INTRODUCING TRURO BASED SINGER SONGWRITER ABBIE PIPER....
We were in Totnes a couple of weeks back to see the Australian 'One Man Band' Kim Churchill, it wasn't until we reached the venue that we discovered that he had invited along a couple of guests to help him out on the night. One of these guests was the one and only Abbie Piper from Truro who played a mean version of Blackstreet's classic track 'No Diggety'. We chatted briefly to Abbie before and after her set and because of the noise levels at the venue, decided it would be better to have a chat offline, we did just that and you can see the outcome below....
You’re from Truro, are you Truro born and bred. Does this make you a Truronian?
I was born in Surrey and moved to Cornwall when I was 5. I can’t imagine living anywhere else. I love living near the sea.
I see that you used to play alongside a 13 piece R&B band, why did you decide to start gigging on your own?
I had started to write my own songs and wanted to be able to make my own decisions.
You recently supported the mighty Hudson Taylor, what was the BEST thing about playing alongside these guys?
When they asked me to perform one of their songs with them at the end of the set.
What is the music scene like in your hometown at the moment?
There is regular live music by local bands in several venues in Truro and the surrounding area.
What was the last book you read? What was it about?
The Fault In Our Stars. It’s about two teenagers suffering with cancer who fall in love.
How do you fit the gigs in around your education?
Although most gigs are quite late in the evening I am normally able to go to school the next morning.
Which band or artist made YOU want to start writing and performing music?
Ben Howard
What plans do you have when you leave school?
To continue writing and developing the songs I have already written and playing live at summer festivals and gigs. I am planning to go to Truro College to study Music.
You recently played at Proud Camden in their ‘Fresh Unsigned Talent’ event, was this like a battle of the bands type thing or just a chance to get up on stage and play to a decent audience? What did you get out of it?
I was invited to play by the organiser who had heard my songs on Soundcloud. It was an amazing atmosphere with some great R&B singers. It gave me a lot of confidence and prepared me for playing to my biggest audience so far supporting Hudson Taylor.
What are your ambitions as a singer songwriter?
I would love to make a career out of my music and tour the world one day.
What was the last gig you attended (as a regular paying customer)?
Nick Mulvey
What was the last CD you bought?
Beyonce
There are tons of musicians out there at the moment, who would you recommend that readers of musicmuso checkout?
You supported Kim Churchill in 2014 and again in March 2015, how did you get to play alongside him and what do you think you’ve learned from him?
I was booked by SW1 productions. I’ve learnt it’s important to be myself. Kim Churchill is definitely an individual!
If you could setup your own festival with any bands/artists (alive/dead or fictional), which 3 acts are going to be your headliners and why?
Beyonce because she’s an amazing performer and would get everyone dancing, Bob Marley, love his chilled out vibe , Jimi Hendrix to get everyone rocking.
Do you prefer bigger festivals like Glastonbury or smaller boutique types that offer smaller audiences but are more local and accessible?
Smaller
Who, in your opinion has produced THE best album in the world ever?
Adele (21)
What advice would you give to a young person who wanted some tips on getting up on stage and playing some songs to an audience?
Believe in yourself, remember to breath, smile and try to connect with the audience.
We thought it was only fair that we ask Abbie to face our quickfire questions....
Acoustic or Electric?
Acoustic
Beards or No Beards (on men obviously!)
No Beard
CD or Vinyl?
CD
Spring or Autumn?
Spring
The Beatles or The Rolling Stones?
The Rolling Stones
Snowboarding or Sunbathing?
Sunbathing
Coke or Pepsi?
Coke
Facebook or Twitter?
Hot Dogs or Burgers?
Hot Dog
Football or Rugby?
Rugby
Roller Blading or Skateboarding?
Skateboarding
Cinema or Theatre?
Cinema
Live gigs as a paying customer, standing or seated?
Standing
God or Google?
We'd like to thank Abbie for saparing her time to chat to us, we wish her every success in the future and look forward to bumping into her again at a few of the Westcountry boutique festivals throughout the summer.
SOCIAL MEDIA