Alissa Musto was able to leave her cruise ship as the pandemic shut the industry down. Friends and colleagues were still aboard, unsure when they would get home.
Alissa joins Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco to talk about the people behind the performances and the experience that led her to write “How Still.” She describes life among an international crew, the friendships built at sea, and trying to draw attention to workers whose stories were being overlooked.
The conversation begins with another question facing musicians: what does AI mean for human creativity? From learning piano as a child to writing from personal experience, Alissa reflects on the things she brings to a performance that come from having lived a life. They discuss education, creative work, and the vulnerability of turning a private feeling into a song.
The episode includes Alissa's song “How Still” after the conversation.
What We Explore
* Growing up in a musical family and learning piano
* AI and the human experience behind creative work
* Life and friendships aboard cruise ships
* Leaving a ship while friends remained stranded
* Writing How Still and speaking up for crew members
* Songwriting, personal experience, and vulnerability
About Alissa Musto
Alissa Musto is a singer, songwriter, and pianist, a Harvard graduate, and a former Miss Massachusetts. Her work includes live performance at sea and the song “How Still,” inspired by the experiences of cruise ship workers during the pandemic.
Connect with Alissa
http://www.alissamusto.com/ • https://www.instagram.com/alissamustomusic/ • https://open.spotify.com/artist/1zXbmLiD4eT2MBarFpDGAM • https://music.apple.com/us/artist/alissa-musto/334629512
The Tragedy Academy
Candid conversations exploring the human experience through tragedy and triumph.
Hosted by Jay Hicks and Gary DeFranco.
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