Music Bugle Exclusive – Q & A – Abby Anderson

By Nicholas Jason Lopez

Hit the road, Abb.

Abby Anderson has been a hot topic ahead of the release of her ‘First To Hit The Road’ EP, which capped off another feat for the country-pop superstar, who has also toured across the US with Brett Eldredge and recorded a duet with Jimmie Allen that they performed on “The Today Show” and at Stagecoach.

Inspired by other fearless female singer-songwriter acts like Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Tina Turner and Norah Jones, Anderson is always herself no matter what the situation is.

She has also been recognized as a notable figure on TikTok, where she regularly showcases her humorous personality on her own account and films content with her housemates in the “615 House,” the latter of which has drawn 1.8 million followers and over 21.3 million likes.

She has climbed many mountains to get to the top, whether it was breaking free of the Mormon Church or battling an eating disorder, it has been evident she has become stronger through her adversities.

The Music Bugle had the chance to talk with Anderson about what advice she’d give someone who was questioning their own religion, what song she currently calls her “guilty pleasure” and much more, which you can check out below.

Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?

Abby Anderson – I’m currently obsessed with Miranda Lambert’s album, ‘Palomino.’ Top to bottom, every song makes me want to go write a song. 

Music Bugle – What is it about your style of music that you feel appeals to people the most?

Abby Anderson – I hope it’s appealing! (Laughs) I know I love it – and I’d like to think that if I love something, that when my heart is in it and it’s something that is true for me, other people will resonate with it too. What’s appealing to me is writing from experience and real feelings I’ve had or currently having. I hope my writing is relatable. 

Music Bugle – What were some challenges you faced while putting together your debut album ‘Sugar Spice’?

Abby Anderson – I honestly thought I was going to quit music for a hot second before I started writing for this album. I also think that’s where a lot of the songs came from. It was the middle of 2020, I had just left my record deal, something most people would kill for in my position and I had no plan as to what I would do next. I do not recommend that strategy! (Laughs) However, I knew it was something I had to do. I think getting over myself and some serious self-doubt was the biggest challenge for me, but once I started writing again, everything I had learned and experienced the past two years fell right out. Writing this album only took about two weeks. 

Music Bugle – What has been your favorite experience while out on tour?

Abby Anderson – I’ve had the opportunity to open for some of the best artists in the music business. I feel like a sponge every time I tour. I want to learn everything. Some of the best experiences I’ve thought happened because of a huge mistake I made. I’ve learned how to act quick on my feet and thing usually turn out better than I could expect them to. 

Music Bugle – What do you love the most about being a singer-songwriter?

Abby Anderson – I love writing songs. I love singing and I absolutely love performing live. Meeting and seeing the people who listen to my music in person is pretty humbling. I’d like to think I’d always make music whether or not people heard it, but I don’t think that’s totally true. To me, the best part of getting to create something, is sharing with the world. 

Music Bugle – What is your next career goal?

Abby Anderson – I want to keep putting out music as much as I can. I just want to keep growing. 

Music Bugle – What advice would you give to somebody who is currently questioning their role in their religion?

Abby Anderson – I asked myself that a while back and it’s a tough question to ask yourself, especially when it’s all you’ve known. I think the first thing I would ask myself if I could go back would be, “Do you feel peace here?” or “Is this serving your spirit?” It took me a long time and a lot of practice to actually even listen to myself and that small voice of guidance in my head. There’s a lot of beautiful things I learned from the religion I was brought up in that I will take with me wherever I go. There’s also a lot of things I just don’t resonate with or believe anymore. I did a lot of studying, a lot of questioning, even more praying and found my peace. Keep asking hard questions. There’s a reason you have them. 

Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need an escape?

Abby Anderson – My couch, to Hulu, to watch The Kardashians. I love them. 

Music Bugle – What song is your current “guilty pleasure”?

Abby Anderson – I wouldn’t call this a “guilty pleasure,” but I have “ALIEN SUPERSTAR” by Beyonce on repeat. 

Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?

Abby Anderson – I have always loved this scripture from the Bible, I think I always will. It comes from Mathew 5:14-16 and it goes like this – “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” We’re all given talents. Every single one of us. All I want to do and keep doing, is building upon what I’ve been given and share it with as many people as I can.