Singer-songwriter Abby Nissenbaum has been making a big impression across tastemaker press with a string of well received singles, most recently the emotive, honest and heartfelt 'Real Friends'.
Writing tracks which display personal, relatable lyricism and instrumental arrangements - sometimes indie, sometimes electronic pop and sometimes influenced by shoegaze, but always rich and vibrant, Abby's music is varied and beautifully constructed.
We wanted to know more about the music which inspires Abby, we asked her about five of her faves:
1. Frightened Rabbit - Snake
Frightened Rabbit is my all-time favorite band, and this song is a slightly more lighthearted offering from songwriter and frontman Scott Hutchison (the titular "Snake" is a draft excluder shaped like a stuffed animal). The song touches on themes of loneliness and longing, set amidst merry guitar riffs and bouncy marimba-type notes that float in during the chorus. This song reminds me not to take my songwriting too seriously.
2. Tracy Chapman - She's Got Her Ticket
My dad introduced me to Tracy Chapman's eponymous first album during a long car ride when I was maybe 11 or 12, and I've loved her music ever since. "She's Got Her Ticket" can be interpreted in so many different ways from a narrative standpoint, and from a stylistic standpoint, I love that this song fully leans toward reggae. The beat and bass line are amazing.
3. Daughter - Swim Back
Speaking of a killer bass line... "Swim Back" is a more recent favorite from another one of my favorite bands, Daughter. Their style deeply influences my work; I love Elena Tonra's expressive yet ethereal vocals over shoegaze-y instrumental elements and have definitely incorporated that into my work. Her lyrics are brutal, but they're sung so sweetly that if you were just listening in passing, you might not catch on to how painful they are.
4. Pinegrove - New Friends
Pinegrove's "New Friends" holds a special place in my heart because it reminds me of moving a thousand miles away from home to Nashville in May 2021, not knowing a single soul in the city, at the precipice of the world opening up again. This song encapsulates the panicked feeling of being completely alone, and the song starts off by Evan Stephens Hall racking his brain for someone--anyone-- he may know who's around. Eventually he resolves to just make new friends, asking, "what's the worst that can happen?" This whole album represents new adventures and new possibilities to me, and Evan Stephens Hall's lyrics felt like a friend giving advice.
5. VRL - Kill 4 U Die 4 U
VRL is the artist moniker of my friend Valerie Lohman, and they make "gay witch rock," which is literally the best tagline anyone could ever use for their music. "Kill 4 U Die 4 U" is a hypnotic indie rock-pop offering, with Valerie's delicate vocals dancing around bell-like synth riffs and softly strummed guitar. The bridge is meant to sound like a spell being cast, which I think is such a smart and unique songwriting element. I love this song and think it's perfect for anyone wanting to add a little mysticism to their playlist!
Listen to Abby Nissenbaum's new single 'Real Friends' below: