Abbe May by David Collins 10sm

Three Albums That Changed My Life: Abbe May

Award-winning Perth artist Abbe May has recently released a gorgeous new single, Are We Flirting? and is currently on the road for the first time in three years. Her last album, Kiss My Apocalypse came out back in 2013, and the artist has seen a remarkable transformation and journey in the years since. She will now be releasing her long-awaited fifth album, Bitchcraft, re-introducing herself to the world, having emerged from a self-destructive downward spiral. In a press release, May states, “I spent 2 years recovering by clearing everything out of my life that wasn’t working for me. I got rid of people, habits, attitudes and parts of my lifestyle that made me stressed or anxious or depressed. I’m actually so grateful the whole horror happened. I had to access my inner bitch in order to cut myself loose. That’s why the new album is called Bitchcraft. It would never exist if I hadn’t channeled the bitch.”

It’s safe to say that May’s journey is not only incredible and admirable in her own right – anyone who has ever found themselves in a similar place can no doubt attain to the immense difficult and determination of escaping – but inspiring for her audience, and for those who may be facing the same challenges.

The attitude and punch felt on this track, both lyrically and musically, is fucking cool and incredibly impressive. Observe:

We wanted to learn a little more about some of May’s own favourite albums, so we asked her to share three albums that changed her life.

Funkadelic, Maggot Brain

I don’t do drugs. But if I did, I would hope that my trippin’ would be something like the soundscape of this record. Deep, dark, profound, psychedelic, and at times, hilarious! This is definitely some of the funkiest shit I’ve ever heard and it’s a classic for a reason.

Dead Can Dance, Anastasis

I heard this for the first time two years ago while in London, and staying in an apartment in Soho. That handsome movie dude who was once married to Madonna was living in what I can only presume to be an unimaginably massive apartment above ours. I wanted to listen to lots of Madonna at the time because I love a bit of 80’s and early 90’s Madonna in particular, but I also didn’t want to be a jerk. Who knows – maybe her ex husband still hurt from the divorce? You know? No need to be an asshole. Anyway, I looked around for alternatives and I saw this record and gave it a spin and I tell you no word of a lie – I have listened to this album in its entirety EVERY.GODDAMN.DAY. SINCE. and I am all the better for it. It has changed my soul. Check out Kiko in particular.

Amy Winehouse, Back To Black

Because she had it all. Her talent was immense. Her voice, her lyrics –

“He left no time to regret
Kept his dick wet
With his same old safe bet”
Her iconic style.

I don’t tend to lament the deaths of celebrities. But she was more than a celebrity. She was a truly great artist and this album is absolutely magnificent. What a talented woman. I wish she hadn’t died.

Abbe May is currently on tour, the remaining dates are as follows:

FRI JUL 8: Northcote Social Club, Melbourne
With Bec Sandridge and Jack Stirling & The perfect
Tickets

FRI JUL 15: Mojo’s Bar, Fremantle
With Bec Sandridge and ABACAXUVA
Tickets

Image: David Collins