Appalachian Voices: One on One with Abbie McAllister the “Grunge Lion”!

(Photo Credit - Thom Pietryka)

Don’t look now, but there’s a musical movement coming from the Appalachian Region (especially West Virginia). As a native of the Appalachian region in Ohio and an alumni of Ohio University and West Virginia University, it’s on me to share some of these voices! Today we have singer/songwriter the “Grunge Lion” 🦁 Abbie McAllister! A West Virginia native, she’s gone from playing storefronts and front porches in the region, to having guitar brand collaborations and festival appearances across the country. Check out what she had to say!

You are part of an emerging group of singer/songwriters and bands on the scene coming out of the Appalachian region (I’m from there too!), particularly West Virginia. Can you share how the region has impacted your sound and upbringing in music?

“I think the Appalachian region is one that affects most musicians here even if they don’t realize it. For me, the culture of our people has influenced me by the art of story-telling and honesty. I feel that a big reason I write from a personal perspective a lot of the time is because I grew up around family and a community that didn’t believe much in sugar-coating tell of their life experiences.”

Your sound is uniquely Americana/blues/and a a tinge of grunge (you’re the anointed grunge lion! 🦁) and you have a vocal register that is pretty expansive and utilize vibrato more effectively than most artists out there today. How did you come to find your “singing voice” and who are some influences you credit musically who have impacted you either directly or from afar?

“Well, gee— I’m flattered. I didn’t find the singing voice I utilize now until very recently. I grew up singing in church, with the high soprano church choir ladies— which I assume is where I sort of stole my sometimes warble-esque vibrato from. My very first musical influences were my mother and my grandma. Though, when I was younger; when I didn’t know I was going to pursue music as a living, I would sing low, and unmoving for the most part. I didn’t even realize I was capable of singing high and loud until high school. I first realized this when I fell into a Queen hyperfixation at age 17, and the rest is history. After that, I clung to singers and players like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Madison Cunningham, Jeff Buckley, Heart, Stevie Wonder, Cab Calloway, and so many more.”

You recently shared a collaboration with Orangewood Guitars on your socials which is pretty awesome! What was it about that brand of guitar that made you want to work with them? Also, what do you look for when choosing a guitar (both acoustic and electric because we know they’re very different)?

“Yes! I’m so grateful to be a new owner of an Orangewood Guitar. I had recently played one of their rubber-bridge acoustic guitars in a studio in Nashville that belonged to a friend, and fell in love with it. After conversation with the Orangewood team, they very kindly sent one over for me.”

“Well, as someone who hasn’t been playing guitar for very long, I don’t know that I’ve looked for a specific sound each time I gained a new instrument. I think in some ways, the guitars made available to me were the basis of writing and playing; more of a work with what you’ve got situation for a long time, which was/is great for musical growth. Though, the rubber-bridge from Orangewood was definitely a sound I’d been craving, and am so grateful to have in my instrumental family now.”

(Photo Credit - @misguidedlens)

You have a pretty lengthy tour coming up with friend of the fam becks! That includes some festival appearances such as Americana Fest on 9/15 and 9/18. I want to know how you prepare for a live show? Also, what do you feel are the differences in playing a festival appearance as opposed to a regular gig?

“I do have some very exciting shows coming up! I’m so honored to share a tour with Becks! They’re one of the most talented writers I know, and I’ll say a million times how grateful I am to not only tour with them, but to be friends as well.”

“And yes, up next week on 9/18 I play my official showcase for AmericanaFest at City Winery Lounge with Sam Sample and Bobby Dove! Later on in the week I’m also playing the Interstate 88 Day Party at Love & Exile Bar. I’m stoked for the entirety of the AmericanaFest week— not only tour play but to watch some of my favorite musicians play as well.”

“I think how I prepare for shows is a bit different every time. Because I’m so new to performing, a lot of the preparation is mental; telling myself ‘You’re already here, so you have to play even if you’re nervous.’”

“Evanston Folk Fest this past weekend was my first festival, and was an amazing time. I would say for me, the only real difference between festival appearances and regular shows is the amount of time available to just sit and watch all the other amazing artists.. festivals have been my favorite thing in the world for most of my life. In terms of playing both versions of performances, they’re both equally as fulfilling to me.”

Staying on your tour, you have the aforementioned dates with becks! And other appearances coming up over the next month and change. What are you most looking forward to about tour? Also, what do you look for in a live venue when playing a show?

“I’m looking forward to the continued learning I will experience on these upcoming tour dates. In the place in time I’m in right now, learning is priority in music, and it’s also one of the most rewarding things. I love getting the rounds in playing shows, and looking back on the past year and realizing how far I’ve come, with the help from so many other musicians.”

FMI on Abbie McAllister, follow her on socials, @abbiemcallistermusic