county called Torrance. It’s just south of the city. I currently reside in The San Fernando Valley. It’s nice, but very hot. One day, I hope to move back to the South Bay area.
HMNI: How did you get into music?
Allie: Music has always been very important in my life. My dad was a radio/club DJ while my mother was always taking my sister, Cassie and I to karaoke bars when we were little so she could sing country music. I remember she'd take us to Dimples in Burbank regularly. My dad brought us up on artists like The Beatles, Pink Floyd, David Bowie, Seal, and Journey. While my mom introduced us to country artists like Tanya Tucker, Reba McEntire, and Naomi Judd. As I got older, I started listening to pop radio and artists like Britney Spears and *NSync. It wasn’t until my sister brought home blink-182’s "Enema of the State” when I really started getting into guitars and drums. I thought, wow, my sister actually likes something cool! AND they say bad words (my mom told us bad words were only ok to say if they were in sung in a song. It was just part of the music). From there, my taste in rock and pop rock only grew. In middle school, I was listening to bands like Linkin Park and The White Stripes. That faded into Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, The Used, and My Chemical Romance. That’s when I first was first introduced to the name John Feldmann.
My best friend and I would go see all of these bands, multiple times. We were those dedicated kids waiting outside the venue in sleeping bags at 3am so we’d be first in line and at the barricade when the show started. We’d wait outside for hours after the show just to say hi or get a photo with the band or artist. I always knew I wanted to be a part the live music scene in some way, I never knew how to get there but, I knew I loved every minute of it. I started listening to The Veronicas at the end of high school. These were my girls. I’d chat with them on their forum and myspace. They started asking me to hang out after shows. I slowly went from fan to friend. They also worked with John Feldmann. At the time, one of their boyfriend’s bands was recording in LA from Australia. One day, they needed help getting gear from the studio back to where they were staying and I had a truck. I, of course said yes, and began to roadie and sell merch for them on tour.
My love for being in that environment remained. I longed for it. I lived for it. But again, I had no idea how to get back there. My mom, my hero, approached me one day asking if I knew who John Feldmann was. Dumbfounded, and confused I said “Duh. He’s basically responsible for The Used. Why?!” Note: The Used must be my favorite band since 2004. She said that he’d been one of her clients for the last year (she's an accountant.) I knew this was it. This was my chance. The next day John Feldmann was calling me asking me to come by his studio. And here I am!
HMNI: Who would you like to see record at Foxy Studios?
Allie: I would really love to see Green Day record here at Foxy studios. I know they could make something truly magical together. I also wouldn’t mind working with Demi Lovato, I may or may not have a slight crush on her.
HMNI: What are 3 things you wished people knew about you?
Allie:
1) I love my dog, Conan more than I love.. pretty much anything.
2) I can’t cross my eyes.
3) I truly believe that people should treat people they want to be treated. Be nice and smile at everyone you meet. I believe in good manners. I believe in staying humble. And I believe that everything happens for a reason.
The portrait photo of Allie was taken by
Sofia Danielson. If you want to see more of Allie's photos, follower her on Instagram @alliesaurousREX and check out her site AnxietyCo.Org