You thought she needed you?
Influenced by musical icons like H.E.R, Emily King, and Syd, singer-songwriter ábi has quickly established herself as a rare and compelling talent. Even in an industry that’s as crowded as ever, the LA-based artist has emerged as one of the most exciting musical prospects the city has recently seen.
Having captivated audiences everywhere with her seamless blend of pop and R&B, this talented artist continues to impress with every release, and as she continues to shoot for the stars, we’ll be rooting for her every step of the way.
A product of her rich Korean-American heritage, but also of her time in Nashville, LA and Boston, ábi's musical style and artistic ethos is a testament to the diverse influences that have shaped her artistry.
With dual degrees in Music Business and Vocal Performance from Berklee College of Music, she possesses not only raw talent in spades but also the technical skills to take that talent to the next level. Her releases are sincere, often characterized by raw, personal lyrics, which have helped her connect with listeners through releases that feel good on multiple levels.
If we had to describe ábi’s latest release “getting in my way” in a word, we’d have to say lush. From the first note, “getting in my way” gently pulls you in with its lush, atmospheric production, where subtle instrumentation allows ábi’s sultry, emotive vocals to shine. And shine they do, with the songstress turning in an absolutely inspired and flawless performance, drawing you into her dreamy soundscape with every line.
“getting in my way” feel like it pulls from a couple different genres including R&B, neo-soul and a little pop, but ábi is able to blend these elements in a way that feels completely natural.
ábi’s latest release “getting in my way” is yet another testament to the fact that the LA-based musician more than has what it takes to be a star in this industry. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream ábi’s latest release, “getting in my way”, out now on all majour streaming platforms.
Welcome to Buzz, ábi! We loved your latest release “getting in my way”, as soon as we heard it we knew we had to ask! What was the inspiration behind this release, and how did it feel hearing the completed version for the first time?
Thank you so much! I'm thrilled that "getting in my way" resonated with you. The inspiration for this track came from a really personal place. It reflects a moment in my life where I was grappling with self-doubt and the feeling of being my own biggest obstacle. I wanted to capture the frustration of those moments when you know what you’re capable of but somehow keep holding yourself back.
Hearing the completed version for the first time was incredibly powerful. It was like I had taken all those emotions and transformed them into something tangible with the help of my insanely talented creative team. The song not only encapsulates that internal struggle but also serves as a reminder of the strength that comes from pushing through. It was a mix of relief, pride, and excitement to finally hear it all come together.
What inspired you to take that initial step to start pursuing music seriously, and what motivates you to make music now?
The turning point for me was definitely when I was a contestant on KPOP Star Season 3. That experience opened my eyes to the possibilities within music and really solidified my passion for it. Being on that stage, feeling the energy from the audience, and realizing that music could be more than just a hobby—it could be a career—was the push I needed to start pursuing it seriously.
Now, my motivation comes from a mix of things. On one hand, I’m driven by the desire to represent and uplift the AAPI community and third-culture kids like myself who often feel like they don't fit neatly into one box. I want to create music that speaks to them, that makes them feel seen and heard. On the other hand, music has always been my way of processing emotions and experiences, so I’m motivated by the need to express myself and share those stories with others.
What are you most excited about for the rest of the year?
I'm really excited about the release of my upcoming 3-part EP, which is titled after my artist name, ábi. This project is deeply personal, and it's been such a journey putting it together. Each part of the EP—á-side, B-side, and I-side—explores different aspects of my experiences, from rethinking my artist identity to embracing my cultural duality and reflecting on the growth I've experienced along the way.
I’m also looking forward to connecting more with my listeners through live performances and seeing how the new music resonates with them. It feels like this year is all about embracing who I am as an artist and sharing that journey with the world, and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.
If your fans could take one thing away from your music, what would you want it to be?
If there's one thing I want my fans to take away from my music, it's the feeling of being understood and empowered. I want them to know that it's okay to be in-between, to feel like you don't quite fit in, or to struggle with your own doubts. My music is about embracing those complexities and finding strength in them.
I hope my songs can be a source of comfort and inspiration, reminding listeners that their experiences, no matter how unique or challenging, are valid and valuable. Ultimately, I want them to feel seen and encouraged to embrace their true selves.
What’s next for ábi, and is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?
Next up, I'm focusing on the release of my 3-part EP and getting it out to the world. I'm also planning some live performances to connect with everyone in person, which I'm really excited about. If you’re in the LA area, I’ll be playing at Bar Lubitsch on September 12 with We Found New Music, but if you can’t make it to that one, I’ll also be playing Breaking Sound at Adults Only on October 6! I’d love to see you there and make some new friends :)
Beyond that, I'm always working on new music and exploring different sounds and ideas, so there's definitely more to come.
To my fans, I just want to say thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your support means everything to me, and it drives me to keep creating. I’m so grateful for each and every one of you, and I can’t wait to share this next chapter of my journey with you. Keep being you, and know that you're never alone.