A Conversation with Indie Pop Artist Abi Muir
Abi Muir immediately hooks listeners in with goosebump-inducing vocals reminiscent of Ariana Grande and Billie Eilish, captivating her audience with her unique Indie Pop sound. From the wistful, dreaminess of her debut single “heebiejeebies,” to her high energy, subtly sarcastic dance track, “First Date,” Abi Muir’s creative storytelling from her youthful perspective releases a rush of emotions and memories for her listeners.
From humble Highland beginnings on the tiny Isle of Barra in Scotland, and at just 17 years of age, Abi has already managed to collect an incredible number of accolades to her name: an international win in Unsigned Only, a Finalist in the International Songwriting Competition, and a finalist in the Queensland Music Awards, as well as multiple wins for her music video, “First Date.”
Having caught the attention of industry professionals and being the recipient of a Regional Arts Development Grant, she has worked for the last year on writing and producing her five-song debut EP with her band, whilst also completing her grade 12 exams. The first single off of her EP takes listeners back to the Y2K era with creative storytelling and a 2000 Indie Pop vibe, telling the familiar story of seeing an old lover after a long period of time. With dramatic strings and a powerful drum line supporting the emotive vocals, this single shows the growth and maturity developing in this young singer. Abi’s debut EP is scheduled for release early 2022 and will see the launch of a new Australian Pop sensation.
With her single, “Still the Same,” out now, we took some time to hear more from Abi Muir. Read below to learn more about Abi Muir, the story behind her latest single, and what’s to come.
Hi Abi Muir! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?
Well, Abi Muir is my actual name haha. My full birth name is Abigail Wendy-Marie Muir which is a bit long, so my artist name is just my name, but shortened.
What city are you from and where are you based now?
I’m originally from the Isle of Barra in Scotland, but my family and I moved to Cairns, Australia about 7 years ago! We live in Cairns in Far North Queensland, so lots of sunshine :)
At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?
I always loved music and decided to do singing in school as part of their music performance program. My mum entered me into a singing competition, which incredibly, I won! That gave me confidence to believe I could actually sing and people enjoyed it! I, then, found the confidence to share my first original song with my mum and dad, and they loved it so much that they persuaded me to share it with the world. So in 2019, we released “heebiejeebies.” It did really well, and the reaction I got from the listeners drove me to follow my dreams and keep putting out my own music.
Has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound today? If so, how?
I was raised on the tiny Isle of Barra in the Western Isle of Scotland and was surrounded by music and dance as a kid, so it was kinda a part of my life. I learned timing and a beat from my Highland dancing, and I’m sure that’s why I’m such a musically inclined person. I sometimes get told I have a Celtic sound in the tone of my voice which is nice because I grew up speaking Gaelic.
How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?
Dreamy, deep Indie Pop…layers and layers of harmonies, wispy, dreamy sounds and meaningful lyrics that tell a heartfelt story.
Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?
I love creative writing and making up little stories. It keeps me busy and gets the brain juices flowing when I’m not writing music. I also have a new kitten called Bo, so he keeps me kinda busy too :))
Who are some of your main musical influences?
I love Frank Ocean, Mother Mother, Tori Kelly, Tyler the Creator, Billie Eilish…the list goes on haha, but I also love discovering new artists.
What is your dream music collaboration?
My dream collaboration, at the moment, would be with the band, Mother Mother. I’m obsessed with them and would pass out if I ever got the chance to work with them!
What are some of your future music career goals?
I’d love to go on touring with my music, create albums, play at festivals…and maybe all around the world!
Now onto your release, “Still the Same.” What inspired this song?
One of my favourite books that I’ve I read, “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue!” I cried the entire time reading it and loved it so much, so I wanted to rewrite the story in a way people could relate.
What is “Still the Same” about in your own words?
“Still the Same” is about that feeling of disconnect from an old lover. Time has passed, you’ve both grown separately, but that love you had is still there. You just don’t know how to express it or if it’s even okay for you to. It’s confusion and heartbreak, loss and disconnect.
What is your favorite lyric in “Still the Same” and why?
“We’re old friends, but it’s so hard to act like me.” This line really sums up the entire song in one sentence to me.
What message do you hope fans take away from your music and from “Still the Same?”
I hope I give listeners a song they can relate and cry to (if they need to let it out)! I also let them know they are not alone.
What’s one of your proudest moments of your music career so far?
Probably when I had my single launch at Bar36 in the Pullman Reef Hotel in Cairns. So many people came to support and listen, and my band and I finally got to perform all of the EP songs live, which we had worked on for almost a year!!
What would you say are the greatest lessons you’ve learned so far?
You need to love what you do and work hard at achieving your goals. Remember not everyone is going to like you or what you do so don’t waste your time trying to make them. There will always be haters and people that want to tear you down, but you’ve got to focus on the positive and keep striving for what YOU want!
What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects that we should be on the lookout for?
There will be a second single released off of the EP at the beginning of February 2022, and then my debut EP of 5 songs will be released in early March. I also have a few really exciting gigs coming up where I’ll be performing the whole EP! On the 18th of February, I’ll be performing for the very first time at the Tanks Art Centre in Cairns — one of our regions leading contemporary arts venues and voted Cairns Best Entertainment Venue 7 years in a row, where some of the best national and international artists perform! Then, in April, I will be showcasing an acoustic duo set of my EP at Brisbane Powerhouse for their monthly Livespark event. So exciting times ahead…
Where can we follow you on social media?
https://www.facebook.com/abimuirmusic
https://www.instagram.com/abi.muir/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1VRUYIxmtwxVHl-QqMloRQ
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YmPl9yOo6vlso1GO1MdOU
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/abi-muir/1456655183
https://soundcloud.com/user-632797959
