Hey, welcome to Nefarious Supply! How are you?
I am so content today, it feels amazing.
Where are you from and how did you become AG Sully?
I’m originally from a small town in Alabama called “Hartselle”. I was a much different person when I was there, pretty insecure with a lack of direction I would say. I started playing piano and singing in high school and found a lot of my identity in that and ended up moving to Tennessee to study at MTSU. At that point I started hearing new sounds and new music that I hadn’t heard before and found myself really stuck on all things soul music. I started writing and that’s where I feel like my “sound” fell into place. I became A.G. Sully when I felt like my name, Ally, didn’t fit the music. I wanted something that captured everything my music said/created, ya know? Since changing my stage name I’ve felt this new confidence I’ve never felt before.
Is there anyone or anything in particular that inspires you to make music?
I think it’s the only thing that makes me feel complete honestly, as corny as that sounds. It just feels like what I’m supposed to be doing. I will say, I was always supported to be myself by my parents, I think that is still to this day something that influences my decisions. It’s just always been “be yourself”- my mom always told me it was cool to stand out. It was never a question of “what if they look at me”, it was always “make them look” ya know? I don’t know if she knows how much that’s stuck with me.
Who inspires you vocally versus production?
Vocally AH! When I started listening to soul music, some friend’s showed me D’Angelo and that, of course, rocked my world. As far as female vocalists though, I’m always moved by Lianne La Havas, Charlotte Day Wilson, soft but still controlled singers like that. I used to feel like I had to sing big and belt and have the big long note at the end of the song to make it. I’m just constantly inspired by quiet and gentle voices, I do believe they can be just as powerful. I think Billie Eilish really made a way for that as well. As far as production...I feel like it’s the big guys that inspire me, like Frank Ocean, Brent Faiyaz, SOLANGE (!!!!), Daniel Caesar, but also lots of classic sounds too, like Erykah Badu, and Marvin Gaye. There’s less direction with production on my end, I think ultimately the song that’s being produced has the ultimate say, if that makes sense. It’s never like “let’s make something that sounds like this”, it’s more like “I have this song I wrote, what sort of production will be best for the song?”
You recently released an album this past April, how did you end up making ‘Space to Think’?
I wrote all of “Space to Think” over a period of 2ish years, but wrote the latter half of the project over quarantine. We had originally planned to make an EP but the more songs I wrote over that period of time the more it felt natural and right to turn it into an album.
What were the greatest challenges in making this album, and was it worth it?
Oof, timing for sure. It took months to change my name and at that point I was starting to truly dread this project more than anything. The songs were so heavy and personal, I could just barely listen to them anymore. Basically, everything was so behind the schedule I had set for myself that it was more of a relief to release it than anything. But yes, totally worth it. I know the songs are new to everyone else and I just have to remind myself that!!
Is there anything you would change in regards to production or are you happy with the release?
I think it’s perfect the way it is :)
What is your most and (if you have one) song from this project? Mine is ‘Seasonal’?
Honestly, I’m not sure I could pick. They all hold different weights and truths to me. Some of my favorites are Seasonal, Homies, and Lock My Door, but I truly couldn’t pick. I do have a love/hate relationship with Deathday though. It’s honest, but I guess brutally honest to the point that sometimes it hurts to listen to.
Most importantly, we wanted to thank you for your efforts in helping us release SZN 3, what were your thoughts on the new merch!
Make it stand out
Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
I wear my yellow hoodie at least twice a week! Big fan!
Lastly, is there anyone else you know that should be on our radar?
My friend Gretchen is holding onto some fire that I can’t wait for people to hear. Another friend, Case Arnold has been releasing some singles I’ve really been rocking with. My favorite is Miseducated! Lastly, of course, “Boys Wear Pearls” by $avvy still remains one of my favorite albums to come out of Nashville, and honestly one of my favorite albums of the year.
Any last words?
I was really worried about the response to “Space to Think”, so I’m just super honored that it’s being recognized and talked about by you guys and others!
Big shout out to AG Sully for coming on and interviewing with Nefarious Supply as well as helping us out with our launch of SZN 3. If you enjoyed this interview and want to stay up to date with her you can follow her on Instagram and be sure to check out her album Space To Think.
If you enjoyed this interview and want to stay up to date with the content coming from Nefarious Supply you can find us on Instagram, Twitter, and for our newsletter you can sign up below. Be sure to also check out our new collection SZN 3 which dropped and use discount code SZN3 to get 10% off your first order!