Abby Welcome to OLC! Your journey began with competitive dancing at the age of six. How did that experience of captivating audiences on stage spark a love of performance and lead you into songwriting and music?
From the moment she could walk, she started moving around the house and dancing. When I was younger, I was actually very shy about speaking, but not dancing. Since I started dancing competitively at the age of 6, my individuality has come to life. Competitive dance taught me from a young age what it means to communicate without words, how energy, emotion, and movement can fill a room and move people. I love that sense of connection and making the audience feel something unexpected. I’ve loved writing and singing songs since I was little, so in the last few years I decided I wanted to write songs and put my music out there. Dancing gives me the confidence to express myself and songwriting gives me a voice. I started writing lyrics mostly as a personal outlet, but eventually realized that I could express the emotions I loved in music, even on stage. That’s what really drew me to music production. It’s an opportunity to create something that will stay with you long after the performance is over.
At just 17 years old, your single 17 feels like a bold snapshot of youth and self-discovery. What personal stories or emotions inspired the lyrics, and how do they reflect the current situation in your life?
“17” was born from the feeling of being in the midst of growing up, old enough to understand a little of the world, but young enough not to understand everything yet. Many of the lyrics were inspired by late night conversations with friends, the pressure of trying to make the “right” choice, and the excitement of first love or unrequited love. Writing this feels like documenting an ever-changing version of myself, and releasing it is like saying, “This is who I am today, even if tomorrow I evolve again.” This song reflects where I am right now: growing up, curious, ambitious, a little insecure at times, trusting my instincts, choosing a path, making plans, trying to deal with the pressure of making decisions that feel permanent while still learning how to drive, love, and just be.
You have built a great foundation in playing from an early age. What lessons from dance still shape the way you approach creating and sharing music today?
Dance first and foremost taught me discipline. You can’t cut back on your studio time, make excuses, or give up. The same goes for music. You always have to be out there, putting in the work, refining and working on things over and over again until it feels right. It also taught me how to express my emotions physically, which I think helped me sing more authentically. When I make music, I’m always thinking about how it makes others feel and how it tells a story not just through sound but through movement and energy.
Coming from Burlington, Ontario, and breaking into the pop scene, how does your hometown influence your sound and the themes of your songs? Are there any local spots or experiences that inspire your creativity?
Burlington has a quiet, welcoming small-town energy that I love. I grew up here and loved the water and being so close to Toronto and Niagara Falls. There’s something about coming from a small place that never loses its sense of grounding, even when you have big dreams. There is also a place called Havilland Bay where my parents grew up and I love visiting there and have spent a lot of time there with my family. This place has given me the happiest memories ever and is the perfect place to relax and get inspired.
your instagram (@abbeyanderson.music) A glimpse into the creativity of you and your music. What is your most important creative ritual when writing songs, and how do you balance that with being a teenager?
To be honest, my creative ritual is very simple and usually starts with finding a quiet place, usually my room, and just feeling what’s going on in my head. You might head to the piano or strum the guitar to get a feel for the notes and melody. I jot down ideas and thoughts in my notes app or notebook, even if they’re messy or don’t make sense at first. Balancing being a teenager is very hectic, but fun. I mainly dance 5 days a week and although I still have a lot of homework to do, I enjoy going out with friends whenever I can. I think everything in my daily life provides me with the inspiration to create songs. Songwriting is a great escape for me.
The transition from the physicality of dance to the vulnerability of melody must have been a big change. How do elements of movement and rhythm from your dance background find their way into your pop production style?
Dance taught me rhythm before I understood rhythm. When I’m writing a song, I’m always thinking about not just how it should sound, but how it should move and feel. Sometimes I find myself choreographing in my head while listening to the beat. Dance also has a sense of storytelling, expressing something without words, and that carries over into my melodies. A lot of my vocal runs and rhythmic choices come from thinking about what emotion would look like if it were movement. It gives my music a blend of raw emotion and softness, which definitely comes from my dance roots.
Now that you’ve released 17 songs, what’s the most surprising fan reaction you’ve gotten so far? And how has putting your music out into the world changed the way you see yourself as an artist?
The most surprising response is that so many people of all ages really enjoy the song. Some people experienced the same feeling when they were around 17 years old, and some people remember when they were 17 years old. I wrote this song thinking it was very personal and specific to my experience, so hearing that it resonated with people was really moving and humbling for me.
By putting out music, I realized I was braver than I thought. I used to worry about whether people would understand me or judge me, but now I know that the more honest I am, the more people will connect. I realized that as long as I love what I do, I shouldn’t let anyone discourage me or take it away from me.
You’re carving your own path in the crowded pop landscape. Who are the artists (past or present) who inspire you and what unique twist do you hope to bring to the genre?
I’m inspired by artists who combine vulnerability with catchy melodies and lyrics that make you feel something. Artists like Gracie Abrams, Billie Eilish, Olivia Rodrigo, and Noah Kahan are just a few of the many.
The twist I want to bring is a combination of real, raw emotional storytelling that so many people have experienced or felt like at some point in their lives. I want my music to feel intimate and personal, like it’s telling your story.
What’s next for Abbey Anderson? Any dream collaborations, tour plans, or new music fans should look out for?
There will definitely be more music coming, 17 This was the third song I wrote and released. There are three so far, all from 2025. Dear Ex Lover and Butterflies are the other two. I’m working on some new songs that delve more into emotions, feelings, and experiences that many people can relate to.
If I had to choose one dream collaboration, it would be with Billie Eilish. I feel like she understands emotional pop in a very exciting way. As for performance, yes I would like to start doing more live performances, but right now I’m very busy with competitive dance with competition season coming up, but I’m going to find a way to get my music out there.
- Email: neill@outloudculture.com
Source: OutLoud! Culture – outloudculture.com
