Rising country star Alyssa Flaherty is quickly establishing herself as a force in the genre, captivating listeners with a voice that commands attention and a songwriting style that cuts straight to the heart. 

The breakthrough artist just released (July 11) her debut EP, Heartbreak, Thank You. This collection is a stunning introduction – a raw, emotionally charged body of work that blends soulful storytelling with vocal power and precision. Flaherty carries listeners through the highs and lows of healing, emerging with a sense of strength and self-discovery. 

Fresh off a whirlwind year that included opening slots for country icons like Jake Owen, Jo Dee Messina, LeAnn Rimes, and even working alongside Kevin Costner, Flaherty sat down with Fandom Daily to reflect on the momentum behind her rising career.

“I didn’t plan for these songs to be written in order,” said Flaherty. “But when we were finalizing the track list, we realized it organically mirrored the emotional journey I’d been on – shock, sadness, reflection, healing, and finally… acceptance.”

Follow Alyssa Flaherty on Instagram and TikTok and stream her debut EP Heartbreak, Thank You. 

Fandom Daily: How would you describe yourself as an artist?

Alyssa Flaherty: “Honest, a little free-spirited, and hopefully inspiring. That’s really the goal.”

Fandom Daily You’ve been making waves lately, sharing the stage with some major names in country music. What’s been the biggest “pinch-me” moment so far?

Alyssa Flaherty: “Honestly, the past two months have felt like a whirlwind. Opening for LeAnn Rimes was the moment. I’ve never been nervous to perform until then. I literally turned to my team and said, ‘I think I’m nervous?’ Watching her from the side of the stage, I had tears in my eyes. It was just surreal.” 

FD: Any memorable advice from the legends you’ve played with?

AF: “Not a ton of time to sit and talk, but hearing ‘keep going’ and ‘you’re crushing it’ from them, it meant the world. It’s not something they have to say, and that kind of encouragement sticks with you.” 

FD: Let’s talk about your debut EP, Heartbreak, Thank You. You’ve said it’s like “giving birth” to a project. What do you mean by that?

AF: “I’ve obviously never given birth, but it feels like handing over this baby that you’ve protected and poured so much of yourself into. These songs were written in the exact order they appear, not planned at all, and it ended up telling this raw, natural story of heartbreak and growth. I hope wherever listeners are in their healing journey, they find something that resonates.” 

FD: What inspired this project?

AF: “Definitely personal experiences. But also, different types of heartbreak. From romantic to platonic to familial. It’s all there. This wasn’t just one breakup, it was about looking at where I’ve been, what I’ve learned, and who I want to become.”

FD: Which song was the hardest or most emotional for you to write?

AF: “‘Better Memory’ hands down. I wrote it with Daniel Hutson and Jeff Middleton…total country boys, funny and fun. But that day, something shifted. I wasn’t feeling great physically, but we got into this deep, emotional space and wrote something that felt incredibly real. I couldn’t even sing the demo, but that first take in the studio ended up being the take. It was just in the moment.”

FD: Do you have a favorite track?

AF: "It depends on the day! But “Heartbreak, Thank You” is probably my favorite lyrically. It’s empowering. It says: ‘You’ve got your own back. You’re strong enough.’ It’s the kind of song I wish I had when I was going through it.”

FD: Through the writing and recording process, what did you learn about yourself?

AF: “I didn’t realize how much I’d grown until I looked back at the songs – angry, sad, reflective, thankful. I didn’t notice it day-to-day, but the order of the songs shows the transformation. It gave me goosebumps when we realized that. That natural progression, it wasn’t planned, but it was honest.”

FD: You’ve cultivated a really loyal fanbase, especially on TikTok and Instagram. How has social media shaped your journey?

AF: “It’s been a slow and steady build, but I’ve been posting singing videos since middle school. A few years ago, when I moved to Nashville, I started going live with my friend Sean Dunbar, and one video just blew up. That started everything. I love that it’s always been about connecting. When fans come up at shows and quote a specific line, that means everything. That’s the dream.”

@alyssavflaherty 🫶🫶🫶🫶 #countrymusic #creatorsearchinsights ♬ original sound - Alyssa Flaherty

FD: Do you have a favorite fan moment?

AF: “Oh my gosh, yes. We were in Arkansas opening for Lanie Gardner, and this woman brought her nieces and nephews to the show. One of the little girls, who supposedly doesn’t care about music, told her aunt, “I don’t only hear the music, I feel it in my heart.” I nearly cried. It reminded me exactly why I do this.”

FD: What’s coming next? Are we getting more music soon?

AF: “Definitely more shows! We’re doing a celebration show in Nashville at The Listening Room. Then, the songwriter festivals in Key West, which I’m so excited about. And in August, I’m headed to the UK for the Country Calling Festival! First time overseas. We’ll probably release new music in the new year, maybe sooner. We’ll see…” 

FD: What mark do you hope to leave on country music?

AF: “I want to be real and live in the moment with my fans. That’s what the artists I’ve loved most have done. I want people to feel like they can be unapologetically themselves, just like those who inspired me.” 

@alyssavflaherty BROKE BY YOU- OUT THIS FRIDAY!!!!🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤 #independentartist #newmusic #singersongwriter ♬ original sound - Alyssa Flaherty

FD: Speaking of inspiration… who are you a massive fan of?

AF: "Taylor Swift, since day one. She’s just built this brilliant, intentional community. Also Kacey Musgraves – her voice is so pure and her lyrics are so vivid. I also love LeAnn Rimes, Fleetwood Mac, Chris Stapleton, Cody Johnson… it’s a mix, but I think those women especially have shaped how I think about music and connection.”

FD: Final words for your fans?

AF: “Just – thank you. Truly. For showing up, for listening, for paying attention to the lyrics. We’re building something together, and it means everything. This is only the beginning.”

Photo Credit: OH Creative PR