Oh "star quality," you're a term that's been around for ages, but have been slowly killing me over the past decade. The cavalcade of American Idol judges have used you way too many times at way too many contestants, and I feel you've lost your spark -- your luster. You've been played out faster than a Michael Jackson Thriller LP in 1982. Yet, here I am using you to describe a budding country/pop artist who possesses the power you once had. Yes, Abi Ann has star quality and it means something.
The 18-year-old Nashville-based singer/songwriter just graduated high school last June, but she's already toured with pop star Kelly Clarkson and put out an EP. Gee, how did you spend the months after your high school graduation? Drunk at parties? Working at Blockbuster Video like me? Both?
The answers to those questions are irrelevant and presently illogical, but you get what I'm throwing down. Abi Ann has already accomplished some bucket list worthy stuff.
Earlier this month, the quirky, composed Texas native performed a pair of tracks -- "Future Ex Boyfriend" and "Truck Candy" -- off her debut EP and sat down for a chat at an A-Sides session, which was filmed at the Music Conservatory of Westchester in White Plains, NY. Before you catch the embeds, I should say this: "Candy" is currently getting a lot of mileage on Radio Disney. She's also gotten some shoutouts from iTunes and the Indie Music Channel. As for me? I still have my Blockbuster Video membership card somewhere. Watch "Future Ex Boyfriend" below, and check out the A-Sides' exclusive performance of "Truck Candy" and interview here.
"Future Ex Boyfriend"
A-Sides "Delve Into Twelve" Countdown
Each week A-Sides unleashes its top 12 tracks of the week AKA the "Delve Into Twelve" based on the following contributing factors: songs I'm playing out that particular week (no matter when they were released -- think overlooked songs, unreleased tracks and old favorites), songs various publicists are trying to get me to listen to that I did and dug a bunch, song posts and trends I've noticed on my friends' Facebook walls and, most importantly: what my toddler is currently enjoying thoroughly with an assist from my infant.
About A-Sides with Jon Chattman: Jon Chattman's music series features celebrities and artists (established or not) from all genres performing a track, and discussing what it means to them. This informal series focuses on the artist making art in a low-threatening, extremely informal (sometime humorous) way. No bells, no whistles -- just the music performed in a random, low-key setting followed by an unrehearsed chat. In an industry where everything often gets overblown and over manufactured, Jon strives for a refreshing change. Artists featured on the series include Imagine Dragons, Melissa Etheridge, Air Supply, Joe Perry, Alice Cooper, fun, Bleachers, Charli XCX, Marina and the Diamonds and Bastille.