Meet the Bubbly, Charismatic & Juicy Country Artist Abby Anderson
From being a classically trained piano player at age five to hitting the CMT “Next Women of Country” list, Abby Anderson is making a “juicy” splash in country music. In this episode we discuss her new song “Juicy, her duets with Jimmie Allen and Pat Green, her mentor Marie Osmond and her recovery from an eating disorder. She is bubbly and charismatic with the most infectious laugh, plus she is filled with sheer talent, from her voice to her songwriting to her high energy stage presence. Keep an eye on this one!
Sue Bonzell
She has recorded songs with Jimmy Allen and Pat green and she has her debut album out. I am so excited. Abby Anderson is here. Hey, Abby. I said, oh my gosh up everybody. I’m thrilled to have you here. Now, I love your music we have so much to talk about. Because, I mean, you started one place. You’ve done these songs with Jimmy Allen and Pat green. Like that’s like, that’s like big time. How do you How did that come about? With them?
Abby Anderson
People are just really nice. And think of me sometimes. I don’t know, Jimmy. Jimmy is a dear friend of mine. And he called me up and was like, I want to do this cover of shallow I keep hearing your your voice in it. And I’d like to think I’m pretty smart person. So I said yes, obviously. Yeah. And that was saw like Pat green. He’s a fellow Texan. I’ve been a fan of his for a long time we had mutual friends. So that’s kind of how that came.
Sue Bonzell
I love it. And they’re amazing songs. I mean, they’re wonderful. So now tell me about like growing up, you have a pretty big family. Right? Yeah. So like, what was that like? And how did you get into country music and really start cultivating that.
Abby Anderson
So I’m the second oldest of seven kids. So they’re six girls, my family won’t boy. And again, like I was born in San Antonio, growing up in Texas, I think, you know, country music and music in general is just a big part of the culture there. Oh, yeah. A lot of people play a lot of people saying, especially in my family, so I just always grew up around it was what I wanted to do.
Sue Bonzell
So it’s everybody in your family musical. Did you guys play together when you run out?
Abby Anderson
Yeah. I say everyone in my family is very musical. My sisters play piano. Everybody sings together.
Sue Bonzell
That is so cool. So you have one brother,
Abby Anderson
one brother, and he survived. He’s a spoiled brat. He’s doing better than surviving was. He was Yes, fine.
Sue Bonzell
Did he like being mothered? By all of y’all. Oh, yeah. No, because that’s Oh, yeah.
Abby Anderson
It’s like a very, I think he’s gonna have a very unhealthy expectation for women in general. Because he got doted on and yeah, so I’m sorry. Zoll ladies out there.
Sue Bonzell
But How lucky is he though?
Abby Anderson
So lucky.
Sue Bonzell
A unique experience. And you know, we got you here doing the music and everything. Now, how old? Were you? When you moved to Nashville? You were pretty young.
Abby Anderson
I was. Yeah. So I decided to move out here when I was 17. And just kind of decided, like, okay, school is great. That’s fine for that kind of what I want to do. So I was really lucky. My parents love me just head on out here.
Sue Bonzell
They’re like, okay, we’re down. We’re down and love it. So. Okay, so I thought I mentioned of the 615 house. Yeah. So I want you to tell us like what that is and what kind of role that’s played in your in your career?
Abby Anderson
Oh, totally. Yeah. So 615 house is basically I’m sure we’re all familiar with Tiktok here, it’s kind of like changed in, you know, re germinated everything in the music industry. But it’s basically a whole collective group of, of artists in Nashville, and we all get together, make videos, sing each other song, sing originals, and it’s an amazing platform. They’ve got like, 2 million followers on there. So it’s an awesome place to just get exposure. Well, yeah.
Sue Bonzell
And then you’re also able to like, like you said, kind of meet some other artists. Oh, yeah. I mean, how, how fun is it to get together with these other artists and like some, write some songs and collaborate, like, like, tell me about your writing and everything?
