Check out our interview with alt/indie artist on the rise Abby Sage, who was named one of Spotify’s Lorem Artists to Watch 2024 and just released her single “Soak” and her debut album ‘The Rot.’
Building off the framework created from her earlier singles, “Soak” adds another layer to Abby Sage’s journey of self-reflection, setting the stage for her forthcoming exploratory piece, ‘The Rot.’ Sage’s most recent single, “Obstruction,” received acclaimed recognition shortly after its release last month, earning a spot in Rolling Stone’s “Songs You Need to Know,” and NYLON’s weekly “SOUNDCHECK” list, hailing the track as “off-kilter pop [that] dances on the edge of beauty and horror.”
Follow Abby @applesage
Hi Abby, please tell us a little about yourself.
Hi ! I’m Abby !! I make music for people to kiss & I love a good cry.
Describe your sound in three words.
Unserious, free, and quietly confident ( that is one to me)
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
I’m a big Feist fan, grew up on her, sneaker pimps, Portishead etc. My dad played when I was younger too so he influenced me a lot & taught me how to play guitar.
Do you play any instruments?
Yes I play guitar
Tell us about your new single, “Soak?”
Soak celebrates insignificance. I wrote it in a place where I was so in my head, it helped me take a step back and realize how small I am. I think it’s easy to get trapped in your head & forget that.
What’s the story behind the song?
It was a really fun write. I think the carefree nature of the song really came out in the writing process. Writing about insignificance and freedom made it a really liberating write.
And about your debut album, “The Rot?”
The Rot is a culmination of so many things. I wanted it to span over a big chunk of my life & address everything I’ve learned & unlearned. It was a big task but I’m very proud of it.
What is it like to be named one of Spotify’s Lorem Artists to Watch 2024? That’s amazing!
I’m very honored. I’m glad people are listening & getting something out of my work!
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Chatting with people at shows. Hearing the little lives these songs have lived and what they mean to people makes me very warm.
What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?
I think being a people pleaser held me back a lot when I was younger. I would tell myself not to fear so much and to do more for myself.
What’s next for Abby Sage in 2024?
I really love to perform, and I hope the coming years hold a lot of that. I also want to direct my own theater production, something that ties in with the album.
How would you explain your fashion style?
I think it’s quite minimal. I like to be comfy and wear muted tones, I’m a bit terrified of color to be honest.
Best advice ever given?
From my sister. She knows that I really think of things in such extremes and she taught me to appreciate the little moments and small pleasantries. Not everything has to be so big and grand.
Do you support any charities?
I do! Anera is a great organization that is currently doing a lot to provide relief for the people of Palestine. Also RAINN, I’ve worked with them over the years & additionally they’ve helped me a lot. They work with victims of sexual violence & provide some really great resources.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car or for karaoke?
Martha Wainwright – Bloody Mother Fucking Asshole
Where can we follow you?
@applesage everywhere!
FAVORITE…
Book: A Secret History
Movie: Phantom of the Paradise
TV Series: hmmm really don’t know / NA
Favorite Food: Thai food
Travel Destination: I really want to go back to Austria
