For Abby Kinley, music has always been more than a hobby—it was the constant she carried through a childhood marked by frequent moves. Each new city meant starting over, but songwriting gave her a sense of home she could bring anywhere. What began as a way to process displacement became the foundation of a career now taking root in Nashville, where Kinley is transforming personal upheaval into poignant indie-pop.
Kinley’s sound is both intimate and atmospheric, drawing from the smoky soul of Amy Winehouse and the layered introspection of Radiohead. It’s a combination that allows her songs to feel deeply personal yet universally resonant. She doesn’t just recount stories; she places listeners inside the moment—the thrill of a new connection, the quiet ache of an abrupt ending, the raw courage of sharing something true. “A lot of my songs are personal,” she admits. “It’s been a challenge to share them and expose myself.” That vulnerability is what gives her work its unmistakable pull.
Unlike many rising artists chasing algorithms, Kinley is building her presence the old-fashioned way—through live performance. Her proudest memories aren’t tied to streaming milestones but to nights in Nashville’s intimate venues, where she’s seen strangers become fans in real time. Sometimes it’s a quiet nod, other times a heartfelt message after the show: “I felt that too.” Those small exchanges affirm that her music is more than confession—it’s connection.
While she’s still studying, Kinley is steadily writing, performing, and shaping the next phase of her sound. A recent Amy Winehouse cover hints at the jazzy undertones she’s weaving into her music, adding depth to her indie-pop roots. With graduation approaching, her plan isn’t to “try” music full-time—it’s to live it, with the same conviction that has guided her since childhood.
Abby Kinley may have traveled across the country to find her place, but in the process, she’s found something even more enduring: a voice that can make any stage, room, or set of headphones feel like home.
Follow Abby Kinley’s journey at local Nashville venues and on streaming platforms.
“Take risks. It’s ok to fail every once in a while.”
— Abby Kinley