Abby Anderson
It’s, no, it’s, it’s a great platform, because you can we call us kind of each other’s following, you know, and that’s a source of exposure for everybody.
Sue Bonzell
So now, you’ve been on a little bit of a journey. Yes. Yes. And I mean, it’s not an easy journey. And you’ve been really very vocal about it and kind of being open with your eating disorder. Yeah. So like, where are you now? Like, what? How has that changed? You and your muse?
Abby Anderson
Oh, my gosh, it says a lot and, and I am really open about it now. Because thankfully, I’m healed though that I don’t wish an eating disorder on anybody. That’s some gnarly crap. It’ll mess you up pretty good. But I’m thankful that um, that, you know, I had the experience, I know what it’s like to not listen to my intuition. And I know what it’s like to not listen to yourself and try to please everybody else around you. And I will look back on like, the last five years and even that girl I was, you know, after I signed a record deal, all I was trying to do was make everyone else happy. And I think if I could go back and tell myself something, I would say you need to heal that part before you go sign a record deal because that’s just a recipe for a mess.
Sue Bonzell
Did you did you do walked away from that? I did. Right? I mean, I mean, that seems you tell me about that process. Because your honor into yeah, I’m going to Nashville. I got a record deal. Like that’s what? That’s right. So so what happened with that and that process and where are you now as far as like record
Abby Anderson
Okay, oh, totally no. So when I moved to town, I mean, even What’s crazy is like, even seven years ago, the industry was so different. And it still was like you moved to town, try to get a publishing deal, get a record deal, go to country radio, you know, which is great. That’s an awesome path too. So I was definitely had that, in my mind, got a record deal. super thankful for that experience. They did a lot for me, put a lot of time and money into me. And I wouldn’t be here today without that experience, for sure. At the same time, I think in 2020, I realized, like, I was just putting out music I didn’t absolutely love. Which you would think as an artist is pretty stupid. Like, I recommend putting out music you really, really love. But again, like, I was stuck in that hamster wheel of just trying to please everybody. Yeah. And if someone else told me, you know, surround by people telling me like, this will work that won’t I can’t do that. Do this. And it’s like, yeah, when you’re 19. You though that’s true? Yeah, I’d like to think I have some compassion for my younger self. Now, everybody was just trying to do what they thought was drivers, of course, well,
Sue Bonzell
And they and you know, when you have that team around you, too, they want you to be successful. Wow. First of all, like you said, it’s like, it’s kind of like that gut feeling allows a gut feeling, you know, when it’s like, this is not right. Yeah, it sounds not right. Doesn’t feel right.
Abby Anderson
Like it all just kind of came to a head in 2020 when the world shut down, right. And it was the first time I ever had time to like, sit and think about what I wanted for the next. You know, the next years in my career, I and I realized, like, I’m not happy doing what I’ve been doing. I’m actually kind of miserable. Why am I doing it?
Sue Bonzell
That’s a That’s a good question to ask yourself. Why Are ya? So you have so you kind of shift some of the style of your music a little bit? Yeah. So, I mean, I like the old stuff, too. Yeah, new stuff, kind of. It’s got it’s pretty snazzy thing. Like it’s snazzy. Like I like it. It’s super catchy. And that’s like, that feels like more like you right? So this is the name of the album juicy.
Abby Anderson
The name of the album sugar spice
Sue Bonzell
Sugar spice. Yeah,
Abby Anderson
That song is Juba sign on there. Juicy.
Sue Bonzell
You told me about this song? Juicy? And yeah, and what that means?
