Abi Farrell is an independent London-based soul artist from Oxford who was raised on the music of Aretha Franklin, Eva Cassidy, Carole King & Chaka Khan. Described by South London's 'Soul Stripped Sessions' as 'a powerhouse and then some', Abi has blended soulful vocals and soaring melodies since writing her first song at the age of 14. Her music merges a command of pop hooks with an old-soul inflection, and a love for arming her listeners with empowering statements.
Her debut EP, 'The Only Way I Learn' was released in November 2019 and spreads the message that daring to pursue what we love is the only way we will ever truly learn and grow. The five tracks have received support from BBC Introducing in Oxford, and they speak honestly about developing strategies to overcome insecurity, anxiety and self-doubt as a young woman in a digital world. To date the EP has amassed over 50,000 Spotify streams and earned Abi coverage as Richer Unsigned's Artist of the Week in December 2019. Abi and her four-piece band have performed on stages such as London's Camden Assembly, The Spice of Life, The Bedford in Balham and Notting Hill Arts Club. Abi is currently busy in the studio preparing her next releases for late 2020, which are heavily inspired by '70s funk and soul, Motown and the music of The Supremes.
Career Highlights
Gigs: Online show for The Ned London (June 2020), Headline show at Notting Hill Arts Club (May 2019), Appearances at The Spice of Life, The Bedford in Balham, Upstairs at L'Escargot private members' club, Soho. Supported soul artist Joel Culpepper at Camden Assembly in December 2017, Supported a gospel choir at The Jazz Cafe in September 2017. Appearances at Oxfordshire festivals Thame Town Music Festival, Beacon Festival,Towersey Festival (2019).
International appearances: Sofar Sounds Madrid (September 2019), Sofar Sounds Paris (March 2020).
Press:
Chosen as Richer Unsigned's 'Artist of the Week', December 2019 "Abi’s control and vibrato of her incredible vocal tone is truly stunning, so it’s no surprise she’s an in-demand independent artist, with lyrics that range from empowerment, independence and dealing with anxiety."
Review of debut EP 'The Only Way I Learn' from London's leading soul music review Blog 'The House That Soul Built' "Abi Farrell has a singer-songwriter sensibility flecked with gospel and soul inflection, and a command of pop hooks."
Radio:
Radio coverage of debut single Ivy (Piano Version) in August 2018, BBC Introducing in Oxford
Radio coverage of EP tracks 'Was It Ever Really Bitter?' and 'Ivy', 2020, BBC Introducing in Oxford