The sound of bagpipes typically conjures up visions of somber ceremonies. But for Ally, a 29-year-old piper from New England, bagpipes are anything but typical. Incorporating a blend of progressive rock, heavy metal, pop, and folk influences, she is redefining what it means to be a modern piper while still paying homage to her heritage.

“I am American,” she shares, clearing up a common misconception. “My mother’s side is Irish, and my dad – who legally adopted me when I was 12 – has Scottish heritage”

It was her father’s Scottish lineage that first sparked Ally’s passion for the pipes. “When my dad adopted me, I got a new last name and a ton of Scottish heritage to learn about.”

From family tartans to crests and all points in between, she dove headfirst into her newfound roots. “The educational videos I watched about Scotland had bagpipes in the background, and I just loved the sound.”

Her fascination eventually became a reality after attending a parade with her mother. Seeing bagpipes for the first time, she begged for lessons. “About a year later, I got a practice chanter for Christmas and started taking lessons in the spring with a local youth bagpipe band.”

What began as a foray into traditional competition, evolved into the unconventional. “I would call my style ‘progressive’. It’s clear that I have traditional roots, but much of my style sounds more like what you might expect to hear from a lead guitar.”

That fusion of genres challenges any preconceived notions about the instrument.

“The bagpipes are extremely misunderstood. I have been accused of ‘faking it’ often. Even people who know how bagpipes work have been skeptical at times as I play in uncommon settings and sounds.”

Her innovation with the instrument did present logistical challenges.

“The bagpipes have a limited range and aren’t traditionally in a key that plays easily with other instruments,” she notes. As such, she partnered with G1 Reeds to design a chanter in the keys of B and B minor, providing greater musical flexibility. “My prototype was modified further to play strictly in B minor,” she adds, reinforcing her devotion to being distinct.

This departure from a customary sound became a staple of her live performances also.

“When I was starting out, I didn’t know where to begin with sound equipment. Bagpipes aren’t as developed in the musical world as guitars or violins. It’s still a very DIY operation, but I am excited to see where it ends up.”

So far, that that vision has paid off.

“I have had the opportunity to play for incredible audiences,” she shares. From a NASCAR race to football halftime shows and live performances for WWE wrestlers Bret Hart and Drew McIntyre, she has brought bagpipes to unlikely audiences. I often get comments from fans saying, ‘I never thought I’d be a fan of the bagpipes.’ That’s one of the greatest compliments I could ever receive…”

Not surprisingly, Ally is optimistic about the future of piping.

“I have seen many young folks emboldened to take up the pipes. However, many children, especially girls, fall out of it in their teenage years. Pursuing music education with bagpipes is difficult because music educators often lack knowledge about the instrument.”

As such, Ally wishes to change the stereotypes surrounding the instrument. “Bagpipes are pigeonholed into being a funeral and parade instrument. I had to create options for myself. I hope more pipers can function like other musicians, doing session work, gigs, or starting their own bands.”

Her plans for 2025 are as ambitious as her music, with an upcoming album of original music and a tour that will span venues across the Northeast and Midwest this spring, followed by the Celtic festival circuit in the summer. Two songs from the album – released under the name “Piper Ally” – are already available on streaming platforms.

“I plan to continue pushing the boundaries of the pipes this year and seeing where that takes me and the instrument.”

Despite her young age, she shares advice for potential young pipers.

“Stay true to yourselves. If it’s your dream, push for it and make it possible. And for parents or teachers, don’t belittle the impact of discouraging a passionate young musician. Support their dreams.”

www.piperally.com
@piper.ally