We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Abbi Jean a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Abbi, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

The most meaningful project I have ever worked on is my album, ‘The Aftermath.’ I released it in July of this year, so it’s fairly recent. I put my heart and my soul into this album. I am a firm believer that you are what you create. My songs are bits and pieces of my soul represented to the public. This project addresses themes of growing older, homesickness, moving away from what you know, heartbreak, and finding your worth. I recorded it back in October at Sill & Glade Cabin in Mt. Solon, Virginia after working on the songs for a little bit over a year. I went into it blindly not knowing what I wanted out of it, but through the process I became closer with musicians around me and met some pretty amazing people. Since then, I’ve been able to perform at some festivals and do live music around the state of Virginia. This project is so representative of a past version of me, and sheds light on the hardships I was experiencing at the time.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I started writing official songs when I was 13. I tried when I was 7 and 8, but I didn’t actually think it was something that was possibly. It’s funny, because I feel like when you’re younger you’re more likely to follow your dreams. I shoved the artistic musician side of me away, and danced for 15 years instead. I always knew deep down that the reason I connected with dance was the musicality. The beat and rhythm, the words, it was a way I could convey emotion through movement.

Fast forward to my sophomore year of high school, post Covid, I was quickly realizing that it wasn’t for me anymore. I was outgrowing every aspect of myself, and realized that this is when I should pursue my desires. I started writing music, joined a local music program, was in a band, and was the happiest I had ever been.

I started listening to Phoebe Bridgers, Big Thief, Stevie Nicks, and all of those amazing songwriters. They were huge inspirations to me, and decided to continue my passion of writing. I then wrote my first EP, Coming Clean, and recorded it that summer.

After that, I moved to college and realized that the world was opening up to me. I could do whatever I wanted. I did my first solo performance at an underground place at JMU, connected with other musicians, writer in my dorm room every night, and now it’s turned into an album. I couldn’t be prouder and happier with my journey.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative has to be the community. I love connecting with other musicians, writing with them, playing shows together, and getting inspired. Artists and creatives tend to migrate to each other and form very influential relationships, at least that is the case for me.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

My biggest thing is continue to go to the DIY shows, festivals, whatever you can think of. Support your local venues. Stream local musicians and spread the word. Connect with artists, graphic designers, cinematographers, and create together. It fosters so much unity.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.linktree.com/abbijean
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/abbijean
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@abbijean?si=8YiQl9KRiuOSI7WO

Image Credits
Zach Brinson, Aurora Gardner, Elizabeth Taddeo