ábi Talks Latest Single “getting in my way” & Collaborating with DAVIAN

Korean-American sensation ábi returns with a powerful new single, “getting in my way,” in collaboration with South Korean producer DAVIAN (Follow DAVIAN). In an exclusive interview with HypnoticAsia, ábi delves into the inspiration behind her latest release. Also, the unique blend of K-Pop, R&B, and neo-soul in her music. ábi even talks about the personal journey that shaped this anthem of self-empowerment.

The artist shares her experiences working with DAVIAN, the challenges faced during the creative process, and her evolving artistic vision. Discover more about ábi’s musical evolution, cultural influences, and future aspirations in this insightful conversation.

ábi’s interview is now available below.

Interview With ábi & Her Collaboration With DAVIAN

Please introduce yourself to the HypnoticAsia readers. 

Hi everyone! I’m ábi, and I’m an Artist currently based in Los Angeles, CA! 

Your new single, getting in my way is set to release soon. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this song and what listeners can expect from it? 

I’m so excited for you to hear this single! getting in my way was inspired by a transitional period I was encountering with my Artist identity, with a lot of internal conflict of deliberating who I was as an independent solo Artist vs. who I was as the front-woman of a band. This song is an anthem of breaking free from the habit of idolizing someone who just isn’t worth the pedestal. It’s all about reclaiming your power and realizing you don’t need anyone else’s validation to shine or achieve what you’re ultimately after. 

You’re known for blending K-Pop with R&B and neo-soul. How did you approach integrating these genres in getting in my way and what do you hope to convey through this unique fusion? 

I’ve been really keen on reflecting the duality of my multicultural upbringing and identity in my songwriting recently, exploring different ways to integrate stylistic elements and sounds often recognized in K-Pop with my own artistic expression. With that being said, I love being able to create a blended atmosphere through the recording and production process to perfect the songwriting narrative, and getting in my way is such a special song because of the unique opportunity to collaborate with a producer from South Korea. 

What message do you want your audience to take away from the new song? 

Don’t let anyone (or anything!) get in your way! We’re always going to encounter challenges and distractions in various forms–but this song is a reminder to remember your worth and your value. It’s a song that was written when I needed the reminder that I’m more than capable of achieving my goals–without seeking permission or validation from people that come in and out of our lives. I’ve felt stuck, lost, and discouraged without a sense of direction especially in seasons of change–like all of us have–so whether you’re in a season of pivoting or getting unstuck, I hope getting in my way can be a refresher to remember your unique power. 

Collaborating with Korean producer DAVIAN must have been exciting. How did this partnership come about, and how did it influence the direction of the song? 

I honestly love sharing this story because it truly was so random! I’ll usually add new releases to my SoundCloud from time to time, and I happened to notice a DM when I was checking my inbox. DAVIAN had sent a message regarding a demo he had felt would be a great fit with my vocals, and immediately after tuning in I was obsessed. I was just starting to transition from leaving a producer I had worked with for several years, so being able to hear something new and fresh was really exciting and inspiring. It’s been such an honor to partner with DAVIAN to bring you getting in my way, and I continue to look forward to more collaborative opportunities to spotlight more creatives in Korea and the larger AAPI community. 

The music you put out is often described as having emotional depth and intricate arrangements. How do these elements play a role in getting in my way and how do you balance storytelling with musical innovation in your work? 

getting in my way is a really personal song for me. It dives deep into the emotions of breaking free from a toxic relationship that was holding me back, and that raw, emotional depth is something I strive to bring to all my music. The intricate arrangements in the song are meant to mirror the complexity of those feelings–the layers of vocals, the unexpected progressions, they all reflect the turmoil and ultimately the empowerment I felt during that time. Balancing storytelling with musical innovation is something I’ve always been deliberate about. I always write the story first, and feel that’s what connects with people on an emotional level.

At the same time, I love getting into the studio to play around with sounds and structures to keep things interesting while ensuring it resonates with me stylistically. With getting in my way, I wanted the music to feel as dynamic and driven as the emotions I was experiencing. It’s that blend of heartfelt storytelling and pushing the boundaries of what stories can be told through music and language that keeps me excited and motivated. 

As a Korean-American artist, how does your cultural background influence your music and songwriting process, especially in this latest single? 

Being a blended Artist has a profound influence on my music and songwriting. My cultural background brings a unique perspective to my work and artistry, blending the rich traditions and sounds of K-Pop with the both historic and contemporary influences I’ve grown up with in the US. getting in my way uniquely combines the influences of DAVIAN, whose work is heavily influenced by the Korean music industry, and myself, adding a layer of intricacy to the storytelling and reflecting the diverse facets of my identity.

getting in my way was also written to honor the resilience and strength that comes from my heritage, especially in moments of personal growth and self-discovery. Balancing these cultural influences with innovative musical techniques allows me to create something that feels both authentic and new, connecting with a wide audience while staying true to my roots. 

What challenges did you face while creating getting in my way and how did you overcome them? 

Creating getting in my way came with its own set of challenges. While arranging follow-ups with the time zone difference in mind was one hurdle, another was dealing with the emotional weight of the song’s subject matter. It’s about breaking free from a relationship that was stifling my creativity and personal growth, and diving into those feelings again was pretty intense. There were times I had to take a step back and really process those emotions before I could put them into the music. Another challenge was finding the right balance between the rawness of the lyrics and the complexity of the arrangements. I wanted the song to feel powerful and cathartic, but also intricate and layered. I leaned heavily on my team for this–they’re amazing at translating my ideas into the perfect sonic landscape.

Overcoming these challenges was a process of staying true to the core message of the song and not being afraid to push the boundaries. I reminded myself that the struggles were part of what made the song genuine and relatable. In the end, I think those difficulties help me create something that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. 

The release of getting in my way follows your previous work. How do you feel your music has evolved since your last release, and what new elements have you introduced in this single? 

With each new release, I feel like my music is constantly evolving and getting in my way is no exception. Since my last release, I’ve grown a lot both personally and artistically. This growth is reflected in the new single, with my approach to songwriting becoming more introspective. I’m more willing than ever to explore and express complex emotions and experiences in my music. One of the major evolutions in getting in my way is the opportunity to partner with a Korean producer to experiment with new sounds and production techniques. I wanted to push the boundaries and incorporate a wider range of influences, from electronic elements to more organic, acoustic textures.

Lyrically, I’ve delved deeper into themes of self-empowerment and overcoming obstacles, which is a slight shift from some of my earlier, darker material. Working closely with my team and DAVIAN, we’ve focused on creating a sound that’s both innovative and true to my artistic vision. 

Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for the future of your music career, and what can fans anticipate from you next? 

I’m always aiming to evolve and push my creative boundaries, and want to continue making music that resonates deeply. One of the things I’m most excited about is my upcoming 3-part EP. Each part of the EP has a distinct vibe and tells a different part of my story. I’m also looking forward to sharing more collaborative projects with other creatives. I’ve had the chance to work with some incredible artists and producers who bring their own unique styles and perspectives to the table. These collaborations have pushed me out of my usual comfort zone and helped me explore new sounds and ideas that I’m really proud of.

You can anticipate a mix of emotional depth and musical innovation in the upcoming EP. There are tracks that are intimate and introspective, as well as others that are bold and experimental. It’s a journey through different emotions and experiences, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it. If you’re local to Los Angeles, I also have a show coming up on August 6th at the Hotel Cafe.You can find me on Instagram @abigailkim_ for the deets! I’d love for you to catch a live performance of getting in my way <3