Meet Abby Christo

We recently connected with Abby Christo and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Abby , so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?

I have found exercise to be incredible for me and my effectiveness. It keeps me clear-headed, more energised, focussed and keeps me afloat throughout my chaotic busy weeks.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a New Zealand raised, Nashville based country singer/songwriter and recording artist. My music is influenced by artists such as Dolly Parton, Kacey Musgraves, and Shania Twain and my songwriting channels girl power and nostalgia, along with heartache and falling in love.

I first stepped into the spotlight in 2015 on X- Factor NZ as part of a duo called Mae Valley. We signed to Sony Music, toured New Zealand and got to open for Keith Urban, Carrie Underwood and Kelsea Ballerini.

We went solo shortly after this and I released my first solo single in 2019. Since then, I have had over 5.6 million streams played my first solo headline show, major festivals alongside Morgan Wallen, Zac Brown Band and Ashley McBryde, and moved to Nashville Tennessee to keep chasing the dream!

I love every aspect of my career and I am so grateful for how far I have come. But the highlights would be songwriting, and getting the opportunity to play my original music live. I also love putting together each project (whether that is a show, a single release, or an EP). The planning, art and excitement leading up to each project is so exciting and rewarding.

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?

I would put resilience and patience in the same category because it is a combined quality that you HAVE to have to make it through a career like the music industry. There are constant knock backs, a lot of “no”s, and good things take time. It’s important to be able to trust in your own ability and not let the tough parts of it all make you give up. Too many amazing, talent people give up because they don’t just keep going.

Songwriting. This has really helped me in so many ways. It helps me build my own brand, it gets me into rooms with other artists and songwriters, and it keep me creative and learning. This is a huge part of my brand, that I love writing my own stories.

Confidence!! (even if its fake haha). There are so many times in the industry that you have to show up to places alone, or get up on a stage in from of a lot of people, sell your craft, and just be confident. I struggle with it at times but you have to learn to switch it on. It’ll be your best friend. And is just as important as your talent sometimes.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

Honestly, just let me choose my own path and supported me no matter what that path was. I am beyond grateful for my parents and the way they encourage me every day to live a life that makes me happy, and to fulfil my dreams.
They are my cheerleaders and I often wonder if I would have given up by now if it weren’t for them reminding me how long I have been passionate or that life is too short not to share the gift you were given. They always taught me not to waste my potential.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Personal photo – Jasmine Twineham

Stage photo – Jasmine Twineham

Black and white – Jay Seeney (Blacklist Productions)

With guitar sat down – Jeremy Dillon

In front of barn – Jasmine Twineham

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