Ally Salort gives us details on debut EP, ‘Change of Plans,’ her upcoming headline shows, and her Austin City Limits debut

It is common for artists to find their place on social media these days, often taking to TikTok or Instagram Reels to post their own music. But before the magic of these platforms, there was the magic of YouTube. It was on YouTube where Ally Salort first began posting covers of songs, flexing the skills that brought her to be a finalist in a national talent search only a year prior. From there, she started to gain a following on TikTok, as her original songs resonated with her devoted and ever-expanding fanbase. Toward the end of last year, Ally started rolling out singles that would comprise her debut EP, Change of Plans. These singles contain the emotional depth and maturity often found in the alt-pop artist’s music, as they touch on themes like heartbreak and personal growth. We caught up with Ally ahead of the EP’s release, where we learned more about the project, from title selection to its overall messages. We also found out what to expect from her first-ever headline shows in August and who she’s excited to see when she makes her festival debut at Austin City Limits this October.

Hi, Ally. Thank you so much for taking the time out for this. I know it’s an exciting time with the release of Change of Plans just around the corner. Do you have any big plans on release day to celebrate?
Of course, thanks for doing this! I actually don’t have plans on the actual release day other than probably responding and reposting. On Thursday, I’m celebrating with a lot of my listeners on zoom, and this whole week leading up to it, we’ve been doing fun little events!

I read that the EP touches on heartbreak, uncertainty, clarity, and growth—themes that center on growing up and navigating young adulthood. If there is one message that you want listeners to take away after listening to the EP, what would it be?
I hope this EP can encourage listeners to unapologetically feel it all. Being okay with one day feeling confident, self-assured, and unbothered, and the next feeling lost and heartbroken. Giving yourself grace through everything.

How long did you work on Change of Plans?
I think I wrote the first song for it back in August of 2024. So technically, almost a year. But that just kinda happened to be when the first song was made; I never actually sat down and was like, ‘I’m making an EP.’ It was a very retrospective process of combing through demos and seeing how certain songs fit together on a project and story.

Did you have the title picked out before you created the project or did it come up later, after working on the songs?
The title was picked out after working on the songs. I started to notice a theme amongst a lot of my demos of ‘change’ and ‘shape-shifting,’ and the phrase ‘change of plans’ kinda just popped in my head. I wrote it down thinking I’d write a song with that title and find a way to twist the words, but never ended up writing the song. Instead, I thought it summed up this project and this part of my life very well, and that’s sort of how it became the EP title.

If you had to choose a favorite single from the EP, which would it be?
Right now, I think it would be “Horror Movie” just because it’s the most fun for me to sing live. It’s very melodic and emotional, which are my personal favorite songs to sing. I also just love the guitar riff through-line in that one.

Your last single, “Tattoo (selective memory),” is all about remembering the good times you had in a relationship instead of the bad. In the track, you mention that you would want “a tattoo just to remind me why I left,” so what would that tattoo be—would it be words or an image?
Ooh, I love this question. I’ve thought about this a lot, honestly. I think realistically, it would be a word and probably a very cryptic one that I only I would understand but would immediately snap me out of missing them. Like almost a code-word that I related to, maybe an ick they gave me, or one of their red flags.

Before “Tattoo (selective memory),” you released “Horror Movie.” Are you a fan of horror movies yourself?
Funnily enough, I’m really not. I enjoy an occasional horror movie when I’m with friends, but it has to be campy and ridiculous most of the time for me to enjoy it. I love a good satirical horror movie. I remember I watched The Visit, which a lot of people didn’t even find that scary, but I got nightmares for like a week.

Is there a track on the EP that was more difficult to write than the others? Is there one that was the easiest?
I just remember the session for “Any Way I Can” wasn’t the easiest. We started two different ideas that just weren’t clicking, and I kind of just accepted that nothing was going to come that day. But then finally switched rooms, sat at the piano, and then the song just came out in a matter of minutes. “Before and After” was super quick. I kinda wrote most of the chorus lyrics in the car, and then we wrote the rest in probably an hour.

Are you currently working on any other EPs, or a debut album?
I am always sort of writing and in sessions. I think now that I’m putting out my first project, it’s in the back of my head anytime I write something new, like how this would fit into an EP/album. Which isn’t something I used to really think about. So, I’m not officially working on anything particular, just a lot of songs that will most likely be something more in the future.

In August, you will play your first-ever headline shows in Los Angeles and New York City. What can fans expect at these shows?
They can expect songs they know, songs they don’t yet, maybe some covers, maybe some tears, and definitely lots of fun.

In October, you are set to perform at Austin City Limits. Is this your first time playing the festival?
Yes! It’s my first time playing any festival, so I’m super excited. It’ll also be my first time in Austin. I can’t wait!

Is there anyone in the lineup you can’t wait to see?
Oooh, so many amazing artists in the lineup, but probably Sabrina Carpenter, Mk.gee, Role Model, and Doechii.

Thank you so much for your time, Ally. Is there anything else you would like to add or share?
Thank you! I loved all these questions. I guess I would just say to anyone reading this, go check out my debut EP, Change of Plans!!