A Quick Chat with Abeny Hayes

“Root to Weed” has officially been released into the world. How has the response been so far, and has anything surprised you about how listeners are connecting with it?

The feedback so far has been great! Everyone I have spoken to so far has said how much they love the song, I've even had some old friends reaching out to congratulate me.

You recently celebrated the single with a launch show at The Old Bar. How did the night go, and what moments from that gig are sticking with you?

This gig went really well. I had a great turnout of supporters and all of the feedback afterward was extremely positive. Some of my favourite moments of the show would be singing my unreleased song ‘I Miss You’ with my cousin and old singing buddy Hunter Leeson. We actually have a matching tattoo saying ‘and that wall fell like rain’ which is a lyric from that song.

It was also super special to do a cover of ‘At The Beach In Every Life’ by Gigi Perez with The Hollows. It was a lovely song to explore harmonies in and was a highlight of the show for some audience members. I also have to mention singing ‘Root to Weed’ and the crowd singing along, particularly in the bridge where everyone was clapping and singing “I’m so scared I love you more”.

You were supported by The Hollows for the launch. How did that collaboration come about, and what do you value most about sharing a lineup with other artists?

I had seen The Hollows on Instagram through mutual friends and they were also opening for another artist's gig that I went to see. Their harmonies and songwriting took my breath away and I had to have them on my lineup.

I really value sharing the lineup with artists like The Hollows as it brings two worlds of audiences together allowing them to discover and share more artists they can connect with. It is also just so special to collaborate and connect with people on the same journey.

Now that your debut single is out, does it feel like a turning point for you creatively or personally?

Having this single out feels like the kickstart to my career. Though it took time to get here and a lot of behind the scenes work it is really exciting getting to really begin the audience growth and promotional work. I feel excited to share more music and explore my musical sound as well as collaborating with artists similar to myself.

You’ve mentioned plans for more releases this year. What can fans expect next, and how would you describe the sound or direction of what’s coming?

I am currently finishing off recording my EP! Staying true to my sound, the EP will have lots of rhythmic guitars and vulnerable lyrics whilst also exploring deeper into that alternative, Radiohead sound with Ebows, melodies and chords that are full of tension.

What excites you most about the process of writing and releasing music? Do you find more joy in the private creation or in sharing it with an audience?

This is a tough question. They feel just as important as one another. The writing was the first thing in music I found joy in and something that continues to be so important to my everyday life. The writing is comforting to me, exciting in its own way and it's how I work through life.

Sharing it gives me so much joy as well as I get to share something that helped me to cope with someone who might experience the same benefit. Not to mention I do love a bit of attention.

Melbourne has such a strong live music culture. How has living there shaped you as an artist, and do you have a favourite venue or crowd experience so far?

Moving to Melbourne a couple years ago was one of the best decisions I have made. I went to uni and studied songwriting and I have grown my network of music friends so much.

With the live music culture here it is easier to find an audience and connect with other musos which makes pursuing this career feel so achievable. Everyone is so kind and willing to help and grow together which is so important in this industry.

Melbourne is full of classic music venues like The Old Bar where I had my headliner gig and apart from the sticky floors it is such an incredible venue that welcomes locals and can draw attention from people walking by. Another classic venue I have loved playing at is The Drunken Poet. This venue supports women in music so much and draws in a crowd of incredible people who are super open to new music.

On a more personal note, what’s your go-to café in Melbourne, and what are you ordering every time?

If I had infinite money I would say Good Measure for a Mont Blanc. Otherwise I love a strawberry matcha from anywhere I can find it or making myself a cappuccino at the office.

When you’re not making music, how do you like to spend your time? Are you still chasing activities like axe throwing or long scenic walks?

If I'm not making music I love going to an event happening around Melbourne or an activity like darts or trivia. I haven't done axe throwing in a while but I long for it. And when I have time for it a hike is a beautiful way to spend my Sunday.

Who are your biggest musical influences right now, and what are a few songs you’ve had on repeat lately?

My biggest influences have to include Radiohead, Fontaines D.C., Gigi Perez, Lizzy McAlpine and Adrianne Lenker to name a few. I've been listening to Florence Road constantly recently alongside some of my friends such as Julia Ivory and Paige Mcsmith!