An Interview With Abi Mia
Abi Mia never ceases to amaze us. She is hands down one of our favorite indie artists out there and its for good reason.
She simply writes and performs with heart.
Her new single "Good Intentions" features her staple and signature styles all rolled in tone track and it feels cinematic and bright.
The song boasts honesty, color, and an array of instrumentation that comes together to build into something that just feels pure.
You'll be singing the chorus within minutes and it all has a touch of retro pop like something you'd hear on the radio in the 90's and the production is spot on.
Her single has a full and lush sound and paints a vivid picture that can be relatable for most of us.
This is what its about. Artists that write songs that are relatabel. Songs you understand on a higher level and almost become yours after a listen or two.
Like the song was written just for you and your situation.
It makes you think back, or ponder your past at times. It makes you feel something and that is exactly what good music should do. It should make you feel something. Especially songs like this one.
Good thing fo us, Abi Mia always hits the mark perfectly and the song comes out sounding alive and in the moment.
It's nice to ehar songs that do this and with that, of course we had to talk with her about this track and more.
TSWS: Let's talk about the new single "Good Intentions". This feels pretty personal like a lot of your songs but it's inspirational and relatable. Tell us what was this one about exactly?
I am so glad you find this one inspirational and relatable. I was inspired to write this after someone who I had considered a friend for many years just kept not showing up, canceling at the last minute and generally feeling like I was putting in all the work and getting nothing back. I know they had good intentions and weren't trying to be rude but at the end of the day that is not good enough. A friendship needs to be nurtured on both sides and I realised that I didn't need this anymore. Every time I was stood up I felt so disrespected and bad and this song is the realisation that I have the power to walk away, not let it affect me anymore and to focus on more positive reciprocal relationships and friendships.
TSWS: Do you feel that writing songs is a heavy outlet for you emotionally?
I wouldn't say a 'heavy outlet' but it is definitely a useful one and I feel lucky to have it! I write a lot of my stronger songs when I am particularly inspired by a recent emotion or event I have experienced and usually I write those very quickly.. The process of using this emotion and throwing it into a song definitely helps me both clarify and process those emotions whilst having the great side effect of creating a brand new song which always makes me happy! I do feel most free to express my true feelings when I write but I also talk things through with friends and family as well as other outlets!
TSWS: When you write songs, do you come up with lyrics first or is it paino sections or guitars?
I write in many different ways! I don't seem to have one creative process. Usually I will have a song concept first or an idea of style, but then I may just be playing on the piano and come up with the chord progressions first, then the melody and lyrics. Other times I write the full lyrics first especially if inspired by a specific event and then I move to the piano to work out the chords and melody! For me there are no set rules to creativity and I like being able to write songs in different ways!
TSWS: When you create these songs do you have added players come in to bring in things like percussion? How much of the songs we are hearing are you performing?
I always work with a producer for my tracks and usually a lot of the backing is electronic based such as the drums and other synthesised sounds. We have brought in live strings to some of my tracks as I feel they always sound better, more atmospheric! Usually on my tracks I am playing the keyboard and doing the vocals! The rest of the magic is done by the producer - we discuss collaboratively what types of sounds and the overall vibe I would like for the track. I would love to learn guitar and more production skills in the future but for now I am focusing on enhancing the skills I already have!
TSWS: Do you ever think about collaborating with other artists?
I definitely want to collaborate with other artists in the future! It is great for creating in different ways and outside of ones usual comfort zone. A lot of the biggest hits are written collaboratively when the best ideas from a variety of musicians are brought together! For the moment though I am still trying to hone in on my own solo sound and to build a strong base to build up from for live gigs so I am not likely to collaborate quite yet in terms of single releases. However I do hope to be able to collaborate with songwriting for film and TV sooner rather than later so watch this space!
TSWS: I realize singles are where it's at but would you ever do a full length album?
I would love to at some point release a full length album. I feel it has to be the right time as an artist to do this though as even big artists today are sticking more to singles and EP's. Once I am more established and have been able to build a bigger fan base through performing and touring that would be the time to work on a bigger project. It is a huge amount of dedication both creatively and financially so I would want to know that I had enough truly engaged listeners who would listen to the album! I do feel that singles for now are the way to go to continue to build momentum and to be able to release music regularly!
TSWS: Are you part of a musical family?
I wouldn't call my family musical per say but my brother is a fantastic drummer, plays electric guitar and possible other family members could have been more musical had they trained and wanted to pursue it! Quite a few members of my family are almost tone deaf so I feel very lucky to have recieved a good vocal base, My family definitely enjoy music and are very supportive of mine!
TSWS: It sounds like you've been singing since you were just a kid. Is that true?
Yes in the sense that I always loved to sing as a hobby. I didn't start having vocal coaching or dedicating much time to it till I was in my late teens but even at that stage it was never in my mind going to be a career! I remember the first time I sang in public was when I auditioned for my school musical when I was in year 6 (10 years old), I was extremely shy and introverted at that age and I remember shocking everyone with my strong voice! Was a very satisfying feeling!
TSWS: Some artists come up with their melodies in the shower, or in the car. Where do you come up with your song ideas?
I come up with song ideas everywhere and often it is not the most convenient moment! I once wrote almost a full song whilst walking to a friend's house for lunch. I didn't have anything on me to record or note it down so I ended up singing it under my breath for about an hour while I was walking! I must have looked so funny! Luckily I remembered it all and managed to record it once I got home! Other times I have literally been about to fall asleep when an idea pops into my head! When this happens I usually grab my phone and record a quick voice note to work on it the next day but once I just had to get up, go to the piano and get in down properly! I guess creativity waits for no one and when inspiration strikes you don't want to miss it!
TSWS: What other passions do you have aside from music?
At the moment music does take up a lot of my time but I am very passionate about living a healthy lifestyle (I am a personal trainer too), in particular I love lifting weights and now that the gyms are reopening I can't wait to get back to it! I am also very passionate about spending time with my family, especially my very cute nieces and nephew! I do also love to travel but haven't yet been able to go to as many places as I would like! Sometimes there is just too much to do in everyday life but I have seen some wonderful places!
TSWS: Have you ever tried to pitch your songs to films or TV shows? It sounds like they might fit really well.
Thank you so much for saying that! It makes me so happy because having my songs in film and TV is a huge goal of mine! I have submitted a few through various submission websites but it is hard to find people to approach with unsolicited material as a relatively unknown songwriter. I still need to figure out what the best avenues are for that and hopefully as I gain more recognition more doors and opportunities will open up to me!
TSWS: Do you mix your own stuff or do you have someone else do that for you?
I wish I had that skill set! Would make life a lot easier and cheaper but unfortunately no it is not a skill I currently possess! As mentioned previously I work with producers to get my music sounding radio ready to share with the world! It is great to be able to delegate though as I feel sometimes another ear on one's music is a good idea anyway!
TSWS: Anything you'd like to add about the new single for your fans?
As always I would love to thank them for their amazing, constant support of all my singles and to expect something a little different in terms of feel for this one! More of a soulful vibe to this one and I really hope they all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed writing and recording it (which was a lot!)