Abby K – Honesty. Clarity. Harmony. Beauty. Abby’s sound is as green, lush and dramatic as the Pacific Northwest. Her melodies are instantly hummable and imminently memorable, and her stories will hit you smack dab in the heart.
Interview conducted on November 03, 2020
By Dan Locke
Melodic, authentic and raw, “The Whole Truth” is an album that unflinchingly stares down life’s messy parts. “When life throws you the unexpected, it’s the honest path, oftentimes the most painful path, will ultimately lighten your load.”
What is your upbringing?
I was raised in Louisville, Ky in a fairly rural environment. “Downtown” wasn’t too far which offered culture and an urban feel. It felt small to me even as a child, but safe. I always knew I wouldn’t live there forever. I had large wings and very supportive parents who gave me encouragement, love, and belief to accomplish whatever it was I wanted to do wherever that was.
How did you discover music?
My earliest memories of music were in my parent’s living room. I recall their 8-tracks of Dusty Springfield and Jim Croce still. I loved Crystal Gayle, Linda Ronstadt, and still remember belting out “Blue Bayou” and the Muppets “Rainbow Connection” with an old microphone I had stumbled upon. Plugged in or not, it didn’t matter.
How did you start to write music?
Actual songwriting began for me about 15 years ago. I was still living in Chicago learning to play the guitar and getting comfortable performing cover songs at local open mics. I did this for about a year when I wanted something more; something larger and soul-feeding. A guitar teacher I had for many years helped me gain the confidence to start writing songs. And from that point on, I’ve never looked back.
How did you get your first guitar, and do you still have it?
I recall having one of my parent’s old guitars when I was a teen. I believe it got left and misplaced during one of my many moves while in college. Back then, the guitar didn’t hold my attention although I did like it. I was given my first guitar from my husband as a birthday gift along with a class on learning how to play it. Yes, I still have it and yes, I still play it every day. I don’t perform with it but it is hands down the most significant present I have ever been given in my life.
What is your choice of guitar and does it have a name?
I mostly play and perform with a Larrivee P-09 BZ. I am a Larrivee loyalist because they best fit my hands and my frame size. I also love the way they sound more than any other acoustic guitar.
At 16 you sang the Star-Spangled Banner in front of 20,000, for Louisville Cardinal fans. What was that like?
The best natural high a human can experience, especially as a performer. Looking back, I was a very brave young woman to do this. I was asked me back to sing again two years later! Would I do this again today? Maybe, just not certain I would be as gracefully calm as I seemed to be at sweet 16. I would be excited to perform my own songs in that type of arena today.
What makes a good songwriter?
I’m sure there are many qualities I could list to answer this question. But for me, songwriting is about authenticity. And when I am being authentic with my feelings, regardless if it’s a true story, then there is usually success in evoking the message. Practice, like anything, is critical as is being open to new ideas and ways to write. Collaborating has been the biggest surprise strength during the past few years.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
The first song I ever wrote was for my first nephew in anticipation of his birth titled “Behold A Son”. No, I never recorded it. Does anyone record their first song? This song was left as is, no editing and no playing it, other than for family. For me, this song represents the courage to write and finish a song without passing too much judgment on its quality. I am grateful for my mentors allowing me that safe space and opportunity to do so.
During your time in Chicago, did you have any chances to play with any of the known Chicago musicians?
I learned from and played with many incredible musicians while living in Chicago. I spent significant time in a well-known music school called “Old Town School of Folk” which was filled with history and love for all music. Chicago however, was where I mostly learned to love and hone the craft of songwriting rather than performing.
What took you from Chicago to Seattle?
Job opportunities and adventure.
Did you ever try your hand at Busking (street musician) in front of the Pike Market?
No. But I have the highest regard and respect for the many musicians who do. You need to acquire a permit to take part and my schedule has never allowed for it.
Tell me about your latest single “All Good”?
The idea we are privileged and turn away from the ugly truths of our world is a powerful notion. Something’s got to change or something’s going to give! When tears refuse to “stream the way they should, I guess that means, life’s all good? “It’s time to MAKE things all good. The only way to make things good is to be a part of the change creating the solutions to current problems. This song is a Call to Action: VOTE!
