Halifax-based artist Ally Cribb brings an emotional depth far beyond her years in her latest single, “Now.” A captivating reflection on heartbreak, self-discovery, and personal growth, the song resonates with listeners navigating the complexities of life transitions. Written by Cribb, the track tells the story of leaving a relationship—and an entire chapter of life—behind, even when the heart still lingers.
A Song of Heartbreak and Reflection
The poignant lyrics of “Now” encapsulate the bittersweet process of moving on:
“If I could let it go, I would Staying won’t do me any good There’s nothing left for me now.”
Cribb, who started writing “Now” at 18, shares how the song evolved over two years. “The song’s narrator is a girl struggling with uncertainty, turbulence, regret, and hope. It’s where I am—now,” she explains.
A New Direction for Cribb’s Sophomore EP
“Now” is also the title track of Cribb’s sophomore EP, marking a significant leap in her artistic journey. The five-track EP showcases her maturity as a songwriter, with songs like “Know Better” and “Not This Time” demonstrating her lyrical growth. It’s her first record written entirely by herself, and Cribb credits producer Igor Vrabac of Akashic Rekords for encouraging her to embrace a more country-focused sound—a direction she’s always envisioned.
However, “Now” isn’t your typical contemporary country track designed for quick social media success. It carries the grace and introspection reminiscent of legends like Joni Mitchell, Shawn Colvin, and Taylor Swift.
Critical Acclaim and Industry Recognition
The EP has already garnered rave reviews, with UK magazine Lock describing it as “wondrous” and praising Cribb’s warm, riveting style. Cribb’s musical journey began early, inheriting a love for music from her father and taking voice lessons at just eight years old. Her cover of Radiohead’s “Creep” in 2019 amassed over 200,000 views on YouTube, setting the stage for her emergence as an original artist.
Her debut EP, Unbroken, explored themes of grief and loss following the sudden death of her mother during the pandemic, earning widespread acclaim and thousands of streams weekly.
A Bright Future for a Talented Artist
Cribb’s talents have not gone unnoticed. Two songs from her debut EP reached the finals of the International Song Academy Competition, and her original composition “California” was recently selected as a winner in the 2024 Write Out Loud song contest. As a result, Cribb’s song will be re-recorded by a Broadway star and performed live at New York’s 54 Below.
Reflecting on her latest work, Cribb says, “This EP was inspired by the last two years of my life—walking through that portal, leaving behind who I was, and learning about love and relationships. It’s part diary, part observation about how love changes us.”
With her captivating storytelling and emotional resonance, Ally Cribb is an artist to watch as she continues to grow and evolve. Now is available on all major streaming platforms, and it’s a perfect entry point for listeners looking for raw, heartfelt music that speaks to the human experience.
