We had the good fortune of connecting with ABI and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi ABI, why did you pursue a creative career?
For me, music isn’t just a way of life. It’s more of a need, really: A need to create, a need to express myself, a need to be heard. I don’t think I would survive in this world without it. I feel I was always meant to find my way in it, anyone who says they never saw my life going down this path was absolutely fooling themselves. I’ve been playing piano since I was 4, and I’ve been singing for even longer! All I’ve ever wanted to do is sing, and play, and sing and play some more. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to share my love and passion for music, from the stage to my classroom. Nothing I’ve done so far in my life has been more rewarding or fulfilling.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’d have to say I’m most proud of my first EP release, “Dark Matter”. I recorded and released it during the height of the Covid pandemic. 45% of the instrumentals I wrote with GarageBand, 5% with my guitar, and the last 50% with my piano. All of it was recorded in my parents basement in a studio corner I built up myself. And then my dad (who’s magical mixing magic and endless advice I will be forever thankful for) mixed it once I laid it all down. I think the whole recording/mixing/release process took about 3 days, start to finish. I don’t really think anyone would guess that if I didn’t tell them; “Dark Matter” turned out more beautifully than I could’ve imagined. I think since the release of my EP my writing and composition style have definitely evolved. I’ve leaned further into my classical piano roots and lately I find myself weaving literary refernces into my lyrics, and I’m very excited to start recording the first single for my first full length album! Getting to the point I’m at hasn’t been easy. One of the biggest lessons I’ve had to learn in my career was to stop second guessing myself and letting my anxiety get the best of me. I’ve had a harder time putting myself out there, especially with my original work, because I never felt it was good enough for anyone to hear. It took a very long, healthy conversation with my therapist for me to start wrapping my head around the idea that maybe I actually am good at what I do, and I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere if I wasn’t. I’ve worked my butt off to become the artist I am today, and I think it’s safe to say it shows.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
One of my favorite things about living in the Detroit area is there’s so many cool places to see and things to do, from the seasonal parks and the zoo, to top tier year round attractions. My top 5 recommended places to visit for Metro Detroit first timers are as follows: 1. The Detroit Institute of Arts
2. Greenfield Village/ The Henry Ford Museum
3. Belle Isle
4. The Sea Life Aquarium
5. Dequindre Cut Greenway

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a few people out there who have gone the extra mile and then some to help me navigate the earliest waters of my career. First and foremost, thank you to Mr. Charlie Aldis, who helped me record and produce my first released song, introduced me to the ropes, and has been a constant point of support (and thank you to Mr. Mike Mace for putting us in contact). And a super special thanks goes to my friends at Huber Breese Music in Fraser, MI! I walked into their store 3 1/2 years ago eager for my first teaching opportunity, and I’ve loved every minute of it since. Getting to teach in such an awesome establishment is truly one of the best parts of my job.

Website: abiwithani.com

Instagram: @abiwithanimusic

Facebook: @abiwithanimusic

Youtube: @ABIwithani

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