Australian singer-songwriter Abbe May says she replaced her drummer with a drum machine after he said her visuals were “too gay”.
In a statement Abbe said, “I had a drummer once tell me to not make my visuals ‘too gay’. I replaced him with a drum machine and I have at times cloaked my own identity too! I don’t want to hide anymore. I am proud and ‘Fruit’ is my way of showing my face without shame. This record is freedom for me and I hope it helps others too.”
On her new album ‘Fruit’ Abbe is “declaring her identity”. “The album is a declaration of identity,” she says. “These songs are stories from my life. Some true, some exaggerated, but always for a purpose. ‘Fruit’ is an expression of sexuality. I’ve had industry collaborators tell me to be ambiguous about this side of myself so as not to alienate fans who might be turned off me.”
The key song from the album is ‘Seventeen’. “It took 30 years to be in a position to write this song. It’s intended as a letter for my niece to read when she turns 17, 21 and 28. It’s a love letter detailing all the stupid and wonderful things I’ve done in my life. If she ever doubts herself, she’ll have this song to remind her everyone struggles but that it is finding purpose, not pleasure or happiness that makes life worth living.” said Abbe.
ABBE MAY ‘FRUIT’ TOUR
Wednesday, February 14 Perth Festival, Perth, WA
Friday, February 16 Ed Castle, Adelaide, SA
Saturday, February 17 Clancy’s, Dunsborough, WA
Friday, February 23 Yah Yah’s, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday, February 24 Hobart Brewing Co, Hobart, TAS
Thursday, March 8 Lansdowne Hotel, Sydney, NSW
Saturday, March 10 Cambridge Hotel, Newcastle, NSW
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