Abby Paradise on Forging Her Own Sound, and the Pop Star Academy Experience

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

Several factors can lead to one’s potential recognition in the Western pop music scene. For some, it’s an organic display of vocal power. For others, it’s the performance aspect through dance. However, one thing that’s proven to be crucial to a modern popstar is the notion of star power — that magnetic, charming quality that keeps audiences invested in the trajectory of an artist.

In the influential world of K-pop, all those intricate attributes are intended to merge to create a new blueprint for well-rounded artists whose talent simply can’t be denied. This was the exact purpose of the recent global girl group experiment from mega-labels HYBE x Geffen (under the K-pop training structure), along with its raw Netflix docuseries detailing the rigorous process dubbed Pop Star Academy.

While a large portion of viewers entered the pre-debut series knowing the official lineup selection for the six-member group (officially labeled KATSEYE), what they didn’t anticipate was the unforgettable inclusion of several other gifted artists — including the bubbly sincerity of one standout contestant by the name of Abby Paradise.

Having candidly acknowledged that she entered the project with less training than some of her peers, Abby consistently proved her evolving talents by showcasing a top-notch work ethic, fearless application of vocals, willingness to learn, and a down-to-earth vulnerability that won the hearts of her trainers, fellow trainees, and eventually, audiences through Pop Star Academy.

Now, the young artist is finally able to reflect on her high-stakes training experiences while applying these lessons to her blossoming solo career with captivating retro-twinged tracks like “Break the Curse,” or the entrancing single “Zero Chill.” And because of the fact that she’s already crafting her own authentic identity through these infectious tracks, we’re extremely confident that Abby is capable of thriving all on her own.

Abby Paradise (@abby.saltzman)

Congratulations on such an exciting year so far! Within a few months, you’ve gained a lot of support through Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE and you’ve also dropped several enigmatic, genre-fusing tracks as a soloist! What would you say has been the best part about this new chapter of your career?

Abby Paradise: Thank you so much, that means alot to me. Yes, this new solo journey since my trainee days with HYBE x Geffen has been quite an adventure with many beautiful moments and challenges. I have released three songs [“Zero Chill,” “Break the Curse,” and “Fall Behind”], two official music videos, and I am currently working on my debut album which is so exciting. I would say the best part about this new chapter of my career has been to be able to dive deep into my own personal artistry and really discover myself in the process. As a solo artist, it’s been fun to be able to reconnect with my roots and remind myself of what inspired me to want to be an artist in the first place. Being able to incorporate things from my childhood… the musical and cultural influences, the art that has inspired me over the years, and putting all of this into my music, has been a beautiful experience.

You have a lot to be proud of as one of the first talented trainees to be selected for HYBE x Geffen, which is a massive career-building experience! Is there something you learned from that process that helped shape you into the artist you are today?

Abby Paradise:Being a HYBE x Geffen trainee for about a year was such a life-changing experience with so many beautiful memories. I started the program when I was only 16, so I was just a ‘baby.’ Coming from a really small town in Colorado, I had always dreamed of being a singer and performer, but I didn't have those opportunities available and the resources to actually pursue my dreams. This [Training and Development] program showed me that my dreams were possible and that with hard work, determination and belief in myself, anything is possible. I had a really difficult time when I first started the program, because I was the only person, at that time, brought in with no professional singing or dance training… so I had a lot of catching up to do. I was a bit of the underdog.

This program taught me the importance of a strong work ethic and unwavering belief in myself. Outside of the intense dance, vocal and performance training we were already doing, I would put in countless hours on the weekends too. I also learned the importance of knowing that your worth is in yourself. As trainees, we received continual feedback, both positive and negative. I would use this feedback to grow and improve myself, but I always understood that at the heart of everything, my worth was in myself and who I am as a person. Knowing this, made me fearless. And by that I mean ‘to be fearless despite being afraid,’ YOLO! The program challenged me to go outside of my comfort zone and to never say I can’t. I did these things for my dream and for the 12-year-old Abby who would be so proud of how far I have come. 

