Robert Abernathy, a gifted musician hailing from Gadsden, Alabama, recently released his new album entitled “Somewhere Around 18.” This release offers a compelling collection of songs that depict personal themes and memories of his yesteryears. Inspired by the Southern Gospel and Traditional Country music he grew up listening to, Abernathy’s new album is bound to charm music lovers globally with his signature melodious blend.
Born into a rich musical atmosphere in the South, young Abernathy’s world radically shifted with the gift of a stereo set and Michael Jackson’s Thriller record in 1983. This novel experience captivated him completely and spurred his journey towards producing music himself. Eventually, Abernathy taught himself to play a Mickey Mouse acoustic guitar. Starting with songs from the band Alabama and The Eagles, his passion for music only grew, finally realizing his dreams of performing along Lower Broadway in Nashville.
Inspiration for “Somewhere Around 18” sprouted from Abernathy’s collaborative work with numerous songwriters and his producer, Josh Bright. Over time, the artist compiled a collection of 18 radio-ready tracks out of the original batch of over 25 songs. Originally planning to release them as singles or EPs, Abernathy decided to release these unique tracks together as an album. Reflective narrations, each song is special to Abernathy, infused with personal themes and reminiscences about the folly and joy of adolescence.
Notable standouts among the songs for Abernathy include “Heaven Has a Radio” for its personal significance. Besides this, he considers “Out of the Blue,” “A Little Tied Up,” “Beach Looks Good on You,” and “Redneck Magic” as enduring favorites. Each song is diverse in its own way, creating a unique sonic tapestry of memories and experiences that Abernathy is excited to share with his audience.
Simultaneously, Robert Abernathy’s passion extends beyond creating enthralling melody. Besides producing music, Abernathy found joy in teaching and thus resumed his teaching job at Symrna Primary Elementary School in Rutherford County, just outside of Nashville. The happiness he derives from teaching Kindergarten through 5th-grade Physical Education illuminates his days.
“I am drawn to melody first,” says Abernathy about his songwriting process. He is often inspired by the words people say around him, secretly noting down phrases or lines that capture his attention. These fragments of conversations often germinate into songs, with Abernathy molding melodies around them. His voice memos are dotted with such aural kernels of inspiration, which later blossom into fully developed songs.
Abernathy’s new album “Somewhere Around 18” has been greeted with warm reception and enthusiasm from his fans. The eclectic mix of songs reflects his musical roots as well as his continued evolution as an artist. Each track echoes with the very soul of Robert Abernathy—his nostalgia, unique life experiences, and his innate love for melody—making “Somewhere Around 18” an album that truly represents his musical journey and coming of age.
You can experience Abernathy’s enchanting music on various platforms including Instagram to keep up with his latest works. Soak in the music, lose yourself in the melody, and let the memories of your own younger years unravel as Abernathy takes you on a beautiful, nostalgic voyage with “Somewhere Around 18.”
Check out the album on all platforms.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/3IHgSlCNAjnnOHTsPbY0bf?si=aq_qOs5uRoi7su7wMCot_Q
Published By: Aize Perez
