SOUND ADVICE
Absolutely Tells Us How to Find Your Musical Alter-Ego
Photo courtesy of Absolutely.
Welcome to SOUND ADVICE, Interview’s weekly destination for playlists curated by our friends, enemies, and lovers. In recent weeks, we’ve featured playlists from LSDXOXO, Montell Fish, and Allie X. This week belongs to Absolutely, born Abby-Lynn Keen, who’s been hiding in plain sight for years. The 21-year-old spent her teens writing for artists like LISA, Tinashe, and Giveon before stepping out with a vision stitched by hand. (Yes, she designs all her own performance looks). Fresh off a tour with Banks, where her single “I Just Don’t Know You Yet” went viral, she’s gearing up for a January album, a run with Renee Rapp, and a sibling tour with her real-life sisters RAYE and Amma. Between defending Ghanaian jollof, and heaping praise on her faves like Kate Bush and Ariana Grande, she built us a playlist that feels like her music: dreamy, cathartic, and floating.
———
Where do you dance? In my bedroom where no one is watching.
Dream collab, dead or alive? Kate Bush
Which song on this playlist would you serenade the love of your life with? “True Love” – Hovvdy
The world is ending. What are you wearing? Something comfy. I will be on my knees praying to the Lord.
What song on this playlist do you wish you wrote? “Cloud Busting” – Kate Bush
What song on this playlist makes you cry? “Truth” – Kamasi Washington
What does your notes app look like? Lots of song ideas that downloaded into my head as I was about to fall asleep that I never remember to look back at.
Are you spiritual? Yes, I have a beautiful relationship with God himself. He always blows my mind.
Which song on this playlist reminds you of your siblings? “These Words” – Natasha Bedingfield. We used to love this song and sing it together all the time.
Which city has the best fashion week? I’m not sure as I have only been to one show in London. But next year I will be able to answer this question from an abundance of experience hehe.
Describe “No Audience” in three words. Dreamy, catharsis, floating.
Name a song that reminds you of your childhood: “One Last Time” – Ariana Grande. I used to be so obsessed with this song growing up.
Best line on the tube? Controversially I would say the Bakerloo line. It makes me feel like I’m on a steam train in the 1800s or something.
Which country has the best jollof rice? Ghana.
Name an artist you wish more people knew about? The Lemon Twigs.
What’s the key to finding a good pseudonym? Just searched up what a pseudonym is. My answer is finding something that’s characteristics you would want to embody. Even if it’s something super random or abstract.