Abby Anderson
Yeah, absolutely. It means a lot of things. I think y’all can probably infer what it means a copier? Do you see? But um, no, I actually wrote this last year, I’ve been recovered from my eating disorder for like, a year or two. And when you recover, it’s a really weird mind. Spin because you’re like, you’re so used to being one way physically. And then when you get healthy, like, you know, you’re healthy, but you’re not used to this new body, you know, and you’re like, oh, it’s such a mind app, honestly. So I was I was writing one day with my producer. And he brought up the title juicy, and my eyes just lit up. But I was like, That’s my frequent song. You gotta write that. And I wrote it honestly, for like all my sisters and all the women in my family, you know, world, Texas, Latina, loud ass women. And I was like, I need a song for all these women in my life who have tried to be something they’re not like trying to fit a box that genetically we’re just we don’t fit in literally. So that’s what juicy is about. For me. It’s about to like, obviously, physically, but emotionally spiritually just being full. Yeah. Like, finally listen to myself and not apologizing for being to this.
Sue Bonzell
I totally agree with you. I’ve, you know, I’ve done that. So I’m single and it’s kind of like, I just talked to one of my other single friends and it’s kind of like, you know, if I’m too loud for you, then y’all are not my person. Like, I’m so sorry for you. So you get to be who you are. Absolutely. And I love that about that. Okay, so, um, I mean, you’ve got all these accolades to we have to talk about this. Let’s see, Pandora named you as a country artist to watch CMT, you were CMTA team for 2018 next women of country class. You were with Ashley McBride, too. That’s she’s a badass. She’s that she’s kind of that was her absolutely for so much. And then you’ve got you shared stage with Kelsey Bella reading. Russell Dickerson Chase rice bread Eldridge girl feels like a long time. It’s I mean, that’s a lot. That’s a lot. And did I also hear that? A Marie Azzaman is your mentor? Yes, I love Miss Moore. So how did that happen?
Abby Anderson
I love that she again, a friend of a friend, another mentor of mine had connected us. And we just got to talk and one time and I’ve just I’m a I’d like to think I’m a student of people. And so I just annoy the hell out of her with all the questions. I’m gonna be pretty annoying. Like how many questions I have for people and you know, she’s an ideal person to learn from.
Sue Bonzell
She’s been on she’s been in in the business a long long time I’ve been through a lot as well so yeah, absolutely. That’s awesome. Okay, well, I know you’ve brought your guitar to the plate and you’re gonna play where did all the cowboys go? Yeah, this is a great question I asked myself the same thing often All right when we come back Abby Anderson playing her song
Abby Anderson
What’s up everybody? I’m Abby Anderson and this is my song Where did all the cowboys go from my album sugar spice here we go Kamille fashion statical naive little one and no happen to gal stands for faded jeans did they read a fan the sunset Cincin and so can anybody tell me Does anybody know? Where did the Cowboys go to Gmail our walkie oh she is Manteo mama let you know about their vulture two step because they will let you get to her on a while ago roti yo Oh the Cowboys Go Baby is his hide book our Chad found the I don’t know where to start where did the Cowboys go? Got a man out walk you home? See yes ma’am to let you know about their culture Tuesday they will let you open your own book a while ago only yo cowboys in the sunset and since all you out thisdoing gotta be alone. Where did all the cowboys go? Come on, man. My walking home. See? Yes ma’am. To mama. Let you know our bad Tuesday because they will let you open your home door. Get Your holy hill cowboys go Where did the Cowboys go?
Sue Bonzell
All right, Abby Anderson, where did all those cowboys go? I love it. Thank you so much for playing for us. So let’s talk about the album before you go. So this is sugar spice. So there’s Jedi baby let’s I want to hear all about it. How many songs the whole theme all the good thing you got it. It’s gonna be great. I mean, just, I mean, just the act of following your heart and doing what you love. And like you said, making music that you love not for anybody else. That’s, you know what, that’s where your that’s where your fans, they see it, they feel it, they hear it, and it’s like, Yep, we’re all in it. Rolling for you. So if you haven’t, when is it coming out?
