As one of bass music’s fastest-rising names, ALLEYCVT has built a loyal following through her high-energy performances and emotionally driven approach to music. During a conversation at Lightning in a Bottle, she discussed the evolution of her live sets, staying creative as her career grows, and the importance of authenticity both on and off the stage.

LIANA: Your sets always bring a ton of energy. How do you read a crowd and decide what works? Is everything planned out ahead of time or do you adjust in the moment?

ALLEYCVT:I definitely pre-plan my sets, especially the song selection, based on the type of event. If I’m playing something like Electric Forest, I’ll lean into more vibey, weird, wonky tracks, while at a festival like EDC I want to go a lot harder. But the sets evolve over time. If I play something and get a great reaction, I’ll keep it in rotation. Eventually the set kind of morphs into the strongest version of itself.

LS: As your career has grown, how has your sound continued to evolve?

AC: When you’re first starting out, nobody’s really watching, so you can be as creative as you want. As you get bigger, more people are listening and judging what you’re making, so it becomes harder to stay in that same creative mindset. You have to find new ways to stay inspired. I listen to a lot of different kinds of music and try to bring those influences into what I make.

LS: Has there been a moment recently where you realized just how far you’ve come?

AC: Probably my Red Rocks show. It was absolutely insane. It felt like the entire hour-and-a-half set went by in five minutes. I spent a whole month preparing for it, and it was so much work, but it ended up being one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

LS: What advice would you give to young female producers trying to break into the industry? 

AC: It’s the most cliché advice ever, but it’s true: be yourself in every possible way. Don’t follow trends. Don’t try to do what someone else is doing better than them. Get out of your comfort zone and make exactly what sounds good to you. Trust yourself. At the end of the day, you’re a person making music for other people, and if you’re being genuine, that will connect with someone. 

LS: Touring can be emotionally draining. How do you protect your creativity and your mental health while constantly being on the road?

AC: I’ve been trying to take things a little easier lately. Drinking less, focusing on being healthy, and remembering that this is my career, my dream, and it is not just a party. More than anything, I lean on my friends. Having people you trust is so important. If you’re struggling, reach out. A lot of people are afraid to do that because they think they’re a burden, but that’s what your friends are there for. Having a support system makes all the difference.

LS: How has it been having a partner who understands this industry firsthand?

AC: It’s amazing and honestly super special. We bounce ideas off each other all the time, and it’s really helpful having someone who understands exactly what this lifestyle is like. We work on music while we are together too. I really don’t think I could date someone who didn’t understand what this career entails.

LS: Dream back-to-back set that hasn’t happened yet?

AC: That’s such a hard question. I’ve already done sets with people like Levity and Crankdat, but if we’re talking dream back-to-backs, I’d love to do one with Zeds Dead. I’m obsessed with them. They’re genuinely some of my favorite artists ever, and I still get completely starstruck around them.

LS: What’s been one of the coolest fan interactions you’ve had recently?

AC: Honestly, it’s meeting younger girls who come to my shows (and I hope they are wearing ear protection!) But there’ll be an eight-year-old there with her parents, and she’s excited about the music and knows my songs. It’s crazy because it reminds me of being that age and looking up to artists who inspired me. Knowing I can be that person for someone else now is really special. Those moments make me want to keep going.

LS: Who are some of the women DJs you are listening to right now?

AC: To start, I would have to say Ninajirachi. She’s really in a lane of her own and creating a new sound which I think is awesome. I’m a huge fan – I actually got to meet her recently and she’s the sweetest person! Then the homies of course, Zingara, Sarah Landry, Mary Droppinz, Level Up, they’re so cool. I mean, there’s just so many girls out here doing their thing and I love to see it! Also, A Hundred Drums. She’s so creative, and I want her to get more appreciation, because she’s killing it.

For ALLEYCVT, success isn’t measured solely by bigger stages or viral moments. It’s about continuing to evolve creatively while remaining authentic to herself. Whether she’s preparing a month in advance for a career-defining performance or inspiring the next generation of female producers, her message remains the same: stay genuine, trust your vision, and never be afraid to lean on the people around you.

Photo Credt: @megannnburch