01Profile
A Jodie Abacus Photo
Jodie Abacus
Musician — London
03Interview
Where are you from?
A place called Lewisham in South East London. It’s full of pigeons, squirrels and chicken shops.
Describe your style in three words.
Refreshing. Melodic. Nourishing.
What was the first track you played on repeat?
I remember playing ‘Sweet Freedom’ by Michael McDonald loads of times, but I still mumble the damn words like I don’t know them.
What was your all-time favourite gig?
A Tribe Called Quest at Wireless in 2013.
Which British subculture means the most to you?
Ska, I guess.
How should your music be listened to?
As soon as you wake up in the morning …on the beach or on a boat…..looking at the sun.
What British music icons inspire your sound today?
Elton John & Paul McCartney have a great influence on the way I approach my songs I often wondered, especially with Paul McCartney, what he was talking about in his songs. You really care when you ask yourself "what the heck is he talking about."
If you could share the bill with any British band in history – who would it be?
Queen! When I see the video of them performing at Live Aid, I think “that’s how you have to step up on stage and shut it down!” Mind you…I’d rather go before them thanks.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
One record you would keep forever
‘Off the Wall’ by Michael Jackson
A song from your favourite album?
A Tribe Called Quest, Midnight Marauders - ‘We Can Get Down’
A song you wish you had written?
Donell Jones - ‘U Know What’s Up’..summer captured all in one song baby!
A music icon that has inspired you.
Paul McCartney. Amazing melodies that had me hooked from a child when my dad used to play his songs in the car.
What was the last piece of music you bought?
Niki & The Dove - ‘Play It on My Radio’. I actually bought the video it’s that good damn it!!
A song lyric that has inspired you.
Wanna be startin' somethin' - MJ
I was singing the wrong thing all these years until I saw the lyrics and was blown away...
"Billie Jean is always talkin'
When nobody else is talkin'
Tellin' lies and rubbin' shoulders
So they called her mouth a motor"
Who is your biggest inspiration musically?
Honestly… I think Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.. both were ahead of their time. Absolute marvels of sound and a buffet of melodies and lyrics.
Is there a song you like that people wouldn’t expect?
I love Stereolab’s song 'The Flower Called Nowhere' but then I LOVE Stereolab.
What music did you listen to growing up?
Stevie, Hall & Oats, Elton, Beatles, MJ, I could go on forever! All the greats.
Best love song of all time?
Chris Isaak - ‘Wicked Game’. Don’t you dare play this song if you’re with someone you don’t have any intention of falling in love with, it’ll trick you in to believing that you are. It’s that dangerous...
Best song to turn up loud?
Right now?…Busta Rhymes: AAAHHHH!!!
A British music icon that has inspired you.
Sampha
Best song to bring people together?
Bob Marley: ‘Get up, Stand up’.
03Interview
Where are you from?
A place called Lewisham in South East London. It’s full of pigeons, squirrels and chicken shops.
Describe your style in three words.
Refreshing. Melodic. Nourishing.
What was the first track you played on repeat?
I remember playing ‘Sweet Freedom’ by Michael McDonald loads of times, but I still mumble the damn words like I don’t know them.
What was your all-time favourite gig?
A Tribe Called Quest at Wireless in 2013.
Which British subculture means the most to you?
Ska, I guess.
How should your music be listened to?
As soon as you wake up in the morning …on the beach or on a boat…..looking at the sun.
What British music icons inspire your sound today?
Elton John & Paul McCartney have a great influence on the way I approach my songs I often wondered, especially with Paul McCartney, what he was talking about in his songs. You really care when you ask yourself "what the heck is he talking about."
If you could share the bill with any British band in history – who would it be?
Queen! When I see the video of them performing at Live Aid, I think “that’s how you have to step up on stage and shut it down!” Mind you…I’d rather go before them thanks.
04Playlist Notes
One record you would keep forever
‘Off the Wall’ by Michael Jackson
A song from your favourite album?
A Tribe Called Quest, Midnight Marauders - ‘We Can Get Down’
A song you wish you had written?
Donell Jones - ‘U Know What’s Up’..summer captured all in one song baby!
A music icon that has inspired you.
Paul McCartney. Amazing melodies that had me hooked from a child when my dad used to play his songs in the car.
What was the last piece of music you bought?
Niki & The Dove - ‘Play It on My Radio’. I actually bought the video it’s that good damn it!!
A song lyric that has inspired you.
Wanna be startin' somethin' - MJ
I was singing the wrong thing all these years until I saw the lyrics and was blown away...
"Billie Jean is always talkin'
When nobody else is talkin'
Tellin' lies and rubbin' shoulders
So they called her mouth a motor"
Who is your biggest inspiration musically?
Honestly… I think Stevie Wonder and Paul McCartney.. both were ahead of their time. Absolute marvels of sound and a buffet of melodies and lyrics.
Is there a song you like that people wouldn’t expect?
I love Stereolab’s song 'The Flower Called Nowhere' but then I LOVE Stereolab.
What music did you listen to growing up?
Stevie, Hall & Oats, Elton, Beatles, MJ, I could go on forever! All the greats.
Best love song of all time?
Chris Isaak - ‘Wicked Game’. Don’t you dare play this song if you’re with someone you don’t have any intention of falling in love with, it’ll trick you in to believing that you are. It’s that dangerous...
Best song to turn up loud?
Right now?…Busta Rhymes: AAAHHHH!!!
A British music icon that has inspired you.
Sampha
Best song to bring people together?
Bob Marley: ‘Get up, Stand up’.
Jodie Abacus - I'll Be That Friend (Official Video)
Jodie Abacus - She's In Love With The Weekend (Official Video)