Your Monday dose of new music is here. ‘Money’ is the latest release from Abz Winter, a BIMM Birmingham Diploma graduate and soon to be BIMM Manchester student. Listen to the track and discover more about it below.
What was your inspiration when you began writing the track?
The lyrics are inspired by observations I have made over the few years that I have been in this industry. It’s around people’s desire for ‘Money’, power and attention as they dissemble, distract and confuse those around them, which far outweighs their desire to be liked. I have learnt very quickly that the only people who really have your back are family.
Are there any artists that inspire you when writing?
Honestly, I don’t take inspiration from other artists; I see what flows to melodies as I make them and use past experiences. I love the way artists like Olivia O’Brien are really sassy and just say it how it is, which I am doing now more than ever.
What is key to your sound, and how do you make your music stand out?
The key to my sound is a synth-type beat, but it has to be pop. I like music you can dance to, and although my lyrics are darker, the beats behind the lyrics encourage you to move; that’s what makes me different, I think. Matt Waddell of 14 Records (the Producer I work with) really gets my style and makes sure the songs link through their sound.
How does your songwriting process work?
At 14, I had a masterclass with Jin Jin, who encouraged me to make notes of everything using my phone. So when I’m songwriting, I listen to beats and write what comes out of my head onto my phone. I then sing into my voice notes, sit down later and make it make sense on paper, using previous notes to develop it.
Describe your sound in 3 words…
Dark, Dance, Sassy.
How has studying at BIMM helped you develop as an artist?
Being at BIMM has helped me discover how important all the other instruments are in songs, songwriting and delivering my sound. I especially love the BASS. I have also grown in confidence. Through working with Kieron Pepper and Kris Tomkinson over the last year, I have 10 new songs ready that I’m confident about for release this year. All of them are different and give off Boss energy.
What’s next for you?
Just this week, I have supported the Lightning Seeds at the Coventry Cathedral Ruins as part of Terry Hall’s Home Sessions for Coventry City Of Culture 2021 (picked from over 120 acts). I also sang for Royalty as part of the City of Culture 2021 events.
I have a few festivals lined up this summer, and I’m working on establishing myself as a professional artist, getting my music heard by the right people and gaining a good following. All being well, I’m off to BIMM Manchester or London in September to do Music Performance & Music Business.
