Conversations with Kelsey Abbott

Today we’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Abbott. 

Hi Kelsey, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved to sing and write songs. I remember being five years old performing Shania Twain songs for my neighbors on my back porch. I remember writing songs about my crushes in elementary school. But the moment it all really clicked for me was when I started playing guitar. That was a pivotal moment in my love for music. From that moment on it was nonstop writing, singing, and performing wherever I could. It was middle school when I started visiting Nashville and after my first trip here I knew it was where I wanted to be. I made the move to Nashville the summer of 2017 to attend Belmont University and study songwriting. I remember feeling so inspired being in a new city surrounded by music. I started playing shows with a band after being in town for a few months and fell in love with performing. From that moment on I have been writing and performing. I released my first EP titled “Dreaming with my Eyes” in 2019 and have continued to put out new music in the past few years. I am currently working on my next project and really excited for what is to come. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
There are definitely many struggles that come with being an independent artist. Sometimes you play a show and there is a huge crowd where everyone is really listening to your music and other times you are playing to a crowd of a few people talking over your set. Sometimes I find myself feeling really inspired and motivated and other days I feel stuck and defeated. It is definitely a rollercoaster of emotions but in the end, every stage of the journey is so special and worth it when you are getting to do what you love with people you love. 

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a songwriter and a performer. I would say I am most proud of the last two songs I have released. I have taken a very collaborative and experimental approach with these new songs and it has made the creative process so exciting and inspiring for me. I have gotten the chance to work really closely with my producer and bandmate Bryce Dubray to bring these new songs to life. 

Are there any books, apps, podcasts, or blogs that help you do your best?
I am constantly finding inspiration in other art forms such as books, movies, fashion, podcasts, etc. I am currently reading the book Just Kids by Patti Smith and have found her story to be so inspiring in my own work. I also love the podcast Song Exploder. I find it really inspiring to hear the stories and the recording processes of songs that I love. 

Contact Info:

• Email: kelseyabbottmusic@gmail.com
• Website: https://kelseyabbottmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelseyjabbott/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KelseyAbbottMusic/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/KelseyAbbottMusic
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7n5WqTD8ugFHMy2kAVpfxa?si=aqmN0YpRQV-ysIas_cPq5A

Image Credits
Luke Rogers
Bella Smith
Betsy Black
Alex Wieland