Abby K On Bass

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Abby K on bass

Interview conducted on November 06, 2020

By Dan Locke

Abby K’s latest release “I Thought That I Loved You” a great Power Ballad for all of us who have ever been there to feel it and turn it up. Hard to believe Abby is actually 18, her bass playing, stage presence, songwriting, and professionalism showcases an old rock n roll soul.

How was your Halloween this year?

It was great! I played a Halloween show for the first time and it was so exciting.

What is your upbringing?

I was raised on music but didn’t start playing until I was a teenager. I actually spent the first 10 years of my life as a gymnast and dancer.

How did you discover music?

My dad would secretly put rock songs on my iPod when I was little and I eventually caught on and loved it!

How did you start to write music?

I never intended on writing music, but after one experience of not getting into a band, it just poured out of me and I decided that I love songwriting!

Describe your music

My music is half inspired by classic rock and metal bands such as Iron Maiden and Queensryche, and half inspired by modern pop-rock artists such as Halestorm and Avril Lavigne.

I readied that you attended a KiSS concert and at that time you know you wanted to play bass.

Yes, I was 12 years old at this time. I vividly remember sitting on my dad’s shoulders with the Paul Stanley makeup and I was just in complete awe.

Have you met Gene Simmons yet?

Sadly, I have not, but I hope to someday!

How did you get your first bass, and do you still have it?

I bought my first bass from a pawn shop in my hometown and played it for about a year before I upgraded to my first Schecter. I actually did sell my first bass to pay for my new bass, but before I sold it, I signed and dated the inside of the pickguard. My first bass is out there somewhere…

What is the bass of your choice?

Schecter all the way! I have a Schecter Omen Extreme 5, Omen Extreme 6, and an SLS Elite 5!

What was your first performance at like?

My first performance was at a frozen yogurt store 4 or 5 years ago.

How was it to be awarded Bassist of the Year by the 2020 TC Indies?

It was such an honor to win bassist of the year by the TC Indies. I love playing bass and being recognized for it. That was such a great moment.

What makes a good songwriter?

I think a good songwriter is someone that can step into someone else’s shoes and identify a feeling that they haven’t experienced before.

Do you belong to any songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association?

I have not joined any organizations, but it is something I would like to look into.

What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?

The title of my first song is “It Should Have Be Me.” I recorded the song at The Playroom in Charlotte.

How was it to open up for Nita Strauss on the Guitar Collective Tour?

Wow, opening for Nita was a dream come true. Nita is such an inspiration for me. When I saw her on stage at my first Alice Cooper concert, I was so inspired.

Tell me about your latest release “I Thought that I love you”?

My first three songs have been hard driving, fast, rock songs. I wanted to change it up and write a rock ballad.

How did you get Eddie Z to produce the recording?

I am very lucky to have Eddie Z as my manager. He also owns The Playroom where we recorded the track.

What is the best video in your collection that you have done?

That is so hard to say. My first video (It Should Have Been Me) will always be special to me. It was my first song I had written or released. We had fifty people at my house helping us with the video. My grandparents are in it, my neighbor is the cool kid, so many friends and family helped us make that video happen. My newest video (I Thought That I Loved You) is also something I am really proud of. That story line for the video was all my idea. I was able to line up the roles, the videographer, and fully produce my vision for the video. My parents were unsure of the ballet in the video, but once it was finished, they loved the idea.

How long before you get an album out?

I am releasing an EP with four live cover songs within the next month. As far as an album of original songs, I would love to release one in 2021.

How do you stay healthy while touring?

I think it is very important to get lots a rest and drink as much water as possible when on tour.

What are you’re feeling about streaming music?

Streaming music is much more convenient to get your music out nowadays, however, I understand that there really isn’t any money in it.

Digital vs. vinyl?

I will always prefer listening to physical copies of music, but it is so much easier to pull up a song on a streaming platform.

You are 17 years old. Did you think that kids should have gone back to school?

I think it is a personal decision for each family. Even before COVID, we had made a decision that I would be homeschool for my senior year. I will be able to graduate from high school and have an Associate of Arts degree in May.

What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?

Lately I have been listening to Rock N Roll Party In The Streets by Axe on repeat. This was my favorite rock song growing up and it may even be featured on something coming soon…

How do you feel the Covid-19 virus going to affect the music business in the future?

I think musicians have had to become even more creative. They are offering live streams and engaging with followers on social media. I have even had some opportunities to collaborate with other musicians who live in other parts of the US and even internationally. But I really miss performing on stage with my band!

What have you been doing with your self-quarantine?

I have used this time to write songs and to collaborate with other musicians, but I also have also been taking a full schedule of college classes to help me graduate from college early.

Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies?

I am now working at the gym that I competed for gymnastics for 10 years. It is exciting to be back in a gym, even as a coach, and see the younger kids learn a new skill. I have also spent this time learning more about social media marketing and on a funnier note…I have been making rainbow loom bracelets to help with stress!

95% of people said that they have changed the way they watch television. This includes people who don’t have television and using their computers to do streaming of programs and movies. Which is your favorite streaming channel?

I do love to watch Friends on HBO Max!

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?

I honestly don’t know too much about this, but I definitely think it will harm the music industry if livestreams are unavailable on Facebook. For some people, livestreams are the only form of live music available right now.

Also. From October 24 onwards, you can no longer simply paste your links in WordPress to make your Facebook and Instagram content appear on your site. Will this affect how bands use Facebook?

I am not sure honestly. I am sure they will find other ways that artists can link social media profiles.

How can bands keep their fans if they cannot play live in front of the fans and sell merch to them at the show?

Social Media is one of the biggest factors for musicians right now. Between posting cover videos and releasing music, it is all promoted through social media.

Is pay to play still a thing?

Absolutely, venues still ask you to sell a certain number of tickets to perform. It is sometimes hard for a band to get into venues. I have had people look at me, as a teenage girl, and not take me seriously or be afraid that I would be all drama. Once venues have given my band a chance, they realize Abby K is there for business.

What about Holographic concerts in our living room?

That would be incredible but I’m not sure how that would work. It would be cool to feel like you’re really there while watching from the couch.

If you can’t do music what would you like to be doing?

I am not really sure. Music is my life. Writing songs, playing instruments, giving lessons, running my social media. If I didn’t have music, I don’t know what I would do.

Anything you would like to say in closing.