Catch Of The Week: Abigail Vail
Meet Abigail Vail from Plymouth
This sweet, sensitive voice may have been born about 50 years too late. Or could she be right on time? Perhaps, the world needs Abigail Vale now. One thing is for sure, she is an old soul. Abby’s influences are woven throughout her words, her chords and her sound. From Joni Mitchell to Carly Simon, and her more contemporary, Lori McKenna. Soulful songwriters spreading messages of love and tolerance, sharing stories of everyday life are part of this young artist’s repertoire.
Abigail was fed a diet of poetry, music and all mediums of art, growing up in Canton, Massachusetts. Her dad was a music teacher and taught her to play guitar. She started performing as young as 14 years old. In fact, Luke Vail often accompanies his daughter on guitar, as they did on a recent visit to our station. It’s clear that Ms. Vail is on a path to please the world with her poetry and ethereal vocals, quite reminiscent of early works from one of her heroes, Lori McKenna. She’s off to a remarkable start.
Abigail Arrives
Vail and her father came to our Country 1025 studio to share her originals, like this deeply personal song, “What He’s Not Saying To Me”
The imagery in “Wandering Soul” is beautiful
Vail Opens The Vault
-
Describe describe your sound: Folk/Americana would be the closest I think
-
Instruments played: Guitar and some poorly executed ukulele
-
Who inspires you: I grew up listening to mainly 60s-70s classic rock and folk music but I was invited to go see a local artist, Lori McKenna, when I was 19 and that’s when I really started to have a deep appreciation for country music
-
What’s in a name: I just use my full name Abigail Vail because it rhymes
-
Awards/accolades: I’ve been very lucky to have a couple opening slots at bigger venues like the melody tent and south shore music circus and this has been the highlight of my journey so far in music
-
All- time favorite country song: “Humble and Kind,” it was released a month after the passing of my grandfather and the song could have been written about him, right down to the light by the front door and the root beer popsicles. It was a bonus that it was written by Lori McKenna
-
Favorite country concert: I saw Brad Paisley and his concert was my favorite because of how much he did for the kids in the audience. He gave away a rack of guitars and really stressed the importance of going after your dreams. He even fulfilled, I’m sure most kids, fantasy by converting the screen on the stage into a giant game of Mario Kart and inviting kids up to play
-
What songs do you like now on Country 102.5: “Beautiful Crazy.” My family and boyfriend tell me it could have been written about me
-
If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: I’d probably be a visual artist. I love to paint and draw and create. If music wasn’t a part of my life I don’t even know who I would be, honestly
-
Day Job: I work in the special education department of a public school
-
Most proud moment: Playing the Melody Tent and the South Shore Music Circus. It was like a dream come true
-
Craziest thing that ever happened in your music career: Probably when I was playing at a hotel in Boston and This giant guy came up to me with a crowd of people around him, pulled out a wad of 20’s in a rubber band and counted them out one by one until he hit $60, stuck it in my tip jar and said “I respect you.” Followed by this mob of people shouting and “woo-ing”. I had no idea who he was… turns out he was Rick Ross, the rapper. I was so confused until the bar manager told me who he was. It was pretty funny in retrospect
-
Other things you like to do: paint, dance, write poetry, travel and spend time with family
-
3 Fun facts:
I love to dance (salsa, belly dance)
I was a Faneuil hall street performer for a couple years.
I’m punny.
Mantra: Be kind. Be honest
Abigail Gigs
- Friday, May 10: Spire Center for the Arts in Plymouth 5:30- 9:30 (opening for Brian Sances)
The Vail Vine
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
The Local Catch is powered by Shiner Bock, independently brewed in Texas, for Boston’s independent spirit. Boston is Shiner country!
*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing Kruser at carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com
