Alyssandra Nighswonger

Alyssandra Nighswonger is a singer-songwriter and visual artist creating in Long Beach, California. She most recently released ‘Will You Stay’, in summer 2023, celebrated with an album release show garden listening experience at Rancho Los Cerritos. Nighswonger says “‘Will You Stay’ is a collection of songs made to aid in the alchemy of a broken heart. When you are weary of the world, these songs provide a little sanctuary. Close your eyes, feel the warmth of your hand over your heart and know you are not alone and are holding a heart of gold.” The album was recorded in Long Beach at The Compound Studio, and features Antoine Arvizu, Lono Archambault, Lili de la Mora-Archambault, Heather Sommerhauser, Matt Hill, R. Scott Dibble, Slam, Joy Shannon and Fernando Perdomo. It is available on CD, Cassette or digital download.

Nighswonger is currently working on a project under the working title, Travel + Movement. It is a collection of songs inspired by times of movement, whether on a helicopter ride home on her last day working on Catalina Island, or a ride through the streets of Long Beach washed in the pink of the sunrise on her Buddy 125 scooter; these songs are about a moment of lift, a pivot, a welcome to change. They are being recorded at BIG EGO studio in Long Beach. Nighswonger is also exploring stop motion animation and multi-media to create some storytelling visuals. This project is anticipated to be released later in 2024, along with an EP that was recorded live at Hotel Cafe with some of the songs from the album with the all star band that recorded on the album.

Another release worth mentioning is Nighswonger Sings Nilsson, which Aquarium Drunkard praised as “a well-nigh perfect tribute to Harry — just the right balance of irreverence and reverence, silliness and melancholy.” NSN is a studio collaboration between songwriter Alyssandra Nighswonger and producer Chris Schlarb. Nighswongers sweet warbly vocals are backed with lush string arrangements, horn arrangements, and even a tap dancer. The album Includes the Nilsson tunes: “Think About Your Troubles”, “Without Her”, “One”, “He Needs Me”, “Me and My Arrow”, “Are You Sleeping?”, “P.O.V. Waltz”, “Good Old Desk”, “The Puppy Song”

Alyssandra Nighswonger also performs in The Daring & The Darling, a duo act with local songwriter, Lafayette Ben Charlatan. You may also have seen her perform with Ellen Warkentine, The Dovelles, Lucky Penny, Junatime, and several other local acts. Her most far-out adventurous feat was a 1450-mile music tour by bicycle from Seattle, WA to Long Beach, CA in Summer, 2012. Her longest show run was when she hosted the Viento y Agua Open Mic for 10 years from 2007-2017. You can also catch her selling berets with hand-stitched designs sometimes at 4th Fridays and First Fridays in Long Beach.