Girl at the Rock Shows

I like music that has a raw honesty behind it. It can be any genre, any style, as long as it makes me feel something, I’ll be sold and to say that ‘Not Gonna Lie’, the second full-length studio album from Abbie Thomas, made me feel something would be an understatement. I was lost in my own head but, at the same time, lost in Abbie’s world as I listened through this album again, and again, and again. There was something real and relatable about every song that took over my head but there was also something larger-than-life about it. Do you ever hear something and think, yeah, that’s going to be the next big thing? That’s how I felt with this album so I jumped on the opportunity to talk to Abbie a bit more about anything and everything.

What’s your favorite season and why?

I love summer heat! I went to Florida every other summer with my family as kid, and
love the beach, seafood, heat.

Does pineapple belong on pizza?

Always.

Everyone says that every crowd is their favorite but, what city has the best
audience and why is it Minneapolis?

So far my best is a tie between Anderson, IN and my bands hometown, Goshen, IN. I still need to get
to Minneapolis, but I’ve heard it’s amazing!

What’s your go-to coffee order?

An iced espresso with sugar free vanilla syrup and little bit of soy milk will have me feeling like an
Olympian!

If you could compare yourself to a sea creature, what one would it be and
why?

I think I would be a dolphin. They seem so care free, but they’re able to stand up for themselves when needed.

Favorite lyrics of all time?

I’m a bit jealous of the full song lyrics of “Good Kisser” by Lake Street Dive. It’s one of those songs
that when I heard it, I wish I would have written it.

What’s your favorite menu item at Taco Bell?

A cheese rollup, best quick snack ever (My band and I eat Taco Bell after almost every show. I’m
still waiting on my sponsorship deal.)

How do you typically listen to your music?

My car is my favorite place to listen to music. In my car, I don’t answer phone calls, work can’t be
worked on, so I’m fully focused on the music (and the road, of course. 10 & 2!)

If you were to rob a bank, what would be the song playing in the getaway
car as you escape?

I’m stumped on a tie between Rich Girl/ Hall & Oates & Gold Digger/ Kanye West.

What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?

Dermot Kennedy. He sang ‘For Island Fires and Family’ a cappella in a room full of thousands,
and you could hear a pin drop. I think we were all crying. All of us.

Where do you feel most of your inspiration comes from?

I’m inspired by every day life situations, and nature. Being present, and really looking at my surroundings while I’m experiencing things has been a big help with my writing. “Mid July” off of the album definitely benefitted from a combination of allowing myself to live in the moment, and to be mindful of my surroundings.

Do you have a particular place where you tend to write?

I used to only write while at my piano; but now that I travel often, I find myself writing while in the car. I’ll hum/sing melodies and lyric ideas into my phone, and then work it all out when I can get to an instrument.

I know that ‘Not Gonna Lie’ isn’t out yet (it’s due out on September 27th) but what has you most excited about this upcoming album?

I’m just so proud of the entire body of work, and I think it shows the growth I’ve made as a songwriter, vocalist and musician since my first album. I also love how it was such a huge team effort with a trio of co- producers. I grew up playing sports, and I often miss the camaraderie. Co-producing this with Nate Butler and Simon Kauffman Hurst felt like a team sport. We shared the work load, each taking lead in one way or another, and I think it brought out the best in each of us and the music, and pushed us all to be better.

I feel like there’s a bit more angst and power behind everything on this album when compared to other singles from you. Was that an active choice on your part or more just a reflection of life?

I think it’s just reflective of how my life has gone over the last few years. I’ve dodged cancer, left the corporate workforce, watched my dad become my moms caregiver, politics in America is nutty, I became a mother…the list of big life struggles feels endless at the moment, but I think I’m still moving forward because I’ve processed so many feelings through these songs. I also tried to be totally honest in my writing, and not edit myself to fit in any boxes.

I know there are a lot of amazing tracks on this album but which one is your favorite and why?

I bounce between Not Gonna Lie (it pushed me vocally, and I love that Corey Ronell said ‘yes’ to being a featured artist), Devil’s Advocate (it’s such a surprise), and Till My Last Breath (for sentimental reasons, it’s also super catchy!)

Is there one that, now that you are finalizing everything for the release that you wish you would have done differently?

I’m so attached to the live version of Crystal Ball that is on the album. The story behind how we landed on a live version is beautiful. But, now that I’ve performed it live a few times, I can totally hear how a fully produced version would sound. I hope to try and pull that off, and release a new version of that song soon.

If you had to have a top-40 rapper cover some of the songs on this album, who would you want it to be and why?

I think Kid Cudi would sound amazing on ‘Wild & Free’! He just has such a cool, laid back vibe that would totally vibe with that track.

What else can you tell us about what’s coming up for Abbie Thomas?! Any touring plans?

Once the album and all the press is wrapped up, I’m headed to The Grand Ole Opry for the 2024 JMA’s in October where I’m a 4X nominee (Vocalist of the Year, EP of the Year, Songwriter Achievement, and Artist of the Year.) I’m also excited to team up with Genevieve Racette for a few Midwest dates in November, and hope to go on 2 tours in 2025 (one acoustic, and one with my full backing band.) I’m excited to say, I’m also gearing up to score my first feature film before the end of 2024.

Much like the music on ‘Not Gonna Lie’, I feel like every one of Abbie’s answers had a sense of heart behind it. Whether that heart came through as quirky or raw, I just loved how, through this interview, I felt like I was talking to my friend Abbie Thomas– not the inevitable superstar that I know she will be. I hope that Abbie never loses that, keeps eating her cheesy roll-ups and finally gets that Taco Bell sponsorship that she and her band so deserve.

As mentioned, ‘Not Gonna Lie’ is out September 27th. That’s just a couple of days away so mark your calendars and make sure to follow Abbie Thomas on her socials so you don’t miss this truly spectacular drop!

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