Sept 4, 2024
By Sam Acevedo
Sporting a pinstripe set, Abi strides her way into Memorylook cafe in Los Angeles with grace only a superstar could possess. Abi’s demeanor is welcoming, she greets others as if they were old friends revisiting each other after some time apart. From appearing on season three of SBS’s “K-Pop Star" ten years ago to her newest single “getting in my way”, Ábi has shown the ability to flux in the constantly evolving world of the music industry all while staying authentic to herself. Abigail Kim (Ábi) has set one foot in the K-pop scene and the other in the realm of R&B to showcase the duality of both genres through her perspective.
Ábi has always been musically inclined. From an early age, she knew music was a foundation of her identity. As a teenager Ábi grew up singing and playing a multitude of instruments which led to her starring t on“Kpop Star.” After her time as a contestant she continued nurturing her craft. Now, Ábi stands here today, with the same enthusiasm and passion for music she had ten years ago.
YOUR NAME MAGAZINE sat down with Ábi to discuss her latest projects ––
YN: Your new single, ‘getting in my way’ has many relatable elements, including the topic of breaking free from mentally exhausting cycles. Can you give us some insight on the writing and composition process of your song?
Ábi: Yeah, definitely. I mean, it was kind of a funny coincidence because I had a Korean producer reach out to me through SoundCloud DM, who had just discovered some of my music and he was doing some production work in Korea and wanted to send me a demo to track some vocals on. So that kind of ended up turning into the song that it is today, ‘getting in my way’. I'm super excited to introduce that song to y'all. If you guys haven't heard it yet, stream it where you get your music.
YN: ‘getting in my way’ can be categorized as an R&B track, a pop track, or anything in between. How would you describe your song aside from those categories?
Ábi: I would say that considering this time I did partner with a Korean producer, there's definitely a little bit of a K-pop flair or element, which I've been wanting to incorporate with my newer music that's coming out soon. I've been also trying to practice writing in Korean as well as English and kind of using that dual language almost like a second voice in the narrative to switch up perspectives in the songs. So I'm super excited for you guys to hear it.
YN: You've been active as an artist since 2013. In comparison to your previous releases, how does this track differentiate itself from those tracks?
Ábi: I think when I first started I was heavily relying on a live instrumentation set up. So I had like 5 or 6 band members that I would always play shows with or gig with and go on tour with. But during COVID, I kind of also went through a period of redefining who I am as an artist apart from them. So I’m kind of just embracing my individuality and figuring out what excites me and how I want to approach my music going forward.
YN: Your voice is very reminiscent of sultry and faithful singers from the years that have come before you. Where do you draw your inspiration from, both your singing style and your lyricism?
Ábi: Yeah, I mean, I really like the oldies, but they are goodies. So for example, Sarah Vaughan is a big one. Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin, to name a few. In the more modern world, I would say an artist like Emily King, Syd, Lianne La Havas, I definitely have learned a lot of writing and style and composition from. So I'd say that kind of blend, if you will.
YN: You performed not too long ago at the Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles. Are you looking forward to performing at any other events?
Ábi: Yes, so thank you. If you came out to the Hotel Cafe, I will be playing another show at Bar Lubitsch on September 12th. And then I'll also be playing a Breaking Sound show at Adults Only on October 6th. So I hope to see you guys there.
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