Nashville-based LGBTQ+ indie-pop sensation Abby Nissenbaum is back in the limelight with her latest single, ‘Real Friends’, a poignant exploration of the intricacies and challenges of interpersonal relationships. Following a string of successful singles in 2023 that catapulted her into the spotlight of tastemaker music magazines, Abby continues to captivate audiences with her raw, emotion-driven songwriting and knack for crafting infectiously catchy tracks.
‘Real Friends’ is a melancholic indie-pop anthem that delves into the complexities of friendships and the painful process of navigating through their breakdown. Built on a minimalist yet effective backdrop of layered e-bow and finger-picked guitar, Abby’s heartfelt vocals take center stage, evoking a sense of yearning and vulnerability.
Engineered by Jonny Ullman and produced by Steph Trivison, the track captures a captivating fragility and rawness as Abby explores themes of betrayal, backstabbing, and broken trust. As the song progresses towards its climactic finale, subtle introductions of bass and kick enhance the emotional depth, while ethereal backing vocals add layers of texture and intensity.
In discussing the inspiration behind ‘Real Friends’, Abby reveals: “‘Real Friends’ explores the complicated, dissonant feelings surrounding people who once meant the world to you but are no longer in your life. The song touches on themes of betrayal, backstabbing, and broken trust, and someone told me a while back that so-called ‘friends’ who engage in such behaviour are not your true friends, just ‘some motherfuckers you know.’ It was such a simple and brusque statement that made me laugh during a hard time, and it’s a good reminder that while you can’t ‘un-know’ or ‘un-meet’ people who have caused you harm, you can relegate them to the category of ‘terrible individuals that [I] happen to know.'”
Abby’s introspective lyricism and candid storytelling shine through in ‘Real Friends’, offering listeners a glimpse into the universal experience of grappling with the complexities of human relationships. With its haunting melodies and poignant lyrics, the track serves as a reminder of the resilience and self-discovery that can emerge from moments of adversity.
As Abby continues to carve out her place in the indie-pop landscape, ‘Real Friends’ stands as a testament to her artistic growth and unwavering authenticity.
Listen below:
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