Abi Muir: The Second Coming (Feature)

September 23, 2024 73

As I sit in the driver’s seat of Abi’s VW, coming back from a three-hour round trip from a covers gig, the conversation shifts from the story behind her nickname, “The Ultimate Cabbage,” to reflecting on the last two and a half years I’ve known her and the tough road a young female performer has to navigate. It’s a topic we find ourselves discussing often, and for Abi, it’s been a long and bumpy journey at best.

Abi’s ongoing battle with empty promises and hollow agreements has been a stark reminder that everything these days is seen as a commodity—and young performers are at the forefront of that reality. My time behind the scenes of major singing reality TV shows revealed that crushing spirits and dreams is seen as acceptable damage at the cost of chasing profits and exposure (at the expense of young artists).

During my stint at community radio, Abi was a familiar voice on our program, and our discussions often revolved around the challenge of pouring everything into your craft while maintaining one’s mental health and not giving up.

Her family, who have also dedicated significant effort and resources to help her achieve this dream, were also feeling the pressure. Yet, it was within this ‘never giving up’ attitude the Muir’s had, that the tide began to shift.

By the end of 2023, I started to notice a shift—a changing of the guard—and Abi began to take control. Behind the pop music facade, she is a creative powerhouse, excelling as a vocal producer, video editor, photographer, and more. In an age that demands artists to be multiskilled, 2023 in hindsight marked a complete transformation for her.

To borrow a thought from Australian artist Eves Karydas, “In a time when all you can do is become the creative force others hoped you’d be—and take control of it yourself,”, and for Abi, that moment had arrived. And seeing Eves succeed now on her own terms, is exactly where I believe Abi will be very soon. No longer will these performers be seen as disposable commodities; they will be recognized as the true badasses they are.

This week heralds the release of Abi’s fourth single, “Fighting Uphill,” part of a captivating collection of songs she recorded during her time in Japan this year. This track is being showcased exclusively on OzInDi Radio Australia, marking a significant moment in her musical journey.

As she continues to evolve as a songwriter, Abi is gaining confidence and realizing that her current network is set to lead her down a promising path in 2025. Beyond her musical growth, it’s been inspiring to witness her transformation as a person. She embodies the mantra that resonates with young artists everywhere: invest your time and effort in becoming the person you want to be.

With this mindset, Abi is well on her way to looking back on her journey and acknowledging that all her hard work has truly paid off. “Fighting Uphill” is more than just a single; it’s a testament to her dedication and the exciting road ahead.

But you know… I wouldn’t accept anything less from an Ultimate Cabbage.

Written by: Joel Devereux

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