Abby Sage is one of my newly discovered indie artists. Her songwriting has provided the perfect soundtrack for the days where I am feeling overwhelmed all the way to the times where I am most relaxed with a cup of coffee. Ahead of her SXSW showcases, we discussed her start in music and the songs she was most excited to perform for her audience.
What is the one thing you’re most looking forward to at SXSW this year?
Abby Sage: I’ve been to Austin a few times, but never SX. I hear it’s crazy energy so I’m just excited to experience that for the first time. We’re going to just bop around when we’re not playing I want to catch what’s going on.
Being that you’ve been to Austin a couple of times, is there a food you’re looking forward to eating again? Last year’s artists’ theme was breakfast tacos, haha.
Abby Sage: Okay, so I do have a hot take on Austin food and that it’s so good. I would also have to say the breakfast tacos, for sure.
Tell me about your start in music.
Abby Sage: My dad played in bands and stuff growing up so he kind of taught me how to play the guitar. I was always writing poetry and stuff so that was my outlet, but my dad taught me guitar. We have such different tastes in music - he always says, “I thought I was raising a rock star, not a theater kid!” That’s what he says about my recent work, haha.
Haha, that’s incredible. What was the first song you learned on guitar?
Abby Sage: Oh, so the first song is so random. It was “No Air” by Jordin Sparks and Chris Brown.
Oh my gosh, what a throwback!
Abby Sage: It’s such a funny one to refer back to, but I remember I went to my sister’s middle school talent show and two girls played it and I was like, “Wow that’s a sick song!” and then I went home, picked up my guitar and learned it.
That’s so funny, I love that. So going back to what your dad said about musical theater, are there any aspects of musical theater that you would say that inspire your music?
Abby Sage: Hmm..I would say less of my sound but more so visuals. Visually, I draw inspiration from the theater.
The sets and backdrops? I can definitely see that. What is your songwriting process like for you?
Abby Sage: Mmmhm, yes! For my songwriting, I would say that I kind of continue the process of poetry and compose my lyrics first. I like to build that on the forefront, but I do have a few songs on my past project where I have started with a melody or on my guitar before putting the words down.
What is your favorite song to perform live?
Abby Sage: I’ve recently loved playing “Milk” live. It's one of my favorites on the album.
Keep up with Abby Sage on Spotify and Instagram.
Samantha Fong
"At 15 years old, I begged my mom to take me to Walmart to get Taylor Swift's debut deluxe album and I never turned back. This was my very first entry point to stan fandom. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee I was exposed to a ton of music - from rapping 3 6 Mafia to bopping to Justin Timberlake's solo discography. Now, in LA have a day job working in nonprofit development, but by night, I'm a full-fledged fangirl. I'll listen to generally any genre, but I'm a sucker for a good pop song. If you ever need someone to scream sing Carly Rae Jepsen's E·MO·TION with, I'm your girl. No, I still have not gotten over the One Direction hiatus. Please continue to respect my privacy. Twitter : samfonggg, Instagram : samantha_fong"
