Abi Mia – Can’t Stop Won’t Stop

By starrymag | February 9, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Powerful vocal lead pop, often piano based, that connects with the listener through relatable emotions and storytelling! I usually take inspiration from my own life experiences and things happening in the world around me.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences? 

 

A) I have so many influences when it comes to my music, but I love the powerful vocalists such as Kelly Clarkson, Adele, Alicia Keys, Christina Aguilera and Demi Lovato. They all tell stories with their music. It always feels very authentic and doesn’t necessarily follow the crowd or trends.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Can’t Stop Won’t Stop.” 

 

A) I really wanted to write an upbeat, fun track that would lift people up and bring them some joy in these unpredictable times. After my previous release “Shadow,” which was a more intense ballad I wanted to lift the mood and share the joy! I was inspired by my own situation with my music journey. After receiving yet more unconstructive criticism for my work I decided to write this empowering anthem to encourage people to continue doing what they love despite others trying to bring you down! You can’t please everyone so just do what is right for you and what makes you happy! This was definitely written in defiance of all those “critics” out there!

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I have had some amazing feedback from fans about how they relate to the general message of the song in terms of making sure you do what you love to do! I feel it is a very relatable topic in a society where trends often pressurize us into changing into something that is not authentic for us and there are often people who just like to bring others down for now reason and unfortunately most of us have experienced this at some point in our lives. Quite a few of my fans have told me the line “Your words are just that, watch me drown them out…” really resonates with them. Words are just words. We should not give them any more power than that and should certainly not let them prevent us from doing what makes us happy!

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I don’t really have a structured process. I can be inspired to write in different ways and often change the way I write. I usually have a general concept/topic first but then sometimes I will write the lyrics first and other times the chord progressions or sometimes it just all comes together! I am usually using my piano to write but I have also written to a beat in the past. For me if, I have inspiration, it just comes in whatever way it was meant to! I am sure as time goes on that I will create more of a consistent process but with creativity there are so many ways to express it and I don’t want to limit myself to one method!

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I get quite involved in the production of my music. I record the vocals and keyboard in my home studio and then send them over to my producer. We then brainstorm ideas of the soundscape, influences and style we would like to infuse and then there is a lot of back and forth as the track builds. I usually have quite a specific vision in mind, so it is great working with a producer collaboratively to create the end piece. My actual production skills are minimal, so I don’t actually put it together. I leave that to the experts but I am very involved in the process.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) I am considering releasing an EP later next year, but I will see how the next couple of months progress. I definitely have a body of work that could work nicely in an EP, but I may just continue releasing singles! Either way there are more releases on the horizon.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) Having only launched my music career during the pandemic I haven’t had the opportunity to perform in lots of locations yet! However, I have been fortunate to have some gigs in between the lockdowns and restrictions. So far my favorite two venues have been the Apples and Pears Bar in Brick Lane and The Stratford Hotel in a wonderful showcase that is hosted there Acoustify Open Mic. Both these venues have a very welcoming and supportive atmosphere and people are genuinely there to appreciate the amazing talent and to support the artist! I can’t wait to perform more in 2022. I am really looking to push the live music in a big way as I absolutely love it!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) It would be a dream to collaborate with one of my musical inspirations as stated above! I especially feel my sound would fit well with Kelly Clarkson and Adele, but I would be honored of course to work with any of them! I like to aim high so who knows!

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) I am listening to quite a few artists at the moment! I don’t usually just listen to one album or band. I like to keep my ears open to lots of different music! I have been listening to Adele and Alicia Keys’ new music as well as artists like Evanescence (I love Amy Lee. She is a fantastic vocalist) and Little Mix and Dua Lipa as I love the powerful vocals! I will often just turn on Capital Radio and listen to what is on as well! I feel the more artists I am listening to the more potential my own songwriting will have!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans? 

 

A) Yes, I am very active on social media, especially Instagram. For me, it is how I started music in the first place. It was during the first lockdown in the UK that I created the account, and it gave me a way to make connections with amazing people who I would never have usually had the opportunity to meet. I love the fact that I now have fans from all over the world and get to connect with so many interesting people. I go live on my Instagram page regularly and this has been a fantastic way of really connecting with my fans, hearing their opinions, having various discussions with them and for them to also get to know me better! Without social media I would not have had a way to start music this year in the way of building a fan base so it has been a big part of the start of my music journey, and I am sure it will remain so as i do love being able to connect with fans from all over the world who wouldn’t be able to get to my live gigs necessarily.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work? 

 

A) I would say thank you so much for every kind and supportive word you have shared with me. As an independent artist, fans are what it is all about. That is the point of me doing music – to use my creations to connect with other people and hopefully to motivate and inspire them too! Without the support of fans motivation would be a lot harder and I literally wouldn’t be able to build a career, so you are all amazing. Thank you!