The Songs Behind: abs
Discover the songs that shaped and inspired abs, who has just released her new EP Learning To Know Myself and is getting ready for a run of exciitng live dates this May.
Photo Credit: Benji Wilson
Today sees abs release her sophomore EP Learning To Know Myself, a truly exciting introduction to a neo-soul and pop artist with a sound that feels genuinely her own. Spanning soulful melodies and honest, empowering songwriting, it is a collection that romanticises past relationships and self-love in equal measure. It is a real statement of intent from an artist who knows exactly who she is.
To celebrate the release, Abs will be bringing Learning To Know Myself to life with a run of live dates this May:
-Friday 22nd May, Hallamshire Hotel, Sheffield
-Saturday 23rd May, The Fox and Newt, Leeds
-Sunday 24th May, Cavendish Arms, London
I caught up with abs ahead of the shows to hear more about the EP and her journey so far, before discovering the songs that have shaped and inspired her through my Songs Behind feature.
You have just put out your EP 'Learning To Know Yourself', how does it feel to know these songs are finally out in the world?
"It feels so surreal but so exciting! I think the more I develop as an artist, the more proud I am of what I make, which then makes releasing it to the world even more scary! I have been really vulnerable on this project so it's a brave thing to share it with the world, but I have not been this excited or proud of a project in such a long time.
The songwriting across the EP is some of your most personal to date, but still feels like it carries such a relatability for others. How easy do you find striking this balance?
"I think a lot of the songs are probably relatable for others because unfortunately I am not alone in feelings of loneliness or not being able to get out of bed or overthinking. These feelings are so common even if in the moment you feel like no one else in the world understands it. For the more vulnerable songs, I always try to write what feels best for me, and if anyone resonates with that makes me really happy."
How different was the writing and recording process of this EP to the earlier releases you have put out?
"I think the main difference was that this time round, a lot of it was done in my tiny London flat, except from drums which were recorded in the studio. It has been so nice to make the EP in the comfort of my own home with my partner and incredible producer Zak Michaud. I think it makes them feel more special and makes the outcome of what we are making even better as we can be comfortable (usually in pyjamas) and be ourselves. There are also some great collaborations on this project, including George Kendall on guitar, Livs Needham on trumpet and the amazing Gaurav Balli featuring on track 3."
With a UK tour coming up in May, how excited are you to bring these songs to the stage and see how they evolve in a live setting?
"I cannot wait for everyone to see these songs live as they sound so good! Rehearsals have been amazing recently and I have to give a shoutout to my amazing band: Zak, Jemma, Ashly, Em and Sophie. They work so hard and with their talents bring my music to life and I can't thank them enough for being along this ride with me. I am lucky to have such a committed band and support system. Seriously y'all you HAVE to come to this tour as it will be our best shows yet!"
Favourite Song to Play Live: 'Fool Around' by abs
“Currently I am really enjoying Fool Around, the first song off of my debut EP. We have changed it a little bit and my band do some banging solos, so it is super fun to play"
Song That Reminds You of Your Childhood: 'Dynamite' by Taio Cruz
“Dynamite by Taio Cruz was my favourite song when I was younger and I think it still slaps."
First Album You Brought: 'Busted' by Busted
“I can't remember, but I definitely had a copy of the Busted self-titled album. Also still slaps"
Song That Made You Want to Be a Musician: 'Little Donkey'
"Wow what a lovely question! I am not sure of a song specifically, but I have been wanting to be a singer since I was really young. My Grandma always tells me about singing Little Donkey to her when I was really little, so I guess that song?"
Song That Gets You Through Hard Times: 'I Know You're Hurting' by Raye
"I Know You're Hurting off of the new Raye album. I heard this first at Glastonbury 2025 and it has resonated with me so much, it felt like a hug I didn't know I needed. I sing it to myself a lot if I need it."
A Song You Would Have Loved to Write: 'Symptom of Life' by WILLOW
"What a song! I would love to cover it one day. Also any classic jazz song like Stormy Weather"
Song You'd Put On at a Party: 'Out The Window' by Kehlani
"I am currently in my R&B bag so maybe Out The Window by Kehlani. She dropped her album the same day as my EP and I haven't listened yet but I just know it is going to be amazing, especially as I have seen Missy features!"
Favourite Song of All Time:
"I have a few. My Romance by Gene Ammons is a gorgeous tenor sax tune and an all-time favourite. I Have Nothing by Whitney another favourite, and Nothing/San N Stuff by Lizzy McAalpine. You can see my taste is quite eclectic!"
Song You are Most Proud Of: 'BREATHE!' by abs
"I am really proud of myself that I turned a day of feeling awful and not being able to get out of bed into one of my favourite songs ever. I also like that I find it hard to define which genre it is as I try and write my songs to sound as unique as possible. From the lyrics, to my band, to the visuals, to the production, I am so proud of it all and hope people resonate with it. "
