Abby Anderson Brings Wit And Wisdom To New Tunes

Abby Anderson performs. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

Black River Entertainment artist and songwriter Abby Anderson displayed a wry wit and transparent songs during a recent visit to the MusicRow Magazine offices to preview songs from her upcoming Black River project.

“I grew up listening to country music,” says Dallas native Anderson, who is the second-oldest of seven siblings, all of whom were homeschooled. “Both my parents are very musical. My parents always knew I was moving to Nashville, and they just were crazy supportive.”

In 2014, she performed a unique arrangement of “My Country ‘Tis of Thee,” which was renamed “Let Freedom Ring.” Her performance caught the attention of radio journalist/host Glenn Beck, who welcomed her to perform the song on his show. She moved to Nashville in 2015 to continue crafting her sound and co-writing skills.

It hasn’t taken long for Nashville to take notice.

Just over a year ago, Black River signed Anderson to recording and publishing deals, celebrating her signing onstage at the Ryman Auditorium stage.

“I got spoiled right from the start, man,” she says of the signing.

Anderson previewed three songs, blending relatable lyrics with country grooves and elements of neo-soul and jazz.

Abby Anderson and MusicRow Magazine owner/publisher Sherod Robertson. Photo: Haley Crow/MusicRow

The plucky “I’m Good” takes on an ex-lover who hopes to reclaim her heart. “It’s about a guy who broke my heart and wanted me back for some reason, but I was like, ‘I’m good, honey! I’m doing my thing. I don’t need ya.’”

She offered up twangy, fiery vocals on “The Naked Truth,” and a quietly confident, wise take on “Make Him Wait.”

“My family has six girls, and one boy, and my dad is super man,” Anderson said. “He’s the kind of guy that taught his daughters what they are worth. That is something that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, so I wrote this for him.”

Anderson’s talent and passion for music comes naturally as the daughter of two musically-inclined parents.

“We were all required to start classical piano lessons at age 5 and the rule is you can’t quit until you’re 18 or until you graduate,” she says. “I was homeschooled, and I graduated early so I could stop that and start doing real music. And being the second oldest, I think that’s why I got to get out of the house early. My mom’s like, ‘I got five others, go!’”

Abby Anderson with MusicRow Magazine staffers.