Meet Abby Berman

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Abby Berman. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Abby below.

Abby, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?

I think most artists can relate. Artistic minds see art in everything. I’m always trying to see the beauty in an interaction, a struggle, a human connection, a heartache, a life experience. People who are creative process things creatively.

When writing music, I never know what is going to inspire me, but I try to take the time to reflect on my experiences daily. Sometimes it’s just stepping back from my life, almost zooming out, and seeing how fortunate I am. Sometimes I have to see my life like I’m a character in my own story, what is it that I’m thinking and feeling? How does my environment play a role in that story? What conversations am I having with myself? It’s very cathartic, and even meditative sometimes.

Even though I am an adult woman, I still encourage myself to be a dreamer. It feels indulgent, almost decadent, to allow myself to be so hopeful and optimistic.

One of my daily goals is to make sure that everything I put into my brain is meaningful and can help me create something of value. I try to cut out what I would consider junk as much as possible. The theory is: if I’m feeding my brain junk, that’s what going to come out of it. I try to listen to artists that speak truth and boldly share the human experience of their lives. I try to read books and poetry that force me to slow down and contemplate.

I think it’s important to not force inspiration and creativity. Force yourself to reflect and the inspiration and creativity show up for the party. It’s not always that easy. I’m lucky, in that I’m in a position that I don’t feel forced to create. Creating is the gift I give myself.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m a singer-songwriter out of Los Angeles. I love it! My music is mostly piano based with thoughtful lyrics and emotive vocals. If you like Regina Spektor, Amy Winehouse or Fiona Apple, you might like what I have to offer!

Currently, I’m working on recording a new album that is more pop focused than what I’ve released in the past. I’ll be releasing singles on the way, so please look out for them and listen!

I’m also extremely proud of being a high school english teacher here in Los Angeles. While it’s not a career in music, I get to do something that feels meaningful and inspires me.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

1. Listen to the best musicians (or the experts in your field).

This goes back to what I said before. Feed your mind with the best quality brain food that exists. Train your brain to have good taste! I primarily identify as a songwriter, so quality songwriting is what I listen for most. I grew up listening to a lot of the greats: Bob Dylan, Carole King, Jim Croce, The Beatles, Paul Simon, Billy Joel, Elton John, Bonnie Raitt, etc. All top-notch songwriters. My brain understands what a great song is, so that’s what my brain tries to create.

2. Trust other talented people around you and collaborate as much as possible.

There is something magical that happens when we trust other people with our art. I am completely content with the understanding that I don’t know everything and I can’t do everything. No one does, and no one can. There are so many people in the world who are experts at things I wish I could do. It’s their skills and expertise that turn something that I have created into something beyond what I could have imagined. When we collaborate and appreciate others for their gifts, we are able to form something that would be impossible to create on our own. The final product grows exponentially in creativity and value.

3. You are the best at what you do. No one can do what you do the way you do it.

I wish I could take credit for this one, but this gem is from the great Rick Rubin. This idea has been my mantra lately. It’s so easy to compare yourself to anyone and everyone who is doing something in the same vein as your art. There is no need to compete. And it’s a sweet relief, a burden lifted, to know that you are the only one with your specific brain, heart, experiences and skills. It feels good to know that it’s ok that you can’t do all of the things that you see other artists doing. What you have to offer can’t be replicated and it’s priceless.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

Controlled breathing. It has changed my life.

I usually do the 4-7-8 method (breath in slowly to the count of 4, hold to the count of 7, breath out slowly to the count of 8). I do it multiple times a day, every day.

I’m naturally a pretty anxious person and occasionally deal with panic attacks. In the past few years I’ve tried to do regular body check-ins. If I’m feeling anxious or stressed I try to be consciously aware of it instead of letting instinct take over. 99% of the time, if I do some deep breathing I’m able to reset my mental pace and calm down. It feels like real-world magic!

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Posed photos: Carlos Ponce
www.carlosponcephoto.com

Live photos: Heidi Hart
www.hhartphotography.com

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