Interview by Scott Preston
Abigail Rose
Buckle Up Music Festival
Cincinnati, OH
Abigail Rose performs at 2:45pm on 7/20
http://www.buckleupfestival.com
Growing up in Nashville provided Abigail with a solid platform and strong support network to begin her career as both a songwriter and performing artist. As she watched her friends’ parents achieve success in the industry, what most would consider a “crazy dream” seemed perfectly normal to Abigail. From Music Row to home studios and writing rooms, Nashville is a safe place for artists to create music, because it is appreciated and respected. It is where you hear the newest songs of your favorite artists because they trust the audience to try them out during a songwriting round or intimate show.
Abigail knows this first-hand, as it is always a struggle for her to choose which songs to play and very tempting to always play the newest. Whether it’s the newest song or one from her extensive catalog, Abigail catches the attention of her audience with her lyrics, impressive guitar playing skills, and strong voice. (from abigailmusic.com)
Cincy Groove: Tell me about your EP. Where was it recorded?
Abigail Rose: My EP is called “See Me Now.” It has 5 original songs on it that I co-wrote last year. I recorded it at Skyville Studios in Nashville TN.
Cincy Groove: Are you working on a full length album?
Abigail Rose: Well at the beginning of 2014, I signed a Limited Production and Co Publishing Deal with Charlie Peacock and Twenty Ten Music. Charlie is a multi-genre, Grammy Award-winning producer (The Civil Wars, Kris Allen, Switchfoot, The Lone Bellow, Holly Williams) and so far this year I have been writing a ton and recording new songs in the studio! So yes, I have started working on a new full-length album!
Cincy Groove: Growing up in Nashville, did you always want to be a singer/musician?
Abigail Rose: I think growing up in Nashville had a huge impact on me falling in love with music. I always loved to sing when I was younger, but it wasn’t until I got a guitar when I was 11 and started writing and performing, that I realized I wanted to do this the rest of my life. I still remember my first show I ever did and thinking to myself I know this is what I’m meant to do!
Cincy Groove: What kind of musical upbringing did you have?
Abigail Rose: No one in my family played or was involved in music professionally, but everyone was a music lover. Music was constantly playing in my house, and it was always a diverse playlist. My parents didn’t just like listening to one genre of music. My first concert was Counting Crows with The Wallflowers opening for them, so those two bands have a special meaning to me. I listened to a lot of Jack Johnson, Sheryl Crow, Norah Jones, Tom Petty, Tracey Chapman, Van Morrison and so many others. I’m grateful for my diverse music education as a kid because it kept me open-minded about all genres. It made me just want to make great music instead of trying to sound like any specific sound already out there.
Cincy Groove: Have you had a chance to perform with anyone that kind of made you “geek out”?
Abigail Rose: I performed an impromptu concert at a house party with Ed Roland from Collective Soul, Kevin Griffin from Better Than Ezra and Charlie Worsham. That was pretty unreal. We sang “Pumped Up Kicks” by Foster the People.
Cincy Groove: When was the first time you heard one of your songs on the radio?
Abigail Rose: My music isn’t on the radio, but I can’t wait to hear it one day!
Cincy Groove: How was CMA fest for you this year?
Abigail Rose: Amazing as always. It’s nice and different not having to go too far for a show when it’s basically in your backyard. I am so lucky I got to play 3 shows. I love how Country Music has a festival just for the fans.
Cincy Groove: What kind of environment do you like to put yourself in to write songs?
Abigail Rose: I usually love to write late at night because everyone is asleep so I’m not interrupted. I love to feel isolated when I write so I usually turn off my phone. But sometimes it can’t be that perfect and an idea hits me when I’m in public and I’ll just say wait and run somewhere I can record the idea on my phone haha.
Cincy Groove: Do you have a favorite place in Nashville you like to perform?
Abigail Rose: There are so many great venues in Nashville. I actually haven’t played at the venue I am most excited about yet, The Ryman. Every show I see there, the acoustics are unreal and it’s small enough to be intimate but big enough to be electrifying. I dream about performing on that stage. So although I haven’t played there yet I can tell you it’s going to be my favorite place to perform.
Cincy Groove: When you are on the road what do you like to do to pass the time between shows?
Abigail Rose: I love to run so if there is time I’ll go on a run or work out. I also love finding something wherever we are, whether it’s a restaurant or museum, that the city is famous for and go there. I try to always take advantage of getting to travel doing what I love. My band and I love to play the card game “Cards Against Humanity;” I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard.
Cincy Groove: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
Abigail Rose: We have a band huddle with a little pep talk to get pumped up and then we pray. Then we all put our hands in, count 1,2,3, and shout a tongue twister like “ Red Leather Yellow Leather” or “Mood to be Moving.” It usually comes out terrible and no one can understand what we said, it’s pretty funny.
Cincy Groove: What shows are you looking forward to this summer?
Abigail Rose: BUCKLE UP festival!!!! I love love love festivals, so I am so excited to get to play. Also tons of my favorite artists are playing like The Lone Bellow, The Band Perry, Sam Hunt and so many others. I know it’ll be a lot of fun. 🙂
