How Ally Barron Turned Real-Life Heartbreak Into the Smooth New Track ‘What’s Her Number’

What do you do when you're dealing with the frustration of heartbreak? For actress and singer-songwriter Ally Barron, it's a matter of going into the studio and knocking out a great tune.

That's how her latest single, "What's Her Number" came about, and with its sultry tune, hooky lyrics and smooth beat, it's one we've been playing over and over since its release last month. Plus, we can't get enough of its message of not putting other girls down out of jealousy. We simply had to know more about how this great track came to be, and lucky for us, Ally was willing to dish.

Sweety High: What was the songwriting process behind "What's Her Number"? What kind of sound were you looking to capture along with the song's message?

Ally Barron: The creative process of the song started with me, my co-writer Tony Ferrari and my producer Nick Pingree sitting in the studio. I had just gone through a rough patch with a guy and I was still heated while explaining the situation. Tony and I started talking and he really sparked the concept. Nick began to create the beat, and that's when our lyrics started flowing. Before we knew it, the song was done! When it came to the sound I was looking to capture, I really just wanted a fun beat that accurately relayed the message. Nick did an amazing job and I'm so happy with how it turned out.

The song was inspired by a series of events that happened in real life. Although the concept is pretty broad and can be applied to multiple situations, it was sparked by one initial moment.

 

SH: Do you have any advice for anyone going through the type of heartbreak you describe on the track?

AB: The biggest piece of advice I can give is to hype up other girls. Some girls are so quick to bring other girls down, especially when jealousy is factored into the equation. We all have to realize that no matter if a guy cheats on you or completely screws you over, there's no reason to blame yourself nor the new girl he's with. Instead, remember we're all beautiful and amazing in our own ways. We have so much more going for ourselves than a silly little relationship—we can't let immature boys bring us down.

 

SH: How do you feel this song is different than what you've released in the past?

AB: I feel this song is so much different than my past releases because I have grown a lot since people heard the music I created for the show "Malibu Surf." As I got older, I knew I wanted to move out of the extreme bubble pop world, and more into pop R&B because that's where my voice naturally sits. I have finally reached a point where I know who I want to be and how I want to sound as an artist, and it comes through in my EP. Although each song is unique, they still embody my personality, and I hope everyone enjoys listening to it as much as I did creating it!

 

SH: What is your favorite lyric from the track?

AB: My favorite line from the track is "all the things you did to me, you'll do to her too" because I think it really emphasizes the message I am trying to send. When I was caught up with the guy I mentioned, it was in the studio that I realized he's just going to keep being toxic to whoever comes next. Instead of letting him get away with it, I channeled that energy and turned it into "What's Her Number."

 

SH: Which artists would you say are your biggest inspirations at the moment?

AB: Rihanna and Alessia Cara have both been immense inspirations to me. Rihanna is someone I have always looked up to. I specifically admire her music and style. However, Alessia Cara was one of the first artists I could truly resonate with in all aspects. Listening to Alessia's music made me realize I want to sing for a career, and I have always related to every single one of her songs. She was the first artist that really helped me find my musical style.

 

SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

AB: I am so excited to announce my EP, Sincerely, AB, will be coming out in a few months. Until then, my next single, "T-Shirt," will be out next month.

 

If you loved Ally Barron's "What's Her Number," we think you might also want to discover Olivia Lunny's new track "Sad to See You Happy."