LOS ANGELES, CA- When I first listened to ABIR’s EP “Mint”, I was smitten. The R&B infused electronic pop tracks had a vibe that got me feeling some Mint Condition type way, but what really sold me were the smooth and pristine vocals of Abir Haronni. Sultry with just enough of sass, it’s the kind of voice I don’t mind singing to me on a loop.
When given the chance to catch up with her before her performance at the Regent Theatre, I jumped at the chance. I wanted to get a glimpse of who ABIR was before seeing her perform on stage, and like her music off “Mint” she was equally effervescent and bright. I noticed her humor and the way she liked to joke around with her tour mates. Even while we were taking portraits, she would make a humorous comment that had me smiling behind the lens. It was all smiles 24/7 during my time with her before her set.
It was also all smiles during her performance.
To say that ABIR performs with a joy would be an understatement. Even though it was just her and guitarist on stage- with backing tracks filling out the rest of the instrumentals- her presence on stage was boundless, and whenever she addressed the audience her smile beamed bright, and the audience reciprocated the energy she radiated.
Even though this was a show headlined by Kiaara, you could have fooled me. Many of the guests up front were singing and dancing along with ABIR, evidencing the fact that she has the charisma and the music to organically connect with audiences.
When I had the chance to reconnect with ABIR after the performance, I was able to throw a couple questions her way to get an even better sense of who she is.
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I really loved the vibe of “MINT”. Solid production value and more importantly terrific songwriting. Really loved the melodic lines and lyrics that really seem to shine one light on you are your personality. In “Reunion” you sing that you’re “back in town”. Is that an autobiographical statement? And how much of the lyrics in the rest of the EP is derived from your personal life? Are you the “bad girl with an attitude”?
Thank you! “Reunion” is actually one of my favorites on the EP because it was written about a night back home where I saw all my old friends and pretty much everything that I sing in the song happened in real life haha. The EP is all about the changes in my life over the last year or so from relationships, friendships, and the struggles of growing up + becoming an adult!
Is there any song on “MINT” that you have a deep connection with? I would think that “Finest Hour” is a really personal song for you.
“Finest Hour” is definitely a personal song for me but I have a deep connection with “For Ya”. It wasn’t until the past year that I realized so many changes in my life with friends + family and how things would pretty much never be the same as they use to be. We are all growing up and “adulting” and although it’s amazing and great, it’s hard to believe and made me realize that life really does move by so quick!
How did you get connected with Buddy for the feature on “Lose Me”? I really loved his melodic raps on the track. I think they perfectly suit your mellifluous vocals.
Yessss! Buddy is so dope. My manager and I are big fans and reached out to his team about getting on “Lose Me” and he hopped on the track and killed it!
I read that your parents really stressed the importance of an education over arts. Have they acclimated to your step into the music industry? What did it take for them to get on the same page as you?
My parents always wanted me to have a back up plan if I wanted to pursue a career in music. The agreement was as long as I went to college and got a degree, I could do whatever I wanted to do afterwards. They were always super supportive growing up and let me do a lot with music (talent shows, studio sessions, competitions, etc) but they never really took it seriously until I made the move to NYC after college.
I also read that you are fan of Etta James. I was lucky enough to catch her perform at the Hollywood Bowl before she passed on. My favorite song is “Fool That I Am”. What your favorite song, and why?
Wow, you are so lucky. Rest in peace to an angel. My favorite song is in between “All I Could Do Was Cry” and “I’d Rather Go Blind”. She has such a special way of sharing her stories of heartbreak and I love how raw her storytelling was.
What do you have in store for 2019? Can I assumed that you are already working on your full length debut and can you talk a little about it?
I am super excited for 2019! Ready to get new music out there, hit the road again, and shoot some new music videos for a couple more records on the EP!
Follow ABIR on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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