Pittsburgh Plays Fleetwood Mac
Dec. 18, 2021
Photo: Nick Prezioso

IN THE PRESS

“Alyssa Hankey, the smoke and moonshine voiced mountain girl, weaves her musical tales with authenticity and raw emotion. Hailing from the misty peaks of Appalachia, her voice resonates like the wind through ancient pines—weathered, haunting, and steeped in tradition. Taking nods from the legendary female folk and blues singer songwriters from years gone by, she blends fresh new waters with the muddy old.”

— JM Sullivan (Social Media Promotion, Dig Deep Brewing, May 29th, 2024)

“A smoldering love letter to rural living, delivered from a place where nobody ever comes, and nobody ever will.”

— Bored in Pittsburgh (Multi-Monthly Wrap-Up, December 8, 2023, Review of 'Hippie of the Hills')

“Always front and center, Alyssa’s distinctively raspy voice,
raw emotion and determined cadence bring these song vignettes
to life, and her poignant words stir emotions and trigger visions
of the world she sings about”

— Jim Price (Pennsylvania Musician, Sept. 2023)

“Love Song” is the type of tune you want to put on after a long day, as Alyssa Hankey’s gorgeous voice could be a soothing antidote for any trying inconvenience. With a remarkable Americana sound, the Pittsburgh-based singer humbly asks that you go easy on her heart: “I’ve been up / I’ve been down / I been chewed up and then spit out / I’ve been going it alone / I never learned to dance / but if you give me a chance / I’ll give your heart a home.”

— Elle Mannion (The Best 2020 Tiny Desk Contest Entries We Saw This Week: Volume 3, NPR's All Songs Considered)

“Her music appeals to a wide demographic, including the musicians of yesterday and current learners who feel they just weren’t made for these times. Hankey makes music for old souls who want to hear something new, and if that isn’t an achievement for a talented young songwriter, quite frankly, I’m not sure what is.”

— Adam Mook (Erie Reader, Feb. 12, 2020)

BIO

A traveling troubadour born and raised in the hills of rural western Pennsylvania. Alyssa’s music is unmistakable, with influences that span across many genres. Her lyrics bring you into the heart of the steel mills and the bucolic landscape of rural America.

Raised on country music in a working-class family, Alyssa started playing guitar at the age of twelve and writing songs throughout her high school years. She attended college at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, where she studied fine art and graphic design. While attending college she began performing original songs at local open mic nights. For a few years after college, Hankey worked as a graphic designer and began playing solo acoustic shows on the weekends.

In 2018, she decided to quit her job and pursue music full time. Since then, Alyssa has released various albums and embarked on several cross-country tours. She also formed the Alyssa Hankey Band, a four-piece band that combines folk, country and rock. You can find them playing in and around the Pittsburgh area. Hankey has also shared the stage with artists such as The Clarks, The Steel Wheels, The Wildwoods, Warren Zeiders and Charles Wesley Godwin.

You’ll find her albums on Itunes, Spotify, Bandcamp, Google Play, Youtube, etc.

Alyssa Hankey Band supporting The Clarks (Big Rail Brewing- Aug. 3, 2024 - SOLD OUT SHOW)