Interview with Abi Moore, Singer and Songwriter
by Baron Halpenny, LincsMag Editor.
Date: 01 July 2011
Based in Lincolnshire, Abi Moore creates songs that are well crafted, accessible and full of warmth, reminiscent of some of the best 1960’s and 1970’s songwriters, but add in Abi’s modern day relevance, cynical grit and then lace it all up with thought provoking, observational, truthful and socially aware lyrics and you start to get Abi’s sound.
If that doesn’t get you hooked, her astounding voice and luscious vocal harmonies certainly will.
With her foundations rooted in acoustic music, Abi Moore is staunchly independent, and her music is made without compromise and without barriers.
So determined and true to her beliefs, Abi Moore self-released both of her albums, “The Aftermath of ‘96” in 2006 and her second album “Things We Should’ve Said” along with a live DVD in 2009.
With such a dedicated and successful singer and songwriter in our midst and proudly flying the flag for Lincolnshire, it was about time that LincsMag interviewed the charming Abi Moore.
At what age did you first want to be a singer?
I've wanted to be a singer since I could sing! I honestly can't remember a time I wanted to be anything else. I sang before I could speak, and have been an insomniac all my life, but I often sang myself to sleep when I was a toddler.
Are other members of your family also musically gifted or are you just the musical one?
No, I am the only musical one. My brother and sister both learned instruments but gave up in early childhood and didn't have the same need to have music in their lives that I do.
Have there been any musicians or anyone in particular that has inspired you or to whom you have modelled yourself?
Honestly, no. I'm not a person that needs much validation or approval- I get on with my writing in my own way without taking too much influence from anyone else. I appreciate and respect the songwriting of Joni Mitchell, early Sheryl Crow and Karine Polwart, but I am different from all of them.
How would you describe your music and style?
That's taken a long time for me to answer, because I write in whatever style I want to. My songs incorporate the most accessible elements of folk, funk, rock, alternative, soul... but I never fit into any of those categories. Meaningful lyrics, to me, are the most important thing. So I sometimes call my style "intelligent pop." They are intelligent songs for grown ups about real life issues.
As a singer and songwriter, where do you get your inspiration for your songs?
Inspiration comes directly from life. It comes from the most tragic, life-changing experiences I've been through, or from the joy of friendship, from lessons I've learned about family values, relationships, self-awareness and also from quirky characters I've met. It comes from reading the news and knowing what's going on socially in the world around me. Usually lyrics come to me easily and I get my best inspiration at night in bed, or in the car when I'm driving!
When and where was your first gig?
My first professional, paid gig was at the age of seventeen- I think it was at a venue in Wyberton, near Boston. That was back when I was doing the "pop covers thing," singing other people's songs to a backing track. My first gig as a singer/songwriter performing my own material and playing live on guitar and piano was at Spilsby Theatre, probably around 2002.
What is the funniest moment in your musical career?
There have been loads! I do often think after 11 years of gigging around the country I could write a book about my experiences! There was a show once when I was late onstage, so my roadie came to find me. I was crouched, terrified on a worktop in the venue's kitchen. Their Doberman had made a run to attack me and the only way to get clear of its jaws was to jump up on the worktop! He found me there with a barking, salivating Doberman angrily clawing at my feet. Obviously, this wasn't funny at the time!
Have there been any awkward or embarrassing moments?
Again, loads! Quite a few times when I've been in a tight space and the audience are really close, people have bumped into my microphone stand and smashed the mic into my mouth. It hurts so much, but you just have to keep going.
I've ended up with bleeding and puffy lips numerous times because of that! I guess I learned "the show must go on" mentality early on so I've performed live through all sorts: a broken knee, laryngitis, flu, you name it...
How do you feel Lincolnshire compares musically to other counties in the country?
Obviously it's not the best county for music and arts because it's so rural and agricultural and arts take a bit of a back seat in comparison to other counties. That said, Lincolnshire has taken me into its heart, and I really appreciate that.
It is my home and where I play the most often, and I know I can draw in a crowd in the county, which in turn helps the venues to have a successful night.
It's where I have my most loyal following and I wouldn't be able to do what I do without the Lincolnshire audience, so I'm forever grateful to them for that.
Knowing as LincsMag does that you are very popular in Germany and Hungary, were there any interesting moments that stand out when you performed in these countries?
Yes, the way they applaud! In England, when the show is over, you usually get a big clap and then shouts of "More" or "Encore." In Germany, they just didn't stop clapping! I wasn't sure what to do so I left the stage, and they still clapped. I walked to the back of the room and they still clapped, and it took the organiser to whisper "I think they want one more!" into my ear before I went back on to do an encore.
But the same thing happened after the encore too, so I got a bit British and just went red in the face! One of the Munich venues has asked me back in November, so I'll be better prepared this time!
Out of all your songs, which is your favourite and which has the most meaning to you?
That's a bit like asking which of your children you prefer! I work so hard to get them all right - I want each song on the albums to stand out like it's a single, not like there are three good songs and then a load of fillers, so I take a lot of time making sure I'm 100% happy with them all.
The ones I'm proudest of are the most intimate, deep- rooted, emotional ones: Dear David, Mama Please, The Way It Is and Tell Everyone, simply because I totally poured my heart out in complete, honest truth: brutal truth, but truth nonetheless.
We know you have a dedicated fan base, so is there anything that they can be looking forward to in the near future?
Yes, I'm working on my third album at the moment. I'm really looking forward to getting the new songs out there but I have to be patient and take my time making sure they're 100% right before they get out in the public domain! I'm also expanding my other creative interests: I'm working on some paintings and poetry that will be available from the Shop at www.abimoore.com in the coming months.
Have you any plans for your musical career? Any goals?
I opened up my own record label "Honest Records" in November- a step towards total independence. My grand plan has always been to invent new music and travel around the world to play it live to as many people as I can.
I also want to be free, and to keep my integrity. That means that all this will happen the long, slow, hard way. I'm never going to shoot to fame because I would have to give up my freedom and my morals, and I refuse to do that.
And LincsMag backs you all the way, Abi. You are to us already a star.
Lincolnshire Ways