Abby Anderson
So it’s nine songs. Short and sweet. You know? But no, this album really. I mean, this is the first time I’ve ever put out now album. And I want to keep it short, sweet. Because we’re putting out music in the fall. Like I’m just like, let’s just let’s just put out more music. But I definitely wanted like an introductory project for everyone to listen to I’ve put out EPS before I’ve put out a lot of music before. This is the first time I’ve ever really gotten to make music without having to listen to anybody else. Which is really awesome. Very creatively freeing, very fun. Um, so honestly, we’ll say, you know, gray, or it’s gonna be terrible. I’ve not I like it. So we’ll see. Actually, cuz that’s nice today, July 15. Okay when this comes out, so whenever this comes out, we’ll probably be out. It’ll be out there guys to do it.
Sue Bonzell
Do listen to it on the Spotify, download it and listen to music, all the things and be sure to follow Abby Anderson as well. But before she leaves, we have to play my world famous game. Okay, come on truth or truth. Oh, charity was my world I got live that every day. Anyway, so you get to, you’re willing to take out some of these old ones. You roll that one up real good. Okay. All right, you get to pick your question.
Abby Anderson
Wow. What have you bought? That’s been the biggest waste of money everything. There’s been not nothing that I bought has been necessary. Or make sense. None of it. Did you buy anything on Amazon? I actually didn’t didn’t I didn’t either. I don’t like I don’t feel the rush to stresses me out. Booger cell. It’s like it shuts me down. I’m like, It’s okay. The the the biggest way Somani Oh, probably like any fancy skincare. Oh, there you go. It’s the best stuff I’ve used from Walgreens. You know, I should take that back because one day some fancy skincare line is gonna be like one endorsed me and then I’ll but nevermind. They’re gonna go for right now at the moment. water and soap works great. It’s all natural, right? Natural beauty. You don’t need any of that.
Sue Bonzell
Beauty right? I put this right there. Okay, we’ll do another one. Here we go. This is fun. Okay.
Abby Anderson
Anyone ever accidentally see you naked? This is so embarrassing. So on tour it’s it’s embarrassing how many times this is happening okay. And this was the most humbling anytime I think for a second that I’m the shit okay, anytime I swear God comes in and just let someone see me naked on accident and then I’m just like plummeted humbled. On Tour. You know, things happen on tour on accident. One night, I was about to go on stage. I was wearing a jumpsuit and all my girls know when you wear jumpsuit and you gotta go pee the whole thing has to come. The whole thing has to come up okay, and it was one of those where you don’t have to wear a bra today but so I was butt naked on the toilet forgot to lock the door it was one of those single family saws forgot to lock the door. I want on my BAM opens the door and I just start laughing like hey, being naked is one thing Okay, well you’re naked standing up when you’re naked sitting on the toilets lunch that it was oh my gosh, I just We’re family now. And he immediately shuts the door buyers Oh my gosh. Of course like I was thinking I was too cool for a second for a second I was pretty cool for a second well there you go there’s nothing is saying this is what happens on the road
Sue Bonzell
These are like the on the road stories that we love to hear Right exactly. Yes. Okay.
Abby Anderson
Okay, these are fine. I think I like this too much. Golly. All right. If you could swap lives with anyone who would have be honestly probably a sloth low close to like God has been that does any does anything eat a swath? I don’t That’s a good question. I don’t know I actually need go Google. I’m sure they have predators. I don’t know. You. Just chillin shrew. I would love to be a slob. I really would be good. It’s the napping it’s the nap after a bear. Yeah. That are bear sleep all winter, man. Exactly. Sleeping. Go.
Sue Bonzell
Okay. All right, we got the inside scoop from Abby Anderson. I want to thank you so much for being here. Thank you for having you. Thanks for playing the song Yeah, we’re gonna do this again very soon. So we’ll see you then. Thank you guys. Thanks for watching up in country be sure to like and subscribe and leave us a comment. We do new episodes every Tuesday. And be sure to follow up and country on Instagram tick tock and Facebook and you can follow me to add Sue Bonzell on Instagram, Facebook and tiktok
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