An Interview With Canadian Singer-Songwriter ABBY J HALL On Her New Song, Dream Collaboration and More!

Meet Abby J Hall! She is a Canadian singer-songwriter from Burlington Ontario. Having been in the studio over the past year, she is excited to be releasing new music over the next couple months. Her newest single, “Neighbour,” was written with Toronto-based singer-songwriter, Darrelle London, while eating A&W on London’s back porch, gazing into the neighbouring backyards and imagining what kind of people lived there.

Some of her musical influencers are Taylor Swift, Julia Michaels, Alec Benjamin and Maggie Rogers. She started writing music when she was 11 and has been passionate about it ever since. Her go-to instruments are the guitar, keys and ukulele. Memorable music moments include: playing her originals at The Sound of Music Festival in Burlington; at Canada’s Largest Ribfest; for the Live and Local Music Series at the Burlington Performing Arts Centre and at Canadian Music Week.

Check out her new track, “Neighbour” here:

Connect With Abby J Hall Online Here: WEBSITE

Learn more about Abby J Hall in the following All Access interview:

Thank you for your time. So given these unusual Covid-19 times, what does a typical day look like for you? How have you adjusted to these times?

Thanks for having me! It’s definitely still weird adjusting to the setbacks of Covid-19 but I have definitely gotten into a bit of a routine. A typical day for me at home includes waking up before 9am, having some quiet time, getting ready for upcoming releases, doing some video editing work, eating fresh veggies from the garden, contemplating life, doing youtube HIIT workouts and getting to any errands that need to be done. Oh, and dancing in front of the mirror…

What has been the hardest/most challenging part about being quarantined? Is your city starting to open up more now?

I think the hardest/most challenging part is seeing how COVID has affected so many small businesses. My family runs one that has also been affected but the flip side is that I’ve also seen a lot of people/businesses supporting each other which may not have happened with out this crisis. Personally, it’s been challenging because I, like so many musicians, can’t plan any live performances. It certainly is teaching me patience! My hometown of Burlington, Ontario, is definitely opening up more which is awesome! I can finally go to my favourite restaurants!

How have you been able to use social media during these unprecedented times? Are you finding that you use it even more now to stay connected to fans and other musicians?

Live streams really became massive which was cool to see and be a part of! People really have come together online. With social media I’m definitely using it to connect but I’m also making sure to take some time away from it. If anything, COVID’s really showing me to be grateful for my friends, family and even for our healthcare system in Canada. I think it’s good to take time away from the screens and reflect / remember what we’re thankful for.

What has it been like having to reschedule your spring, summer and fall shows? What shows in 2021 are you are already excited for?

Not playing any live shows has been an adjustment and I’ve definitely also missed seeing live music this summer! It’s given me more time for writing and planning releases though, which I really enjoy. I’m just hoping we’ll all be able to play shows in 2021 and that we can back to doing what we love!

Since we are all desperately missing live music, can you recall a favorite show of yours from the past? What do you think ultimately makes for a great show for you? What about a favorite show of someone else?

My favourite show would have to be Taylor Swift’s 1989 tour at the Rogers Centre in Toronto. It was a spectacle and my friends and I screamed out all the lyrics to every song. I also really like more intimate shows where you get to hear the stories behind the songs. I think connection between the artist and fans makes for a great show. I saw Alessia Cara with Ruth B opening at Massey Hall in Toronto and that was an amazing show!

Let’s talk about your newest single “Neighbour.” What was the inspiration for this track? How would you say that it compares to anything else you have worked on in the past? How does it prepare listeners for more music from you?

It’s so easy to get caught up in our own worlds, especially because of technology.

You really never get to know who the person living in the house right beside is. Neighbour is about breaking out of our own personal bubbles and imagining what it’s like walking in someone else’s shoes. It’s easier to judge someone when you don’t know them. This song is different than previous ones I’ve worked on because it was my first co-write with Toronto artist, Darrelle London. It’s also a a concept I haven’t explored before and was great getting her thoughts on it!

Tell me about the music video for “Neighbour”?

It was really fun putting it together and working with Goliath Productions on it. Good Shepherd Toronto is featured in the video, an incredible organization that feed, clothe and support Toronto’s most vulnerable. To donate: https://donate.goodshepherd.ca/donate

When do you hope to release more new music? Are you currently working on new songs? What has it been like working on music these days?

Yes I am! Really excited for the upcoming songs! The next song will be released in September and it’s called ‘All I Wanted.’ I have a bunch of songs I’m writing currently and love the idea of an album, maybe not too far in the future!

How do you think future music is going to be influenced by this incredible and absolutely necessary Black Lives Matter movement that the US and even the world is going through now? Is it inspiring you and your music today at all?

I’m hoping to see way more Black artists represented across the genre spectrum in music! Yes, I don’t know how it could not inspire every artist.

If you could get into the studio with any artist today and collaborate on a new song for you, who would it be and why?

Taylor Swift, she’s a big reason I started songwriting, every album rob hers represents a stage in my life (haha). I think I would cry if that happened. It would be wild if I could collaborate with Ruth B, Micheal Buble or Julia Micheals.

Would you like to share anything else about yourself or your music with our readers?

Fun fact: I was homeschooled…I’ve never been to school in my entire life!