Artist Glimpse - Abby Stewart
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Abby Stewart has carved out a space in Canada’s country music scene with a voice that’s both powerful and emotionally raw. From Kingston, Ontario to festival stages like Boots and Hearts, she’s shared the spotlight with artists like Hunter Hayes and Brett Kissel—proving she’s not just rising, she’s resonating.
Her music blends clever lyricism with heartfelt storytelling, whether she’s delivering a fiery anthem or interpreting a Nashville-penned ballad like “Love’s Gone.” With each release, Abby invites listeners into her world—not just as a performer, but as a woman navigating love, growth, and independence.
Rob Aguiar: Your 2023 single “Love’s Gone”—written by Kelsea Ballerini, Nancy Peacock, and Brad Ellis—opens with “Been there, done that, I ain't going back.” What made you say, “This is my story to tell”? Would you consider sharing an acoustic version?
Abby Stewart: I LOVE THIS SONG! I’m so honoured I got to make it my own. I first heard it in a Nashville pitch meeting and instantly connected. I’ve had a few relationships end… let’s say oddly, and the lyrics felt like reclaiming your power. It’s something I want to belt out on every stage. Having Kelsea Ballerini as a co-writer was a bonus, and working with Nancy Peacock since then has been amazing.
RA: Your songs often carry emotional weight. How do you tap into vulnerable moments and shape them into lyrics that connect?
AS: I think we all tend to feel embarrassed or ashamed about certain emotions. We either avoid talking about them or don’t know how to share them. But it’s important to remember we’re all navigating life together, and letting yourself feel what you need to can help someone else going through the same thing. Your words might be what they need.
When I want to write about something meaningful, I tap into the emotions it brings up. You have to feel it to express it honestly. Lately, I’ve been writing about my mental health, which means confronting things I’d rather avoid. But releasing those feelings lightens the mental load. Writing is a kind of therapy—it helps untangle the mess in your head. You have to be vulnerable with yourself first.
RA: Is there a piece of advice or lesson that’s stuck with you?
AS: One of the best pieces of advice came when I was 13 in Nashville. Deric Ruttan told me to “Write write write.” Anything is worth jotting down. I’ve kept a notebook by my bed ever since—ideas often hit as I’m drifting off.
RA: If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and what kind of song would you create?
AS: My answer for collaboration is always gonna be Bryan Adams. He was my first concert when I was 3 years old, and I have seen him about 6-7 more times since then. My parents would rock me to sleep singing songs of his, and as a toddler and kid I’d belt out his CDs from the backseat. His music just makes me so happy, and he’s the reason I’m singing today, with rock influences in my music.
For songwriting, Liz Rose is my dream collaborator. She’s written for Taylor Swift, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood—her work is endless. I’ve worked with Phil Barton from her roster, and being in the Liz Rose Music building was a thrill. I’m manifesting that one day I’ll get to sit down with her and not only get to work with her, but to WATCH her work. I’d love to write a classic love song with her, like those early Taylor tracks.
RA: Songs often take on a new life when performed live. Have you found that certain tracks shift emotionally or connect differently on stage compared to how they felt in the studio?
AS: Absolutely! My single “I’m Still Faster,” released when I was 14, sounds totally different live. The studio version had a 2000s country vibe, but live, it’s heavier and more rock-influenced. I love the original recording however, as it was the first song I ever recorded in Nashville at Curb Studios with the legendary Max T. Barnes producing. But the way my band and I perform it live is some of the most fun I ever have onstage.
RA: What’s next for you—any upcoming releases or goals?
AS: I’ve got something exciting lined up for the new year and I can’t wait to share it. I’ve spent the last couple years focused on songwriting and performing in Nashville, Toronto, Ottawa, and or here in my hometown of Kingston. Now, I feel ready to get back in the studio and share what I’ve been creating lately.
I’m working with some incredibly talented and award-winning producers very soon that I trust with my songs. Working with them to bring my originals to life is something I am buzzing to get started on. We’re gonna have fun in those studios, let me tell ya!
Abby Stewart’s ability to connect through lyrics and performance makes her one of Canada’s most compelling emerging artists. As she continues to evolve, one thing’s clear: Abby’s story is just getting started.
