Remembering Allison McCarty

Allison McCarty was an Afterglow staff writer who tragically passed away last weekend. We have compiled a playlist and some notes of remembrance as a tribute to her. 

Written by the Afterglow Editors-in-Chief

It is with heavy hearts that we try to honor the memory of Allison McCarty, an Afterglow staff writer who passed away on Feb. 1, 2020. She was a third-year philosophy student at the University of Texas at Austin. Allison was an amazing writer who gave us incredible stories that truly pushed the boundaries of how we view music. She was also involved in Liberal Arts Council (LAC) as the editor-in-chief of The Liberator and was a DJ for a weekly radio show on 91.7 KVRX. Most importantly, Allison was beloved by so many, on campus and beyond. She was 20 years old. 

With the help of Allison’s friends and family, we have created a playlist of songs she loved or that her loved ones want to dedicate to her. Also below is a collection of notes for and about Allison, written by the people close to her. Please join us in holding them in your thoughts during this time.

I love you Allison, you were the brightest light ❤️ I’ll miss you so much. — Aubrey McCarty

Allison, you have a special place in our hearts and I will miss you dearly ❤️I love you. — Shannon McCarty

I love Allison and she loved Queen, so this one’s for her [You’re My Best Friend” by Queen]. — Parker Jones 

Allison was the definition of sunshine. Her laughter was infectious and her smile could light up a whole room. She was the kindest person, always willing to lend a helping hand. And I always admired how much she stuck to her moral compass. Recently the sunsets in Texas have been especially beautiful and I like to think that it’s Allison shining her light down on all of us. She will forever be in our hearts! — Nika Torabi

We were best friends in high school before I left to Michigan. We used to stay up till 5 a.m. just to listen to live stream audio recordings of K-pop bands before their albums dropped. This usually involved us also watching a few episodes of our favorite animes at the time or if we were not under one house, us talking on the phone for hours until the songs were performed at the concert in Korea. 

Another memory is that she never failed to let me know that we were best friends. One time in our chem class, our teacher said we needed paper but ended changing their mind after I had already lent Allison a piece. She then proceeded to not only draw a picture of me but write a note about how happy she was that we were friends and that we didn't have any work to do that day in class. I still have that note hanging in my college apartment almost five years later. She always managed to make everyone feel welcomed and important no matter if y'all were close or not. — Janet Nava

Allison was my editor-in-chief, role model, and friend in LAC. This space isn't enough for me to express myself, but I will miss her a lot and love this gesture by Afterglow. — Anonymous

Allison was one of my best friends; we bonded over our love for guitar riff heavy songs and loved how classic rock was coming back. I remember sending her this song [The Killers covering “Wonderwall” by Oasis at Lollapalooza Chile] and her response was a startled anteater (classic).

This [“Vichnaya Pamyat” by Hildur Guðnadóttir] is one of the best songs from Chernobyl, a show we both enjoyed (even recorded two podcasts about it). — Rohin Balkundi

My song [“Pressure" by Milk & Bone] is NOT as groovy as your music, but just be glad it's not Taylor Swift ... — Praveena Javvadi

Allison, you will always be remembered for your kind soul, funny humor, and amazing writing. We love and miss you. — Anonymous

This song [“Don’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” by Elton John] seems like a cheesy choice, and it totally is, but Caribou was the record Allison was most excited to have found a copy of at the Austin Record Convention. She probably would prefer “Stinker” or “You're so Static,” but the lyrics for those songs just don't seem right for this. This one hits you in the feels and that's where I am right now. I'll miss her smile, her sarcasm, and her excellent taste in music. I hope she's hanging out with Freddie Mercury, wherever she is. — Phil Butler

Allison — it was a joy to get to know you at our pitch meetings. Your love for classic rock and radio were just two of the best parts of your genuine personality and interests. A phenomenal writer, thinker and doer; I have so much respect for you and your work. Just like the ones you loved, you were a classic. We’ll miss you this semester and every semester after. — Mica G.

Such a sweet, kind, and smart, friendly young lady that was taken way too soon. Will always remember her sweet smile and disposition. She certainly was going to do well in life. RIP Allison, we will miss you dearly. — Lin and Nancy Norris

Allison was different and I loved her for that. She was true to herself and always had everyone's best interest at heart. She was so very smart and I always looked up to her in that aspect. We have so many good memories and I will forever miss her. — Nena

Allison was one of the funniest people I have ever known. She always worked to make me feel included and I was so grateful to have a friend like her in high school. This song, Not About Angels [by Birdy], was from a contemporary dance we performed together in high school. The best part was afterwards, when we played our own music and we just sang and danced around like no one was watching. Her spirit, light, and humor were gifts. And I also loved how fearless she was when calling out people. She was not easily fooled and could always tell you who was genuine or not. She was fiercely smart, beyond hilarious, and had the sweetest smile. I was always so proud when I was able to make her laugh. I miss her. — Hannah Loera

Me, Allison, Haley Hottinger, Ashley, Claire Holcomb, and someone else I can’t remember all danced to this song [“Hey Brother” by Avicii] in the dance gym at CPHS one year in high school. We all skipped class to dance to this song for fun. We danced TERRIBLY 😂😂 but it was soo much fun!! Allison is still one of the best “can make anything awkward” dancers ever!! I say that in a compliment! — Emily Dawson

Allison was truly a bright light in her elementary school days at Deer Creek. She was a darling, kind girl and ALWAYS a friend to all! She will forever be remembered as one of our sweetest COLTS ever! — Cindy Sendejo

Allison and I made a music video to this song [“Gone” by JR JR] a couple years back. It was a really fun project because we were both so excited about making it, and it’s one of my favorite memories of us together. — Ashley Itliong

Allison has always been a bright light in my life. She always had this joke that she was “Allison McCarty the one person party,” and she definitely lived up to that motto! It has been incredible watching her find a passion for music journalism, for in high school she used to be too scared to show others her music. I picked “‘39” [by Queen] for the article, because I will always remember the times we drove out to Austin blasting “‘39” while slamming on her car’s dashboard. I miss Allison and will remember her kind soul, sense of humor, and incredible talents forever. — Haley Hottinger

Allison was light and joy. For those who were lucky enough to know her, she brought unmeasured kindness, humor, and wit into everything she did. I am so grateful to have known her through LAC and to have watched her channel and express her creativity in so many ways. She was a wonderful friend and exceptional person. I miss her a lot. — Anonymous

A lovely soul. — Camryn

Many thanks to everyone who contributed songs and messages in memory of Allison: Aubrey McCarty, Shannon McCarty, Parker Jones, Nika Torabi, Janet Nava, Hector Osegueda, Rohin Balkundi, Praveena Javvadi, Phil Butler, Mica G., George Adame, Kate Diller, Lin and Nancy Norris, Nena, Hannah Loera, Emily Dawson, Cindy Sendejo, Ashley Itliong, Haley Hottinger, Camryn, and every anonymous contributor.

If you’d like to spend some time with Allison’s own words, you can read her Afterglow articles here. You can access the articles and podcasts she contributed to The Liberator here.

You can also help us in remembering Allison by supporting The SAFE Alliance (Stop Abuse For Everyone) or Austin Pets Alive, two Austin-based nonprofit organizations recommended by her family in her obituary. Afterglow will be making a donation in Allison’s name, and we encourage anyone who is able to do the same.

Rest in peace, Allison McCarty.