Today we’d like to introduce you to Abby Blake
Hi Abby, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Growing up I was surrounded by music! My dad’s side of the family was very musically inclined and this inspired me to start piano lessons at a young age. Growing up playing piano, my love for music only grew as did my love for singing. When I began high school I joined the concert choir and vocal jazz ensemble. As my time in high school went on, I began singing The National Anthem at sporting events along with other events at school and around town. After graduating from high school in Caledonia, MN, I went off to college at the University of WI-LaCrosse. Starting off with a major in Exercise Science, I was still involved in the Women’s Chorus and A Cappella Vocal Jazz Ensemble. My love for performing only continued to grow so I decided to change my major to Music Performance as well as applying to Berklee College of Music in Boston. When I was accepted I transferred to Berklee in the Fall of 2018. I then graduated three years later with a Bachelor’s in Professional Music with concentrations in Performance, Songwriting, and Music Production. After graduating in 2021, I then moved to Nashville, where I’ve been for the last three years! Since moving to Nashville I’ve released my EP, Quit Leavin’ Me Alone along with several other singles prior to my EP release. I’ve gigged all over town from small writers rounds, to the Broadway Honkytonk, and even being cast in Season 22 of American Idol! It’s been a wild journey so far and I’m so excited to continue moving forward in my career!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I think when you’re working towards a goal, whatever it is, it’s never going to be a smooth road. I also think that’s what makes it worth it! Struggles bring growth and I definitely think I’ve grown immensely over the past few years in the pursuit of my career as an artist. A few things I’ve personally struggled with, starting off with the acceptance of the unknown. Knowing that you’re not always going to know the outcome of any decision or plan you’re making can be tough. Sometimes I tend to get stuck in freeze mode when I’m striving to make the “perfect” decision. But I’ve found that it can be better to make the wrong decision than no decision at all, that way you can still pivot if needed and still continue moving forward. You’re continuing to figure out what works and what doesn’t. The idea of perfectionism. I grew up playing sports and by nature this made me a perfectionist. This has definitely stalled me in making decisions, whether it be in songwriting or the production process, even with planning and putting together shows. But it’s learning to keep moving through these processes even if it’s not perfect, even if you make a mistake. At least at that point you’ve gained knowledge and can fix mistakes the next time around. I think the last think I’ve struggled most with is comparing myself to other artists and caring about what people will think about my music or myself as an artist. As artists we share a part of ourselves and this can be incredibly vulnerable. Sometimes the thought of someone judging something that means so much to you can be terrifying, but it can also be incredibly rewarding in how it can positively effect someone else. So that’s really what makes it all worth it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am an independent pop/country artist, vocalist, and songwriter based in Nashville! I also teach voice and piano lessons as well. I was cast in Season 22 of American Idol and this is my biggest accomplishment so far! I am proud of the music that I’ve made and the music that I have released so far and I think what sets me apart from others is my voice. I am proud that I don’t sound like any other female vocalist and I don’t try to copy or be another artist, although there are many artists that inspire me. I think there’s power and pride in standing on your own feet and trying to find your own original sound.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
My friends and my family are my biggest supporters. I am so blessed to have grown up in a home with parents that loved me unconditionally and have supported me in everything I’ve ever done. They are always there for words of wisdom, inspiration, or a shoulder to cry on. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my family.
Pricing:
- $35/30 min lesson
- $60/60 min lesson
Contact Info:
- Website: https://abbyblakeofficial.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/abbyblakeofficial/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abbyblakeofficial
- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abbyblakeofficial
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3yXzgwZb3tkb4LueUHjmfc?si=tbDW1k3DTVi2nqVpqrpNKA
