Premiere: Nashville’s Kelsey Abbott Finds Release in Impassioned Alt-Rock Anthem “Distractions”

An undeniable sense of urgency ripples through Kelsey Abbott’s new single “Distractions,” soaking the ears in a feverish whirlwind of passion and unrest.

for fans of Charli Adams, Holly Humberstone, Soccer Mommy

Stream: “Distractions” – Kelsey Abbott

“Distractions” takes an anthemic approach on my journey to self-awareness.

An undeniable sense of urgency ripples through Kelsey Abbott’s latest single, soaking the ears in a feverish whirlwind of passion and unrest. A dynamic outpouring of intimate energy, “Distractions” delves deep into the depths of the self as the singer/songwriter reckons with solitude, a nonstop mind, and her relationship with herself.

There’s a stain on my carpet
From the night you got piss drunk in my room
Honestly, I kinda like it
When I look down it reminds of you

There’s still a piece of confetti
On my walk from the party I threw last year
Some people think I’m crazy
I never took it down so it’s like they’re still here

Atwood Magazine is proud to be premiering “Distractions,” the latest single from Nashville-based Kelsey Abbott. An alternative rock singer/songwriter along the likes of Charli Adams and Julian Baker, Abbott debuted with the EP Dreaming with My Eyes in April 2019, and has been steadily tearing it up in Music City ever since.

“Distractions” is Abbott’s first release in nearly a year, following last October’s standalone single, “All My Friends.” An introspective immersion working through moments of solitude, isolation, and self-reflection, the song documents Abbott’s process of emotional growth and maturity in the moment. She rises in a radiant chorus, her voice soaring over glistening, overdriven guitars and a pulsing rhythm section.

I don’t know what to do with myself these days
‘Cause nothing is happening
If I have what everybody wants
Then why do I need all these distractions?

There’s this dream I keep having
You always show up just right on time
I wake up sleep talking
Wishing it was the middle of the night

“‘Distractions’ takes an anthemic approach on my journey to self-awareness,” Abbott tells Atwood Magazine. “Lyrically, this song reflects a light-hearted way to deal with the emotions I was distracting myself from. I wrote this song during a time in my life when I found it hard to be alone because my thoughts tended to feel overwhelming. I allowed myself to ask some of the harder questions during the writing process which is where the hook line comes from – “If I have what everybody wants then why do I need all these distractions?”. Songwriting is always very therapeutic for me and writing these lyrics helped me process my emotions and move forward. I did this by reminiscing on old memories and realizing not everything always has to be so serious.”

“The full production of “Distractions” features distorted guitars and rhythmic bass lines to intensify the story line. My producer Bryce Dubray and I watched the song come to life during the recording process as it transformed into something completely different than what we originally expected.”

I don’t know what to do with myself these days
Cause nothing is happening
If I have what everybody wants
Then why do I need all these distractions?

I already know what you’re gonna say so
There’s no need to open your mouth
Pardon my judgement if you can’t hear
the words I’m screaming out

It can be hard to exist in the comfort of oneself; to lie with your thoughts, without the 21st Century’s million and one distractions. Abbott’s unflinchingly honest approach captures the raw intensity of such intimacy; she conveys a feeling many of us know all-too well, and we don’t always feel uneasy about solitude, certainly the past eighteen-plus months have given all of us more than our fair share of alone time.

Even more notable than Abbott’s message is her exceptional musical talent: The artist churns, roars, and soars throughout this heated track that meets its fiery crescendo in a short, dramatic guitar solo and extended final chorus. It’s a welcome reprieve – an emotional release that leaves us a little more free from ourselves and the feelings that eat us up from the inside out. Kelsey Abbott’s story is only getting started, and we can’t wait to come along for the ride.

For now, stream “Distractions” exclusively on Atwood Magazine!

I don’t know what to do with myself these days
Cause nothing is happening
If I have what everybody wants
Then why do I need all these distractions?

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Stream: “Distractions” – Kelsey Abbott

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