Abi Muir To You Interview

Abi Muir is a young singer-songwriter who immediately hooks the listener with distinctive, goosebump-inducing vocals. Her deeply personal storytelling and heartfelt delivery of her lyrics evokes a rollercoaster of emotions that we can all relate to. After the release of three stellar singles with "Still The Same" in 2021 and "Stockholm" & "Story of You", Abi Muir brings us her debut EP To You. She's launching the EP at the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse, April 24.

"Story of You," the last single from the EP, has a clever Doo Wop-Indie Pop mix, the song creates a warm, buttery-smooth sound, with an atmosphere that makes people want to waltz with a loved one. Through heartfelt lyrics, a wonderful lovey-dovey feeling is evoked, giving the listener that fuzzy heart and butterflies in the stomach feeling.

After writing the lyrics and initial melodies in her homemade recording booth, Abi recorded the EP vocals at The Plutonium, Brisbane, with producer Aidan Hogg, who also provided mixing for all five of the tracks. The instrumentation was provided by David D'Amore on drums, Peter Bullis on keys and Kyle Rohan on Guitar/Bass, all creative musicians who also play as part of the successful progressive rock band Forest. Abi mentioned "it was quite a challenge to pop-ify them but we've created something quite fresh and unique". Mastering for the track was provided by Ben Feggans, Studios 301.

As an avid fan of fantasy fiction and creative writing Abi drew from these interests and her personal experiences during her senior years in high school to create To You. Abi describes it as "both a letter and reflection to the listener as well as a letter and reflection to myself", hence the image that was used in the artwork. She says "it's intended for the songs to be listened to in the order they appear on the EP; they tell a story of falling in love, getting lost over love, and finally being trapped in love".

Her debut single, "heebiejeebies", recorded in her home studio, quickly gained her a large following and caught the attention of industry professionals. Abi has had a busy couple of years on the incline, being selected for the Unsigned Only competition, making John Lennon Song Writing Contest finalist for the Rock category in Session 2, 2021 (for "Stockholm") and is also a Finalist in the Queensland Music Awards for the second year in a row. With so many stellar achievements already at such a young age, there's no telling how far Abi could go!

Interview with Abi Muir

Question: How would you describe your music?

Abi Muir: My music is all about story-telling and emoting feelings. My new songs have indie/pop/rock vibes and are filled with harmonies (I love, love, love adding a million harmonies!)


Question: Can you tell us about your EP To You?

Abi Muir: To You is super different to the music I've put out in the past. I worked with a group of musicians rather than electronic beats to create the music for all 5 tracks, so the whole EP has got a way more band/indie sound. A couple of the tracks have been completely new territory for me - Stockholm is a rock song which isn't something I ever saw myself ever doing but I love it and as the band come from a progressive rock band, it was their favourite too! I hope to do more like it!


Question: How does it feel to be releasing your debut EP?

Abi Muir: It feels so amazing. One of the songs on it has actually been in the works for almost 4 years so it's a little surreal that people are FINALLY going to be able to hear it. I'm soooo excited for it to not be a secret anymore and for people to listen and connect!


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Abi Muir: All 5 of the EP songs have completely different stories to tell and messages within them. I think my main goal is that people can connect to at least one of them for whatever reason! Love is a key theme within this EP though, so I guess overall, the message I'd hope people take from the EP is that there are many sides to 'love', but the most important is SELF-love. One of the songs, 'I Forgot About Me' goes deeply into this topic and is one of my favourite songs I've ever written.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Abi Muir: I used to prefer recording because of stage fright and just the comfort of being by myself with the mic in case I made any mistakes. But recently I've really started to love being on stage and sharing my work. It's such a thrilling experience. Both recording and performing have lots of special aspects to them that I love, so it is hard to choose. But I think performing is probably my favourite.


Question: What can we expect from your upcoming show?

Abi Muir: A fun time!! My band and I put it all out on the stage and our set list is full of bangers! (including all of the songs from my EP & some of my old ones as well)


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?

Abi Muir: In my hardest times, music made me feel less alone. Hearing someone tell the story you're dealing with makes you feel understood and as though there is someone there with you who feels the same way. So the thought of someone listening to one of my songs, and it making them feel less alone really motivates me. Writing is something that comes quite naturally to me and a lot of the time my motivation to do it comes from my love for creative writing and storytelling.

Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Abi Muir: Mother Mother, Frank Ocean, Tyler the Creator, and I've actually gotten re-obsessed with Kanye West's old albums again haha. I also love Bo Burnham, Justin Bieber…and too many others to name.


Question: What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Abi Muir: I've always been super musical and the arts have really been all I've ever done since I can remember. Since I was little I've been a creative and I remember even when I was only about 7, I would go around telling people I was going to be a 'pop star'. I saw Ariana Grande live in Brisbane 2017 and fell in love with the thought of being up on stage myself and have been striving to get there ever since.


Question: If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Abi Muir: Probably Justin Bieber. I've been a belieber since I can remember and I think I'd never be sad again if I got to even just be in the same studio as him. I actually worked with the vocal producer, Simon Cohen at Studios 301, who recorded 'Love Yourself' with Justin and got to listen to some of the work he did while he was there - BEST DAY EVER!!


Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Abi Muir: Honestly just having the chance to do what I've always loved doing. I've been so lucky to have parents that have done their best to support my dream, no matter how crazy it sounds. Being able to share my passion and art has been so amazing and seeing that people are enjoying it and actually want more has been the greatest feeling.


Question: Can you tell us about the Queensland Music Awards?
Abi Muir: I was a finalist last year for my song First Date (which has an awesome video with drag queens and samba dancers), and I'm a finalist again this year for my song Still the Same (which is track number 4 of the EP). No matter what the outcome is, I'm so proud of my music for even making it this far! I've also recently learned that Stockholm is a Grand Prize Winner in the Rock category of session 2 of the John Lennon Songwriting Contest, which is also awesome!


Question: What's next, for you?

Abi Muir: Music, music, music and more music. I'm studying my Cert 3 in music at TAFE at the moment, and I'm hoping I can do a lot more live shows - hopefully some festivals and maybe even a small tour. I'm still writing and putting together the next album, so there is definitely more to come.


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Abi Muir: Instagram 
Facebook 
Website 
YouTube 
Bandcamp 
Soundcloud 


Interview by Gwen van Montfort