“Lose Myself” represents the beginning of a relationship with someone, the song has a slow tempo, with light fluttering piano parts that symbolize the comfort and excitement of being in a new connection with someone, while still questioning if you’re going to take the relationship to the next level. Abby Litman says – “The chorus hook, ‘I dont wanna lose myself,’ becomes like a mantra in the forefront of my mind when getting into a new relationship. Reminding myself of my own needs and desires, while also feeling the excitement of the beginning stages of a romance.” There’s an easy going vibe to the song, the feeling of wanting to be open and not overthink entering a new relationship, which is contrasted with the lyrics, “moving slower than we want, hiding away,” where one may be afraid of letting go.
The song also takes the theme of letting go and connects it to life in general. Letting go of insecurities, thoughts that don’t serve yourself and feelings self doubt. “Lose Myself” is a song that realizes that you can change your mindset and choose to see things in a more positive way. Not only is it about the fear of entering a new relationship, it is also about anxiety about the future and not knowing if you’re doing enough to find “success.” The message of this song is to continue to continue to lose myself in joy, music and in life.
“Sequoia” is a classic relationship song that’s about being your own person, a reminder to anyone who has gone through a love affair or deep friendship that going through these relationships can bring us somewhere unexpected, sometimes even freedom, as the chorus states “I get to know myself more.”
The song is inspired by the ancient sequoia trees, the vastness of the Kings Canyon forest, an emotional breakup and an iPhone app that makes you look like you’ve aged sixty years. “Sequoia” features the rich playing of Sara Watkins on fiddle, adding sweeping melodies overtop a finger picked guitar instrumental. “Sequoia” is the second single off of forthcoming EP “Steady.”
“With its artistically wrought melody and lyrics, “Sequoia” is about the joys of being single, with the memory of romance lingering in the background.” – Americana Highways
Written in the vein of a classic protest song, “This Is Where I Stand” is one artist’s attempt at grappling with her family’s tragic history. It describes a return to the site of loss and trauma (in this case, the concentration camps of Nazi Germany) and the attempt to make sense of the incomprehensible.
Released as the first single in upcoming EP “Steady” in February 2024, “This Is Where I Stand,” not surprisingly, is filled with contradiction (“This is where you were trapped, this is where I’m free.”) But there’s also a sense of empowerment: “This is where you could not sing, this is where I could.” It’s a reclamation of one’s traumatic narrative and, above all, a declaration to never let anything like it happen again. With its universal themes and unapologetic folk roots, “This Is Where I Stand” can serve as an anthem for other oppressed peoples and social justice movements.
See the article in the Havurah Journal:
“In their footsteps: Abby Litman write music for her Ashkenazic heritage”
Abby Litman’s latest single, “Be Ok,” challenges the common refrain, “Oh, you’ll be okay.” Written about a breakup, the song captures all the highs and lows of moving on: adjusting, adapting, and, of course, the relentless second-guessing of one’s choices “I did the right thing,” Litman sings, “but I’m not okay.”
The single features bracingly-honest lyrics (“I wanna call him, say his name / But I don’t want an answer anyways”), shimmering electric guitar, and a driving drum beat. In the song’s breakdown, Litman repeats “I did the right thing,” over minor-sounding, unresolved accompaniment, as if to convince herself. Ultimately, the song resolves and so does the narrator’s self-doubt. With finality, Litman sings, “I did the right thing.”
“Still On My Mind” is a collection of songs from Abby Litman’s previous EP “On My Mind,” produced by Grammy-winner producer Tyler Chester, and new ones which reimagine those songs in a folk, Americana style. Each song tackles specific crossroads in life: a breakup (“Train”), a desire for independence while remembering a former lover (“Alright”), and an overwhelming anxiety about the future (“Troubles”). But, collected together here as an EP, these songs resonate beyond their individual meanings. This point is reinforced by the EP’s cover art: each song’s prior single artwork is fastened into one and turned upside down, a nod to the EP’s new arrangement. “Still On My Mind” takes on the qualities of a physical relic, a wooden chest that, when opened, reveals one artist’s meditations on love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness and one’s creative passion.
The Chester-produced songs tread from the brooding to the boisterous, supported by deep, spirited drums, intricate guitar lines, layered vocals, and Chester!s trademark intimate sound.”Train” includes Madison Cunningham on rhythm guitar, while”Alright” features Kyle Cranes animated drumming. Their re-imaginations, shaped by producer John Fatum, make great use of Nick Drake-like nylon guitars, Joni Mitchell-inspired harmonies, and light, intimate drumming. The minimalist arrangements highlight Litman’s heavy-hitting lyrics, which are at times wistful (“sleeping people dream their days gone, with the birds he sings along,”) biting (“did you find somewhere to go that made you feel alive?”), but always vulnerable (“Sometimes I wake up, feel like someone else … I am happy here, I can disappear.”)
“Still On My Mind” is exactly what it says it is: a portrait of the anxieties and concerns of a burgeoning artist. What’s surprising is how the EP manages to be both deeply personal and reflective of our present times. By offering reimagined arrangements, the EP gives listeners new insights and entryways into three already very good, and very catchy songs.
Check out Abby Litman’s interview on Boomerocity
Abby Litman’s EP “On My Mind” features three sonically-distinct songs that each tackle specific crossroads in life: a breakup (“Train”), a desire for independence while remembering a former lover (“Alright”), and an overwhelming anxiety about the future (“Troubles”). But, collected together here as an EP, these songs resonate beyond their individual meanings. This point is reinforced by the EP’s cover art: each song’s individual single artwork is fastened into one, distinct, textured whole. As a result, “On My Mind” takes on the qualities of a physical relic, a wooden chest that, when opened, reveals one artist’s meditations on love, loss, and the pursuit of happiness and creative passion.
Shaped by Grammy-nominated producer Tyler Chester, “On My Mind” treads from the brooding to the boisterous, supported by deep, spirited drums, intricate guitar lines, layered vocals, and Chester’s trademark intimate sound. “Train” includes Madison Cunningham on rhythm guitar, while “Alright” features Kyle Crane’s animated drumming. Litman soars on the EP, reaching peaks reminiscent of Joni Mitchell with her phrasing and melodic lines. Her lyrics are at times wistful (“sleeping people dream their days gone, with the birds he sings along,”) and biting (“did you find somewhere to go that made you feel alive?”), but always vulnerable (“Sometimes I wake up, feel like someone else … I am happy here, I can disappear.”)
“On My Mind” is exactly what it says it is: a portrait of the anxieties and concerns of a burgeoning artist. What’s surprising is how the EP manages to be both deeply personal and reflective of our present times, yet stunningly universal.