Abby J Hall
Photo Credit: Janoah Paxton Photography
With her creativity cradled from a young age, it’s no wonder that Abby J. Hall has blossomed into a powerful artist. Her music sounds as if it’s crafted with love and genuineness but polished with professionalism. Emotionally honest, Hall made her debut in 2017 with her single “Busy.” Since then, the artist has released five more singles, all of which ring true with the congenial nature previously described. With her most recent single “All I Wanted,” coming out September 4th and it already being her most streamed, be sure to keep an eye out for Abby J. Hall; you’re likely to spot her on the rise. We recently spoke with Abby J. Hall about how she feels her music has changed since the release of “Busy,” what her songwriting process is like and how it changes when writing different types of songs, and more! Click the link in our bio to read the full interview!
How did you start making music?
I grew up homeschooled and my siblings and I were always encouraged to be creative. We’d make up theme songs to plays and TV show concepts. When I was 11, I wrote my first song, inspired by a Taylor Swift music video. I wasn’t playing much guitar or keys back then so I’d jot the lyrics down and record the melody in a little grey recorder I had. Really wish I could find that again, would be so funny to listen back.
Who’s been the biggest proponent of your career?
So many artists inspire me but I’d say in the early stages I had an awesome music teacher, Rebekah Cummings who was instrumental in my love for music. The first time I performed an original song was at one of her recitals.
Which musical artists are in Hall’s Hall of Fame?
Michael Buble, Nat King Cole, Elvis, Taylor Swift, Whitney Houston, Jack Johnston are a few of them!
What’s the biggest difference between the Abby J Hall who released her debut single, “Busy,” and the Abby J Hall who just came out with “All I Wanted?”
With each year I’ve learned more about the industry, the direction I want to head, the person I want to be and have met some awesome people. The biggest difference is now I have more building blocks but still have lots to learn and discover!
What’s your songwriting process like?
I usually like to be completely alone when I’m writing to get in the zone with some water or green tea. It depends what I’m writing about but I usually get an idea, find a melody to match the mood and write the lyrics after. I like to take breaks and come back to it with fresh eyes. Almost every song of mine I’ve written the verse before the chorus, it comes more naturally to start at the beginning for me.
Does this change at all when trying to write different types of songs? How so?
Yes, sometimes I write songs that have nothing to do with my personal story but have been inspired by someone else or I’ve written for friend’s short films and that process looks different. Sometimes lyrics come before melody or I write 3 pages in my journal about something I feel passionate about and turn that into lyrics. If it’s for a film I like to get really comfortable with the script. I’m writing more of a blues/jazz song right now which has been different and fun.
What do you think is the predominant genre in your music? What are some homages to other genres?
My predominant genre so far has been indie pop and a little pop country in the earlier years. I’m taking time right now, writing new songs exploring my sound further. Homages definitely Jazz, Blues, R&B Folk-pop, classical, theatrical, Rockabilly…so many!
What’s the biggest consistency in your work?
I like to add positive messages in most of my songs!
What’s been the biggest musical risk you’ve taken?
Staying the course is a risk, there will always be distractions that make me question the path I’m walking. There are no guarantees. Every time I’ve stepped on stage, made phone calls, took meetings- they’re all risks but worth it. In terms of the biggest risk- I haven’t taken it yet.
What’s next for you?
Working on a next release and then I’m spending some time, hunkering down and writing in our treehouse out back, redefining my sound and getting ready for next steps. This year has really taught me how things don’t always go as planned but to be ready for anything.
