What was all that? Is it just me or was this school year absolutely insane? So many things happened, so many new experiences, and especially so many new songs! Being able to create this new column has been an amazing experience. I got to write all of my feelings and experiences here, so I am really glad The Stute gave me this opportunity to share my life and my music.
This month has been hard. Saying goodbye to all of my friends who are graduating has been a daunting experience. The people who came into my life this year have changed me entirely. In every way, I am a new person because of them. I will miss all of my best friends who are moving on to do amazing things after undergrad.
Music has always been an important part of my life. When I start a relationship with anyone or any group of people, I turn to music to help me describe it. When I think of my friends, I think about certain songs. When I think about being in love with someone, another song comes to mind. And when I think back to special moments in my life, there is always a song that connects me to those moments. I’m gonna share three songs that correlate with three very special people and moments in my life this year.
The first song has to do with my absolute best friends. The song is called “Home” by Phillip Phillips. My girls know this song. We sing this song and it reminds us of each other. There are deeper meanings to every song, but I like to keep those close to my heart. This song reminds me that no matter where I am in my life, no matter what I am going through, I will always have a home with my friends. They bring me joy and support and laughter. Words can’t describe the gratitude I have in my heart that I found people like them. Whenever I hear this song, I think back to the special moments that my friends have given me. Most of them are graduating this year, but we are never alone because we can always call each other home.
The next song is about falling in love! I wanted to add a song about this special moment because whether you are falling in love with a person or falling in love with yourself, it is something so special. Having emotions that involve caring about something and putting your all into something should be recognized and celebrated. The song is called “Kingston” by Faye Webster. She sings in a very aloof tone and brings total lover girl vibes to the song. She talks about the first time meeting someone and totally falling head over heels. I think this song is so beautiful because of how it can make you feel. Like I said, whether you are finally starting to love yourself or you found another person to love, this song brings the vibes. I like this song because it reminds me of all the love I have to give and how I am excited to give that to someone one day.
The final song references a moment from this year that will probably go down in my history as one of the best experiences ever. I opened for Dayglow at Stevens’s annual TechFest. My band consists of Liam Cunningham on guitar, Lindsey Thompson on bass, Conlan Hurley on drums, and myself on vocals, guitar, and songwriter. We performed under my stage name Abby Grace (shameless plug follow me on Spotify, Apple Music, wherever you listen to music). Dayglow has a song called “Can I Call You Tonight” which is probably one of my favorite songs ever. This tune will always take me back to standing in the crowd at TechFest right after I opened for Dayglow. I had the amazing opportunity of meeting him and his band right before they went on to perform. I feel so lucky that I had the opportunity to meet Dayglow and perform as their opener. I am also grateful that I won Battle of the Bands, which gave me the opportunity to perform. This song will always remind me of this amazing experience.
I hope this school year was good for you. Wherever you are, whoever you are, I hope you made the most of your time. If you are graduating, I wish you the best. If you aren’t graduating, I will see you next fall. Maybe one of these songs will make it on your summer playlists.