You’re also one of the trainees who entered the project with respect for the world of K-pop, and that level of passion is something that instantly resonated with viewers! Now that you’ve been both a fan and trainee under one of the biggest K-pop companies – what would you say is the biggest misconception people might have about the ‘idol’ system?

Abby Paradise: Ever since I was a little girl, I dreamed of being in a girl group. So becoming a trainee for HYBE x Geffen was a dream come true. At a young age, I fell in love with K-pop through BTS. They were such an inspiration to me. Globally, BTS brought so many people together from diverse backgrounds and cultures, through one commonality, the love of music. I’ve always believed in the healing power of music and I hope when other young girls watch Pop Star Academy they are inspired by my story of resilience and I hope they see that anything is possible if you work hard and believe in yourself. 

I’d say one of the biggest misconceptions about this training program is that people tend to focus on the glitz and glam of being an idol. I think people don’t realize the amount of sacrifice and hard work that is required to be a trainee. For me personally, I left everything behind… my friends, family, and high school years to start a new life in pursuit of this dream. The most valuable thing in life is time, and you have to be willing to give up a lot of your time and relationships to chase this dream, not really knowing if it will work out. So it is all a risk and it requires a certain amount of mental strength as well. But despite how hard it was, my times as a trainee were some of the best times of my life. I was so inspired by these talented girls from all around the world following their dreams. We all went through such an intense and unique experience together, that no one outside of the T&D program can really understand, and through it, these girls became like sisters to me. I just wanted us all to be in one humongous girl group together [laughs].

Abby Paradise (@abby.saltzman)

Since then, you’ve really found your voice as a thriving soloist. That being said, do you ever see yourself pursuing that group path again? Or do you feel like you’re more focused on developing as a solo artist?

Abby Paradise: At this moment in time I’m really focused on my solo career. I’m loving just getting to be myself and doing what I love. It’s been fun exploring different genres and getting back to my roots. I'm really grateful for getting to express myself in ways I’ve always dreamed of doing — songwriting, making my own music, getting to direct my own music videos and creative direct my album covers. It makes me so happy and I’m excited for what is yet to come. But of course, I always loved the idea of being in a group and sharing that experience with other band members. I think there's something really special about that connection and friendship, so if I had the opportunity present itself, I would definitely consider it. I’m always up for an adventure!

Your solo work feels very fresh, and charismatic with a lot of nods to various genres that you might not find in today’s current pop music trends. How would you describe the core ‘Abby Paradise’ sound?

Abby Paradise: I think the core ‘Abby Paradise’ sound is very unique and somewhat indescribable. It reflects who I am as a person and what I have been through. I have very unique tones in the way I sing, these tones evoke a feeling of untamed youth, realness, and a certain rawness that gives it a sense of relatability. Songwriting is my form of therapy and is my own personal diary. These songs represent different parts of my life and moments in time.

Growing up, my parents always surrounded me with music, and it was such an important part of my life. I grew up listening to alot of indie music, punk rock, alternative, grunge and country. Some of my favs were The Pixies, The Velvet Underground, Bob Dylan, the Smiths, Beck, Radiohead, and Johnny Cash. I think being exposed to so many iconic musicians at a young age really inspired me to be the artist I am today. I like to show my personality in my sound and songwriting, and I like to give it power but also a sense of sass and fun. 

The music video for your single “Zero Chill” has already garnered over a million views which is such a massive accomplishment, especially for a debut song! What did you initially hope to convey through your debut track?

Abby Paradise: I was really excited to release my first debut track Zero Chill. It felt so freeing to finally share with the world what I had been working on. After all the years of hard work, training, and sacrifice, I feel like “Zero Chill” was my own personal ‘you are ready’ moment. I wanted “Zero Chill” to be a fun indie pop song about letting loose. I took some inspiration from the 90’s and included a really fun rap. The song itself is about letting go of the stresses of life and just having fun, not everything has to be so serious and complicated. It's okay to say it's too much at times and take a break. Life is so precious, it's important to enjoy it. I hope that “Zero Chill” helps people let loose and if there's someone with zero chill in your life, you can be like ‘baby you have zero chill.’ I had a lot of fun creating the music video and directing it with my dad. Growing up I loved this action movie from the 60’s called Danger: Diabolik and I drew inspiration from it for the music video.

