Pressing Questions with Yebba
Yebba has seen it all. From the moment an NYC performance of her transfixing song “My Mind” went viral in 2016, Yebba – Abbey Smith – was thrust deep into the fast-paced chaos of the music industry. The stunning clarity, immense power and incredible control Yebba has over her voice is astounding and commanding on every listen.
Luckily for her (and us) she seemed to find her feet in the industry quite easily, and got the attention of big names. In the space of just five years, she’s linked up with a string of huge artists like Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Chance The Rapper, A Tribe Called Quest and, most formatively, Mark Ronson. The latter superproducer has helmed the production on Yebba’s forthcoming debut album, DAWN, due out this September. Set to traverse Yebba’s own trauma and her enduring hope, DAWN will undoubtedly showcase Yebba’s vocal prowess, but also her knack for incredibly intimate and evocative storytelling.
As DAWN approaches, MTV Australia decided to pick her brain with some pressing questions and learned how Aretha Franklin, wizardry and tequila all occupy space there.
What is the meaning of life?
Texas Pete Hot sauce.
Something COVID taught you
People just be lying for no reason.
Last movie you watched
Narcos Mexico, Pretend it’s a City, and The Last Dance – none of them are movies lol.
Best advice you’ve received
“Never date a musician” - someone stable.
Someone you really admire
Aretha Franklin. The best singer to ever do it with dignity, strength, and elegance.
How do you feel about your hair?
I was balding from anxiety for a few years but I’m back bitches.
Describe yourself in three words
Big ovary energy.
One person or thing you think is underrated
Coconut water.
Would you rather travel 100 years to the past or the future?
Hell no.
Nature or nurture?
Nurture cause I need my man to suck my toes. JK. Unless…?
What do you doubt most?
The press.
Daily ritual you couldn't live without
Watermelon for breakfast.
How are you at 8am?
For a few hours I feel like I’m a fuckin philosophical wizard.
Something you're passionate about
Tequila and Tacos for my Trauma
Tell us about your music in a sentence
God cares about our imagination.
Yebba’s debut album, DAWN, is due for release on September 10. Listen to her single "October Sky" from the upcoming album just below.
Intro written by senior music and culture writer, Jackson Langford.
