Halifax-based artist Ally Cribb brings an emotional depth far beyond her years in her latest single, “Now.” A captivating reflection on heartbreak, self-discovery, and personal growth, the song resonates with listeners navigating the complexities of life transitions. Written by Cribb, the track tells the story of leaving a relationship—and an entire chapter of life—behind, even when the heart still lingers.
The poignant lyrics of “Now” encapsulate the bittersweet process of moving on:
“If I could let it go, I would Staying won’t do me any good There’s nothing left for me now.”
Cribb, who started writing “Now” at 18, shares how the song evolved over two years. “The song’s narrator is a girl struggling with uncertainty, turbulence, regret, and hope. It’s where I am—now,” she explains.
“Now” is also the title track of Cribb’s sophomore EP, marking a significant leap in her artistic journey. The five-track EP showcases her maturity as a songwriter, with songs like “Know Better” and “Not This Time” demonstrating her lyrical growth. It’s her first record written entirely by herself, and Cribb credits producer Igor Vrabac of Akashic Rekords for encouraging her to embrace a more country-focused sound—a direction she’s always envisioned.
However, “Now” isn’t your typical contemporary country track designed for quick social media success. It carries the grace and introspection reminiscent of legends like Joni Mitchell, Shawn Colvin, and Taylor Swift.
The EP has already garnered rave reviews, with UK magazine Lock describing it as “wondrous” and praising Cribb’s warm, riveting style. Cribb’s musical journey began early, inheriting a love for music from her father and taking voice lessons at just eight years old. Her cover of Radiohead’s “Creep” in 2019 amassed over 200,000 views on YouTube, setting the stage for her emergence as an original artist.
Her debut EP, Unbroken, explored themes of grief and loss following the sudden death of her mother during the pandemic, earning widespread acclaim and thousands of streams weekly.
Cribb’s talents have not gone unnoticed. Two songs from her debut EP reached the finals of the International Song Academy Competition, and her original composition “California” was recently selected as a winner in the 2024 Write Out Loud song contest. As a result, Cribb’s song will be re-recorded by a Broadway star and performed live at New York’s 54 Below.
Reflecting on her latest work, Cribb says, “This EP was inspired by the last two years of my life—walking through that portal, leaving behind who I was, and learning about love and relationships. It’s part diary, part observation about how love changes us.”
With her captivating storytelling and emotional resonance, Ally Cribb is an artist to watch as she continues to grow and evolve. Now is available on all major streaming platforms, and it’s a perfect entry point for listeners looking for raw, heartfelt music that speaks to the human experience.
Some men come with enough warning labels to qualify as farm equipment and sometimes you climb on anyway because the smile is good and the chemistry is downright filthy. I knew some of these guys were bad ideas and fucked them anyway because they were built like horses but that never meant they earned unlimited access to me.
Today, we bring to you our hottest finds of the week. We have curated a list of the best releases from our musical travels this week and are putting them all in one place for your listening pleasure! This coverage is created via #sustainablecurator
Reaching the exact breaking point where patience wears out and self-preservation takes over demands a songwriter who can translate raw emotional clarity into a soaring, uninhibited anthem. In a contemporary country pop landscape where heartbreak ballads frequently linger in quiet sadness or bitter regret, taking a decisive, empowering stand feels exceptionally refreshing. Gifted singer and songwriter Ally Cribb achieves that exact cathartic triumph on her hard-hitting single titled Stand Back. Delivering a masterclass in mature songwriting and unapologetic honesty, the track captures the precise moment an individual realizes a toxic partner will never change, choosing to step away, reclaim their dignity, and walk into a brighter future.
