By Hannah Oman
Artist Spotlight: Abbie Gordon
We caught up with singer-songwriter Abbie Gordon ahead of her debut King Tut's headline. Read the full interview below...
For new fans, can you please tell us a little bit more about who you are and what kind of music you make?
I’m a 17-year-old singer songwriter from Irvine. I’ve been writing songs for as long as I can remember but started taking my music seriously during lockdown. I love pop, indie and rock but I try not to limit myself to any genre of music, I just write based on how I’m feeling or what I’m inspired by at the time. Some songs are upbeat and some are slow and emotional but the lyrics are always honest and from my heart. They can be pretty raw but hopefully easy to relate to.
Who have been your biggest inspirations for your music thus far?
From a young age I’ve been very inspired by Taylor Swift. Seeing a successful solo female artist writing her own songs and playing her own instruments made me realise how much I wanted to do the same. I love listening to all different kinds of music, new and old, like Inhaler, Billie Eilish and Chappell Roan as well as Amy Winehouse, Radiohead and Jeff Buckley. They’re all really honest when they write about difficult subjects, which helps me when I’m looking for inspiration for my writing.
Have you got any new exciting projects coming up that you can share with us?
I’m working really hard to get ready for my Summer Nights headline show in Glasgow at the legendary King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut on the 8th of August which I am super excited for! Getting to play a Summer Nights show is a fantastic opportunity for new artists and I’m really grateful to be a part of the lineup this year. I supported Kerr Mercer there a few months ago, which was great fun, so coming back to headline so soon is huge. I’m also really busy writing and I’ve been approached by some amazing artists and producers keen to co-write with me. I’m buzzing to work with new people and develop my songwriting skills in the process. I’ve put a couple of demos up on Soundcloud so people can hear them before the gig and I’m really excited to release some new finished music into the world soon.
What’s been your most memorable moment in music so far?
I ony started playing live at the start of 2019 so every time I play a gig feels like a special moment. I’ve played some really fun support gigs, like Luke La Volpe at the gorgeous Mac Arts in Galashiels and at Sneaky Pete’s, ili at the Poetry Club and I loved supporting Kerr at Tut’s, he’s so good. But my most memorable moment so far was definitely playing at Belladrum festival last summer. When I was on stage I fully realised that this is was it, this is what I was meant to do and I loved every second of it. I’m living my dream and I can’t wait to see where the journey takes me!
Your show at King Tut's next month will be your first ever headline show in Glasgow, what can we expect?
I’m working with a new full band and we’re going to bring lots of energy so be prepared to sing, dance and maybe even cry a little. Part of my set will be just me with my acoustic guitar, singing a couple of songs that mean a lot to me so it may get emotional for us all. I’m really happy that the show’s open to everyone 14 and above, so I’d love people to bring their younger sisters and brothers along. It would be amazing for it to be some people’s first gig ever. I have three incredible female singers supporting, Katie Nicol, Hana Jane and Sinead Tate, so the whole night will be brilliant. I’m working really hard to make it a great show, one you won’t want to miss so grab your tickets now!