Idaho Falls singer-songwriter debuts new song on local radio, leads country band

IDAHO FALLS — At 9 years old, Andrea Alonso discovered her love for music when she took free guitar lessons at her church and sang songs for her family. Now, the Idaho Falls native, who describes herself as a country folk singer and songwriter, is determined to turn her passion into a lifelong career.

She recently took a big step forward by launching her first professionally produced song, “Good Luck to Her,” with the help of Ken Dudley at Cottonwood Studios in Idaho Falls. Alonso recently debuted the song on 96.1 and 102.1 The Wolf radio station, showcasing her talent to a broader audience.

“The song is a real story, a song I wrote that resonates with real life. It’s a song I wrote about a boy. If Taylor Swift can do it, then so can I,” she said.

Alonso shared that she doesn’t come from a musical family, as most of her relatives are more focused on sports.

“I was that little girl sitting outside, writing songs about the clouds and the sky,” she said. “I loved putting on mini-concerts for my family. … Through guitar lessons and singing in the church choir, I discovered that music gives me a sense of purpose and fulfillment. I realized this (music) is a God-given gift.”

Alonso graduated from Idaho Falls High School during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, when she was just starting to get serious about her music. However, there were not many live music opportunities, so she participated in local streaming broadcasts.

Later, as COVID-19 restrictions began to ease while she was attending Boise State University, Alonso convinced a local coffee shop to let her perform, snagging her first live solo gig. She’s been performing ever since.

Alonso says her musical influences are many. “As a Mexican-American, I grew up listening to old and new Mexican music and old and new country music. I love classic country singer Dolly Parton and the new artist Lainey Wilson.”

In addition to her solo work, Alonso is the lead singer of the band OutWest, featuring local musicians Shelby Murdock, Ryan Christensen, Kasey Davis and Nate Nelson.

Alonso said a Facebook post was the beginning of the band’s formation, “Ryan posted on a local musicians group looking for a new project with Kasey, so I shot him a message, and we all met up. We worked together really well that first time.”

That’s when I invited them to one of my pre-booked gigs. I started reaching out to people, and eventually, I came up with the name for the band and made it official,” she added.

OutWest delivers a blend of classic and contemporary country hits. They have played gigs throughout eastern Idaho and are building a strong local fan base.

“I love working and performing with other artists. I want to help the local music community as much as I can. There is so much talent in this area,” said Alonso.

Driven by the dream of releasing an album and pursuing music full-time, Alonso encourages others to chase their own dreams.

“Just do it scared!” she said. “There’s no harm in it, and it builds character.”

You can listen to “Good Luck to Her” here.

“Good Luck to Her” and Alonso’s other original songs “Anywhere, Everywhere, Nowhere,” “Far 2 Late,” and “Distraction” are on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube, Instagram and https://linktr.ee/andreaalonsomusic.

For band information, message OutWest on Facebook.

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