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

Ábi, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my current 3-part EP, titled after my Artist name, ábi. This project has been transformative for me on both a personal and professional level.

Backstory:

For years, I was the lead singer in a band, which was a fulfilling experience in its own right, but I found myself at a crossroads. I began to feel the need to rethink my Artist identity and explore what it would mean to transition from being part of a group to standing alone as a solo artist. This shift wasn’t just about the music; it was about finding my voice and understanding who I am as an individual artist.

Why It’s Meaningful:

The EP is divided into three sides, each representing different aspects of this journey:

The á-side features songs that capture the emotional and mental transformation I went through while rethinking my identity and transitioning to a solo career. This part of the project allowed me to process the doubts, fears, and excitement that come with such a significant change.

The B-side represents the empowerment I felt after fully embracing the rebrand. Here, I explore my heritage and cultural duality, which has always been a part of me but is now more prominent in my music. This side allowed me to dive deeper into my roots and express that in a way that feels authentic and aligned with who I’ve become.

The I-side is about internal reflections and the key takeaways from this journey. These songs are deeply personal, focusing on growth, learning, and the wisdom that comes from embracing change and the unknown.

This project is meaningful to me because it encapsulates a pivotal time in my life. It’s not just a collection of songs; it’s a reflection of my journey toward self-discovery and artistic freedom. Through this EP, I’m able to share my story, connect with my audience on a deeper level, and hopefully inspire others who are going through their own transformations.

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

Sure! My name is ábi, and I’m a singer-songwriter and solo artist currently working on a 3-part EP that represents a significant evolution in my musical journey. My path into the music industry began as the lead singer of a band, where I spent years honing my craft and discovering my voice within a collaborative environment. However, I eventually realized that I had a deeper, more personal story to tell—a story that required me to step out on my own and redefine my identity as an artist.

Music has always been a core part of my life. From a young age, I was drawn to the emotional power of music and its ability to connect people across different experiences and cultures. My time with the band was invaluable, but as I grew both as a person and as an artist, I felt the pull to explore my own narrative and creative direction, leading me to rebrand as a solo artist under the name ábi.

What sets me apart is my commitment to blending my unique cultural background with my personal experiences to create music that resonates on a deep, emotional level. I aim to be authentic and relatable, sharing stories that listeners can see themselves in, while also challenging them to reflect on their own journeys.

I’m most proud of the courage it took to redefine my career path and embrace the unknown as a solo artist. It wasn’t an easy decision, but it’s one that has allowed me to grow not only as an artist but as a person. I’m also proud of the connection I’ve been able to build with my audience, who have supported me throughout this transition and have found meaning in the music I create.

I want my fans and potential followers to know that my music is a reflection of who I am—a blend of my past experiences, cultural influences, and personal growth. My goal is to create music that not only entertains but also inspires and connects on a deeper level. As I continue to evolve, I’m committed to staying true to myself and to the stories I have to share, and I hope that resonates with those who listen to my work.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

One story that really illustrates my resilience as an artist involves an album I was working on with my band. This project was a huge endeavor—13 tracks that we poured our hearts and souls into. It was meant to be a defining moment in our journey, but things didn’t go as planned.

We were working with a producer who was also the drummer in our band. We spent countless hours writing, recording, and perfecting each song. Everything seemed to be on track until, out of nowhere, the producer completely ghosted us.

Imagine being so close to realizing a dream, only to have it ripped away without any explanation. I was heartbroken, frustrated, and, honestly, furious. But rather than letting it break me, I decided to use this experience as a catalyst for growth. It forced me to rethink my approach to my music and my career.

Instead of dwelling on what was lost, I saw it as an opportunity to start fresh. This was a key moment that led me to rebrand as a solo artist. I channeled all the pain, frustration, and lessons learned into my new music. It pushed me to find my own voice and gave me the strength to move forward independently.

This experience taught me that resilience isn’t just about enduring tough times; it’s about transforming those challenges into something that propels you forward. It was a difficult chapter in my journey, but it ultimately shaped who I am today as an artist. I’m proud of the music I’m creating now, and I know that I wouldn’t have reached this point without that setback.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely, there is a profound mission driving my creative journey. As a female, solo AAPI artist, my goal is to break barriers and bring greater representation to the mainstream music industry, particularly for the AAPI community and third-culture kids who often feel like “other” in a world that can be challenging to navigate.

My journey began when I was a young teenager, competing as a contestant on KPOP Star Season 3 on SBS in South Korea. Making it to the semifinals was an exhilarating experience that opened my eyes to the possibilities within the music industry. But more than that, it fueled my passion for music and propelled me to gain more knowledge and skills in songwriting and performance. I wanted to be the best version of myself, not just for me, but for others who might see themselves in me.

Taking my endeavors to the United States was a deliberate choice. I saw an opportunity to shine a light on the AAPI community and represent third-culture kids who often feel caught between worlds. My mission is to break into the mainstream US industry and use my platform to amplify voices that are often underrepresented. I want younger generations to look at me and feel a sense of belonging, to see that it’s possible to succeed and thrive even when you come from a background that isn’t always in the spotlight.

Ultimately, my goal is to create music that resonates across cultures and to be a beacon for those who might feel like they don’t fit in. I want to inspire others to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their dreams, knowing that they have a place in this world. Representation matters, and I’m committed to being part of that change.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://abimusic.us
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/abigailkim_
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/abikimmusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/abigailkim_
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/c/ábikim
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/abikim

Image Credits

Lauren DeLeary