THIS WEEK: ABIGAIL HUBBARD

Abigail Hubbard is a music artist based in Whitstable, Kent. As is often the way with these things, I happened upon Abigail and her chief collaborator/producer The Assembly Worker one afternoon on Soundcloud. I like this I thought to myself, with engaging vocals that jump from sweet to haunting in 20 paces and liberal splashes of interesting and varied musical soundscaping that brought a spring to my step and a glow to my boulevard.

It’s trippy, its hoppy, its electro finger poppy and oh yeah-its blinking great. I am sucker for a bit of jazz tinged electronica of an late afternoon/early evening (with a side order of a couple of squares of chocolate-white or milk-and a decaf coffee brought to me by my lovely wife-who for some reason has taken to calling me bubba-I kinda like it). Anyway, I digress. I find Abigail’s voice beguiling and hope you do too.
I’m intrigued to see how she develops as a singer and songwriter as there is great promise here.

Following the release of her stonking ‘People Watching’ EP last year, word is reaching me that Abigail has just recently formed a band called Liotia. I wonder what her next move will be?

You can catch Abigail live in Margat this coming Saturday (21st December) at The Tom Thumb Theatre

Thanks to Abigail for doing the last Prick and Ding interview of 2013. Thanks also to all the talented artists who have featured this year – and to you, the wonderful readers of Fresh On The Net, for your continued support. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year – here’s to a great 2014.

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1. What are you up to at the moment?
I am currently collaborating with producer/electronics master, Matt Smyth (aka The Assembly Worker). We’re working on an album which is much more electronic based than our current EP, ‘People Watching.’ We’ve been gigging locally in Kent, testing out the new material and go under the name ‘Liotia.’

2. Favourite childhood memory?
Discovering my operatic voice at the age of 7!

3. Hero?
The band CocoRosie. They were introduced to me during my last year at uni and helped clear my writers block at a very pivotal moment! They inspired me to be different with my songwriting – the more unique the better.

4. Villain?
Dishonest people.

5. What/who makes you laugh?
Apparently my dreams make me laugh – i’m often told that I laugh in my sleep! Otherwise, i love having a good giggle with my friends and family.

6. Describe what you do?
During the day I am a guitar teacher and workshop tutor. By night, I write in my little room. I then take my songs to Matt and we sit in a smaller room, creating lots of strange, wonderful sounds!

7. Whose hair would you like to have for just one day?
Marsha Hunt’s.

8. Best musical experience to date?
(I have two!) Performing with the full band at a very small local pub, The Fountain. I felt a really strong connection between us and almost shed a tear on a few of the songs. And most recently, hearing the cello part written by Sam Rowe for one of our new songs, then recording it in a huge disused kitchen!

9. What artist inspires you?
Recently I have been getting into trip-hop and listening to bands such as Portishead and Polica – I have a soft spot for cool female vocals. My music taste goes across the bored though and I’ve also been listening to a lot of John Coltrane, John Martyn, Rodriguez (amazing lyrics), James Blake, Grimes.

10. What does Fresh On The Net mean to you?
Fresh On The Net is a great opportunity for unsigned artists to be heard and showcase their work. It’s great to know that there’s people out there that really take an interest in new music, which encourages me to keep creating.