I have to say that I’m really drawn to “Break The Curse,” because it leans into some fun punk/alt-pop ideas and it feels like a natural fit for your unique vocal range! How did this song come together – and what does the track represent to you?

Abby Paradise: I really really love this track. I’m obsessed with the rock vibes and it is a nod to some of my early inspirations like the Ramones, the Pixies, the Stooges, and Nirvana. It’s saying, I’m in control of my own life and I don’t have to conform or be a certain way, you should want me for who I am, not who you want me to be. “Break the Curse” is my spirit animal. I feel like I'm this kind soul, very sweet and polite, but there is also this other side to me that sometimes wants to rage too.

When I was little I loved this anime series called Aggretsuko about a little red panda named Retsuko who works in the accounting department by day and by night unleashes her inner rage singing death metal at a karaoke bar. This track conveys that duality in me that is definitely soft, kind, sweet energy by day — meets strong, powerful and determined by night. This is the vibe of “Break the Curse.” Also, the music video for this song just came out, so go check it out. I’m so beyond proud of this music video which was directed by myself and my dad and inspired by my love of vintage slasher/vampire films. It’s giving Dazed and Confused meets X meets cool-girl-vampire. Let’s Break this Curse!

Abby Paradise (@abby.saltzman)

Your recent song “Fall Behind” shows a somber, reflective side of your artistry that balances out your other upbeat tracks. How do some of the themes of “Fall Behind” connect with you on a personal level?

Abby Paradise: For me personally, songwriting is a way in which I process and let my emotions out. I'm the type of person who wants to seem really strong on the outside for others, so I don't really talk about my emotions and I internalize a lot of things. “Fall Behind” is a song about letting go and the process of healing. It's okay to acknowledge the beauty in what once was, but you also have to move on and look forward. You have to let those memories fall behind. “Fall Behind” was something really special to me because it was my way of saying goodbye to a chapter in my life that was beautiful yet very hard.

I had a difficult time adjusting to life after the Pop Star Academy and this song really helped me cope. I’m grateful for the memories that I made in the T&D program and they will forever be in my heart, but it is time to say goodbye to that chapter of my life and move on. On the cover photo of “Fall Behind” I am wearing the shirt I was eliminated in, I did this to symbolize the deeper meaning of this song to me. Everything happens for a plan and I truly believe the best is yet to come. This song is there to help anybody who is also having a hard time letting go or is stuck in that in-between place of still holding on. It’s time to let the memories “Fall Behind.”

From your social media presence, to your time training under HYBE, and even your recent music videos, it’s clear that you’re a natural entertainer! How much of an emphasis do you place on the performance aspect of being an artist? Does that element influence the production process at all?

Abby Paradise: Since I was a little girl, I have always loved to perform for others and felt so at home and happy onstage. ‘Star Quality’ was one of the reasons I was brought on to Pop Star Academy. As a trainee for HYBE x Geffen, performance training was part of our regular instruction. I think the performance aspect of being an artist is very important. Performance is a way to really connect with your fans and show both your artistry and vulnerability.

As an artist, I am so grateful for all of the fans and people who have supported me on my musical journey. I want to give them the very best performance that I can deliver, because I am so appreciative of all of the love and support they have shown. For me, dance is another passion I have and is also a vital part of performance. I love to incorporate choreographies into my live performances and also my music videos. To me, dance is its own art form that can add so much energy, emotion, and raw beauty to a song. 

Finally, what’s one short-term goal – and one long-term goal that you’ve set for yourself as a new artist?

Abby Paradise: A short-term goal for me would be to debut my first album and also start to do more live shows so I can meet all of my amazing fans. I can’t wait! I would also love to collaborate with another artist on a song. Some long-term goals for me would be to perform at Coachella. I would also love to be signed with a major label and to perform to sold-out stadiums one day soon. And mostly, I just want to share my music with the world, and I hope my art can inspire, heal, and uplift others.