SONG/VIDEO PREMIERE: Abby Posner Balances Authenticity & Vocal Prowess On Alternate Tuning Stunner “Simple Life”

Channeling the majestic folk of 70s’ singer-songwriters with a modern Americana edge is something that has perpetually evaded many a new artist in this streaming era. Award-winning singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, film composer, producer, and solo artist, Abby Posner certainly has a way with words, images, and echoing a sepia-toned light with her tunes that evoke the forthright sounds of Aimee Mann, Lydia Loveless and Lucinda Williams.

On Posner’s new album Second Chances, she uses modern American roots music as a springboard for a bigger, bolder sound. Influenced by everything from punk/rock to electronic music.

Years before creating Americana records that shrink the distance between genres, Posner grew up in a small mountain town outside of Denver. By 10 years old, she was making her own recordings on an 8-track cassette recorder, playing all the instruments—including piano, guitar, bass, and drums—herself. Meanwhile, her father introduced her to classic records by Bob Dylan, Joni Mitchell, and iconic blues artists. Posner also became a devoted fan of punk music, moshing in the pit during gigs by bands like Alkaline Trio.

“Music has always helped me cope with the difficulties of life,” says Posner, who’s spent the past two decades in Los Angeles. “I’m queer and I came out at a very young age. Music was the glue that held me together through all of that. It helped me process my feelings about being different.”

Glide is premiering the song and video for Posner’s “Simple Life,” (below) which shows the stark acoustic power of her vocals, where authenticity and vivacious energy shine. Posner also shared some of her insight into the single with a small Q&A that follows the song…

Can you describe your mindset when you wrote “Simple Life”? Your vocals beautifully convey a sense of longing amid the melancholy, and the melody wonderfully flows like the “river” mentioned in the song.

“I was listening to a lot of Nick Drake at the time, and I was inspired by the alternate tunings that he used on the majority of his songs.  There is such a deep longing in those melodies, and when you’re able to play with open tunings you can access something so deep and visceral.  I wanted to create an image with sound…hopefully sending the listener to a calm place with a serene summer breeze in the backwoods.”

“I am a bit of a complicated person that constantly lives in duality…I love the hustle and bustle of the city, the inspiring creative energy that swirls around Los Angeles…it is contagious; however, it is so easy to burn out.  As a Colorado mountain kid as my core, I sometimes wonder what it would be like to live more simply, and more connected to nature.  I was dreaming of a mountain where Monks meditate and plant gardens, and I was dreaming of what it would be like to have a cozy family with a house in the south–kids running all over the yard.  The opposite of my life in Los Angeles.”

•Why did you feel “Simple Life” was the best choice for the album’s debut single?

We live in such a chaotic world right now, politically and socially.  I believe that it is important to have art, and music that can bring us back to earth…that can ground us in these unpredictable times. Simple Life is that song for me.  Every time I play it I am immediately transported to a different environment.  Almost like a meditation.” 

“We live in a material focused, capitalist society…every man for himself.  I thought, what would it be like to write a song about letting go?  Letting go of material items and focusing on planting seeds, growing love, and leaning into a higher power.  Simply surrendering.”

• “Simple Life” is one of three songs on the album that you recorded live in the studio? What inspired you to record it this way?

“I originally produced the song on my own in my home studio, and there was a certain energy missing.  Funny enough, the song is about getting away from that ‘every man for himself mentality/hustle’ and discovering a simpler way of living which can often involve an intentional community.  Whether that is a Sangha, or building a family.  Having my band play this song in the studio live/one take, with no bells and whistles, was just what the song was asking for.”

•The music and production of “A Simple Life” are so finely etched, including the fiddle and upright bass parts. As both producer and artist, can you talk about the band chemistry that was happening as the song was recorded?

“We actually recorded this in one take, like I mentioned earlier, AND we had someone filming the performance. I think we were really focused on being present, and letting the music guide us.  It is such an organic, woodsy song…the fiddle and upright bass certainly made Simple Life come alive.  I like to think of this song as a collaboration, rather than a produced track.  Every single person in the band added something magical.”

•You’ve been on the road touring—how has “Simple Life” I’m going over with audiences?


“I am currently touring through the South right now and It has been such an interesting journey…with all of the anti LGBTQ retoric getting thrown around, here I am, showing up as masculine-of-center queer musician playing tunes about slowing down, family, love, and nature.  What better way to connect to an audience that is pretty much living this exact lifestyle? “

“Some folks here haven’t even met a queer person, and I think that is part of the problem.  We are divided, and fearful of what is unfamiliar.  I am here extending a hand to people…asking them to lean into what is ‘different.’  Perhaps folks here will see that we are not so different after all.  Queer and trans people long for peace, joy, and love–just like everyone else.  Singing Simple Life in the south really resonates with people here, and hopefully it can open the door to inclusion and acceptance of ‘the other.’” 

“Simple Life” and your upcoming release ‘Second Chances’ marks your debut album for Blackbird Record Label and second solo album. Can you talk about what led you to Blackbird and why signing with the label was appealing?

“Manda Mosher, one of the founders of Blackbird, has always been someone I have admired.  We also have played a lot of shows together in the LA scene over the past several years, and I think we both have had similar paths in the industry.  Playing with bands, and then finding a solo career etc.  We are both artists, yet business focused in many ways.  I couldn’t think of a better person to work with on this album.  Blackbird supports Americana artists that are thinking outside of the genre box, and I am happy that Second Chances will be released through this like-minded label.” 

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