A rising star in the UK’s alt-pop scene, Absolutely is carving out a name for herself with her striking sound and strong artistic vision. Born Abby-Lynn Keen, she first caught attention with her stage name inspired by a love of tequila. With her second album, Paracosm, on the way, Absolutely is more than just a fresh face in pop—she’s ready to dominate the industry. During an interview, Absolutely opens up about her journey, influences, and the themes explored in her music, revealing a young artist unafraid to take creative risks.
Paracosm: A Deep Dive into Absolutely’s Artistic Vision
Absolutely’s upcoming album, Paracosm, is a bold exploration of pop, electronic, R&B, and soul. Its title, inspired by the concept of an imaginary world, reflects the artist’s expansive creativity and personal journey. Throughout the album, she grapples with themes of heartbreak, identity, and resilience. “It’s a freedom album,” she explains, emphasizing her desire to break free from the expectations of others and boldly express herself.
The album’s evolution was not without its challenges. After two hard drive crashes and multiple conceptual shifts, Paracosm emerged with its definitive sound. It’s a record deeply shaped by Absolutely’s experiences in the industry, and it’s clear that her growth as an artist is tied to her rejection of external pressures.
A Journey from Shy Teen to Pop Prodigy
Absolutely’s path to stardom began in her family’s backyard, where she wrote and produced songs starting at the age of 13. Despite her shyness, music provided a creative outlet and a means of self-expression. At 16, she signed a publishing deal and quickly learned how to produce her own tracks, eventually working with renowned artists like David Guetta, Anitta, and Normani. These collaborations helped her hone her songwriting skills and navigate the complexities of the music industry.
It wasn’t until she teamed up with producer Dave Hamelin that her musical identity truly took shape. The pair worked together on Paracosm, with Hamelin’s production adding depth and texture to Absolutely’s evolving sound. Through her work with Paracosm, Absolutely showcases a newfound confidence, both in her creative process and in her vocal delivery. “I’m a boss when I’m in the studio,” she says, revealing how she’s learned to assert herself and trust her instincts.
Exploring New Facets of Herself
Absolutely’s music is a reflection of her personal growth. On tracks like “Prototype,” a sleek, electronic pop anthem, she embraces a more assertive, even cocky persona, firing back at critics and asserting her individuality. The track highlights a side of Absolutely that feels both playful and powerful. “It was cool to show a different side of me,” she says, acknowledging that it’s important to reveal the full spectrum of her identity.
However, the album isn’t just about boldness. On tracks like “No Audience,” Absolutely delves into the feeling of longing and isolation, drawing on her personal experiences of self-doubt. “I think a lot of people know that feeling of waiting for their true partner,” she says of the song, which has become a fan favorite.
Learning from Family and Navigating the Spotlight
Absolutely is not alone on her journey. Her older sister, pop star RAYE, has paved the way, showing her the ropes of navigating the complexities of the music industry. The two share a close-knit bond, and Absolutely admits that RAYE’s experiences have helped her deal with similar challenges. “I’ve been learning from my sister,” she shares, pointing to RAYE’s boldness in handling difficult situations as a source of inspiration.
Though Absolutely shares some similarities with RAYE, her voice and lyrical style remain uniquely hers. While RAYE’s lyrics often tackle hard-hitting themes, Absolutely’s music is more introspective, with dreamy and romantic tones. The contrast between the two highlights Absolutely’s distinct artistic voice, but it’s clear that the Keen sisters have a shared commitment to authenticity and self-expression.
Conclusion
Absolutely’s rise in the UK pop scene is a testament to her unique blend of creativity, resilience, and authenticity. With Paracosm set to make waves, it’s clear that this alt-pop artist has carved out a space for herself. Whether on stage or in the studio, Absolutely is proving that she’s more than ready for the spotlight and the world is listening.
