Congratulations on the release of ‘Stellar Collision’! It has such a smooth, captivating sound. What was the production and songwriting process like?
Abs: “Thanks so much! I actually wrote this song very differently to previous ones. My bandmate, partner and producer Zak Michaud one morning said he wanted to write some music and asked me to pick a genre. I said I wanted to write something like my ‘hot af’ playlist on Spotify, because it was my only playlist that didn’t have my own music on yet! It is filled with sexy R&B. Zak wrote the basis of the guitar part and within an hour this song came together and lyrics were written. It was like it was meant to happen exactly then! We then took it to my band who helped flesh it out into what it is now, and recorded the band in one sitting at Hybrid 3 Studios in Sheffield. We recorded the vocals in mine and Zak’s little London flat, and Zak produced and mastered the whole thing at home as well. This makes it a literal ‘close to home’ track for me and it is one of my favourite songs ever written.”
I heard you headlined Peckham Audio this month. What was that experience like?
Abs: “It was so much fun! I am a massive performer, and as soon as I get on stage, I have the best time and get into my element. The audience were really engaged, and it was amazing to play to lots of new faces who said lovely things afterwards. We played the new single and also an unreleased debut which was super exciting. The support acts, Sophia Rose and Karis Taylor, really helped bring the whole event to life as well. They are amazing!”
So your music encompasses a blend of neo-soul, R&B, funk and electro-pop music. What was it that inspired you to experiment with and then take on these genres?
Abs: “I write every song inspired by different genres, so it is hard to encompass the genre that my music is overall! I have one song that is funk-influenced, some inspired by some hip hop artists I like, and I have a folk-inspired song in the works. I think these genres are the ones that come to me easiest when I write music, but I am trying to branch out as much as I can. I want to be eclectic and make each song its own individual piece.”
‘Stellar Collision’ really showcases the richness in your vocals. Have you been singing from a young age?
Abs: “Thank you! I really wanted this song to have as many vocal layers as possible, and it definitely has the most I have recorded so far! I have been singing as long as I can remember. One of my earliest times singing on record is my Grandma hearing my sing ‘Little Donkey’ when I was 1 years old!”
Is there anyone you would like to collab with in the near future?
Abs: There are so many! I would really love to collab with a rapper at some point soon. It would be cool to hear what verses they can put down on my music. Em Risley is one of my band members, and I have recently been inspired to work with her on a folk-inspired tune. My dreams big artists to collab with would be Beyonce, Nao, Sasha Keable and Tems. I am manifesting it happens one day! It has to!”
Can you share any tips you have for new artists promoting their music?
abs: “I would say that my biggest tip is to never give up, and believe in your abilities. People are going to ignore your messages, not respond, not share your music around, not listen. It happens more often than not, and it is draining and heartbreaking at times, especially when it happens from people close to you. You need to keep pushing and keep believing in what you are doing, otherwise who will? One day, they will listen!”
What can fans expect next from you?
abs: “I am going to continue to promote this single for a while (because I love it so much and people need to hear it!), but I will be continuing to gig around London as well. My next gig is at Piano Smithfield on the 8th November with Success Express, which I am really looking forward to. Keep looking out for what’s next for me, as it will always be bigger and better!”
You can listen to abs’ single Stellar Collision here: