Alyssa Hankey “West of the Ohio” | Eighty Unplugged Episode 8

West of the Ohio by Alyssa Hankey, performed live on this podcast episode. The lyrics and background of his original song are broken down and discussed.

Read our blog post about Alyssa Hankey here: https://www.eightyunplugged.com/blog/alyssahankeywestoftheohio

(00:00) Introduction
We welcome Alyssa Hankey. She goes over what song she chose for the podcast.

(01:07) Alyssa Hankey Performs “West of the Ohio”

(04:30) Song Inspiration
Alyssa’s family history inspired her song.

(05:19) “Lyrics from the Ether”
Alyssa shares her view on songwriting.

(05:55) Identity through Music

(09:00) Lyric Breakdown

(09:18) Verse 1

(09:38) Family History

(10:14) Working-Class Stories
Why Alyssa Hankey highlights the stories of the working class.

(11:50) Chorus

(12:11) Restless Soul
Alyssa talks about wanting freedom and how she wants to live her life on her own terms, away from her family tradition and societal expectations. We talk about the opportunity of the current time.

(15:05) Drive, Virtue, & Deserved Success
Alyssa Hankey and her values in hard work and her roots. She goes over her thoughts on authenticity and putting the time in.

(17:19) Verse 2

(17:58) Family Inheritance
Alyssa Hankey talks about taking the opposites her ancestors never had and how she carries them with her.

(19:51) Painting a Picture
Alyssa talks about how her experience/inspiration as a music artist and visual artist overlap. We talk about applying visual art techniques to songwriting.

(22:21) Verse 3

(22:55) Generational Inheritance
How the actions of your ancestors are still alive in you and how there is lightness and darkness in everyone.

(24:34) Cinematic Songs
How Alyssa Hankey takes a screenwriter’s approach to writing songs. She shares her inspiration for storylines and characters.

(28:00) Effect of Vietnam
Alyssa Hankey shares her fascination with the late ’60s and how she sees similarities to our modern times.

(29:40) Advice for Songwriters
Alyssa Hankey shares her advice for perseverance and authenticity in songwriting.

(30:25) Alyssa Hankey’s 2026 Album

Alyssa Hankey:
Website: https://www.alyssahankey.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alyssahankey/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alyssahankeymusic
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@alyssahankey2738

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