Are you into environmental issues?
If you are asking whether I think they are important moving forward as a responsible citizen to the world, then yes. For those that don’t think global warming is an issue, I challenge them to show me the data otherwise. I have children. So, every day I think about how my actions today will affect their lives tomorrow. It’s really that simple for me.
What is your thinking about 2050?
I am hopeful that we will once again be a country of strength and unity, forward thinking with a continued strength in democracy. More love, less hate.
How has your music changed since “My Perfect Situation”?
The biggest change I notice is topics. My first three albums are conceptual songs about feelings I have had at some point in my lifetime. How life affects the heart, which I title my own special genre of “Heart Rock”. Many people can relate to those of course, however the songs were instigated from a personal perspective. 2020 has been a year of significant growth for me as a songwriter. I focus on writing songs about the world and the crazy things happening in it; focusing on humans and situations not necessarily with my personal experience on a particular issue. Music that matters; more observational.
How do you stay healthy while performing?
Eating well and getting as much sleep as possible, especially when touring. It’s especially hard when you are out and trying to network and connect with fans, but it’s critical in order to ensure a successful performance with my best self-getting up to sing my songs.
What are you feeling about streaming music?
I’m torn. On one side of the coin, it has allowed me to get my music to ears all over the world fairly easily. I have connected with fans from all over which is invigorating. On the other side of the coin, it’s super frustrating to get so very little monetary compensation after investing so much time and money in order to make the music the world is enjoying. Making a living is just that much harder for songwriters and most musicians who will not have a positive effect overall in the long run.
Digital vs. vinyl?
I see benefits for both. Personally, I’m a CD girl. I miss liner notes most of all. Digital does not allow you to really experience a song in the same way by the mere nature of its speed and the immense amount of music there is being thrown at us today. The only air that’s worth investing in is the kind we breathe. Otherwise, it seems to just disappear into the clouds.
What are your feelings about the social uprising going on in the United States?
I don’t condone violence in any way. I do support peaceful protests and speaking out against social injustices and wrongdoings. Hate will only lead to more disruption and a fall of civility. Will love solve all the problems, no. But listening and having respect for another point of view will help lead to a more peaceful existence. This isn’t new information. This is history.
What is the mental health situation of the United State?
Mental health has been a growing issue in the US well before 2020. Covid-19 has only exacerbated the issue and forced people to acknowledge and begin to address it openly. This is the topic I started with first thing this year with my song “It’s Okay (Not to be Okay)”. No longer is it shameful to admit you’re NOT okay.
How can the public help the doctors and nurses on the front line?
Right now, during this global pandemic, the public can help our frontline heroes by wearing a mask. And the longer people want to whine and protest about it, the longer our lives will continue to be put on hold from living a full life without fear of causing someone undue illness or death.
Do you think kids should go back to school?
I will send my kids back to school when there is a safe way for them to attend without fear of what they will bring back to our home and loved ones we are safe to be around. In Canada, they just released a new Covid-19 vaccine for school children which gets rid of the invasive nasal swab and instead asks kids to gargle and spit. Now this is for children only.
Should, this also be given to adults?
I have not heard of this vaccine and can’t answer this without researching the topic myself. I do believe in Science. Science has saved my life.
Studies are showing that because of COVID-19 many students who were ready for college have decided to hold off because many schools are doing virtual school and changing the same amount for school as they would for on campus classes. Do you think the colleges should give some type of discount to these students?
Having a child who is currently a senior and applying to college for 2021, I am open to the discussion. I think each University or College needs to address the quality of its virtual curriculum and the proven data from 2020, that students are learning as effectively. Like most things in life, there is a balance.
Will there be a Halloween?
Absolutely. A different version of course, but absolutely. Dressing up and imagination will be more important than ever for kids this year; adults too!
What song from the past is in your mind right now?
Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you? Donny Hathaway’s “A Song for You”. Aside from its pure perfection of melodic beauty, piano playing, and a voice unlike any other, this song is an expression of complete honest love for another. It’s as authentic and raw as any song could ever be written. I sing this song often to the world in hopes that it will heal and we will all have compassion for one another regardless of whether we can relate or agree.
How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?
Certainly, it has and will continue to put a hold on an important and vibrant part of most communities; in all forms of live performance and practices. But ultimately, it will come back. And when it is safe to be together physically again, it will be stronger than ever.
What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?
Reflecting and writing a lot. Taking stock in my time and life with my family that won’t be like this forever. Trying to take care of me, physically and emotionally. Spending a lot of time with my dogs and walking, walking, walking and more walking than I have ever done before. I’m fairly certain I have walked across the country by now in the past 8 months. I know the streets where I live better than I could’ve ever imagined. I know flowers and trees unlike I’ve ever known. I know clouds and mountains like the back of my hand, and I appreciate the fresh clean air I have been given to breathe.
How was it to write a song during the lockdown- “Mom’s Old Room”?
When a fan of my music reached out to share his story with me, I was deeply moved. This song is a story of a man who opened up and shared his story to me because of the way I touched his heart through my music. After sitting on it for a while, and with his permission of course, “Mom’s Old Room” was born. Quarantine gave me the extra time and emotional capacity needed to dedicate in order for me to write it. Living a life where I couldn’t be myself would break me. Although I am not the subject of this song, I wanted to capture it and share it to others who may feel similar. This song is dedicated to all the human butterflies in the world. May they have the courage to transform and live their true beauty.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?
If you consider songwriting and walking new hobbies then yes. Of. And I’ve caught up on a lot of amazing tv series which I haven’t seemed to have time to watch for that past decade or so.
Do you still do Swing Dance?
Yes, although not with other humans for the time being. It is the one activity which I did weekly that I deeply miss and am sad I don’t have in my life right now. There are “solo” on-line options but I haven’t found the passion for that quite yet. Although I might start trying because it will likely be another 6+ months before live dancing will happen here again.
Tell me about your side project Abby K & The Homeschoolers?
This project officially began when lock-down occurred. My kids are the best backup band I’ve ever had! We started playing a few songs together, especially when we lost John Prine for a tribute to one of my favorite songwriters of all time. Although I love playing with them, as they are uber talented, it’s rare; and musical direction seems to be a free for all which doesn’t exactly make things smooth with all of our strong personalities!
95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and use their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?
Netflix by far. That being said, I still watch the local and nightly news everyday along with my boyfriends, Chris Cuomo and Don Lemon.
Many artists are doing nightly concerts over either YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. In October that is going to change at least on Facebook. Facebook is cracking down on live streamed shows that include recorded music with new terms of service, preventing artists from using the platform for “commercial or non-personal” purposes, unless they have obtained the relevant licenses. The updated music guidelines state that users “may not use videos on our products [which include Instagram] to create a music listening experience […] This will include [Facebook] Live,” and stipulates that such content should be posted for the enjoyment of friends and family only. How do you think this will change the landscape of Facebook?
Although it is terrible, especially for me personally as I use FB as one of the main channels to share my music, I believe ultimately it will force musicians to find alternative platforms that support the profession. FB has way too much power and I wish I could just sign off of it altogether. Unfortunately, until I understand and use other platforms more, I’m stuck.
Did you know that Live Nation Activates Concert Venues as Polling Places and Promotes Voting Engagement among Fans and Employees?
I have heard about this, yes and I am incredibly supportive of an industry that promotes a solid and fair democracy.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
Is that like Star Wars and Superman? I’d absolutely be up for that!
If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?
Well because I don’t make a living on my music alone, I do have other jobs and passions I pursue besides being a full-time mom. I am a music teacher and a rock ‘n roll realtor.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
That I don’t think I’ve ever been asked so many questions about myself and that it’s been therapeutic and enjoyable writing down my thoughts and opinions which usually are merely spoken or thought. Thank you for having me on your platform and for supporting independent artists and musicians. We can’t do what we do as well without you. So please go to abbykmusic.com and listen to my music. Follow me on my journey!
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