Our Santa Monica team hosts a monthly music showcase featuring talented artists from the Songtradr community.
ABEO joined us this time around, bringing along good vibes and one of the smoothest voices around. The Houston-born artist performed at SXSW in Austin and held a residency at the legendary House of Blues. He’s played tours in many cities around the U.S., including Los Angeles, CA. Originally Adrian Griffith, the soulful singer’s stage name, ABEO was conceived by his close friend, and Nigerian keyboardist, Rexzeal Omaka; it means “bringer of joy” in Yoruba.
It’s a fitting title for the heartfelt vocalist who quickly brought smiles to our faces as soon as he stepped on stage. In the name of the month of love, let’s hear it for the artist of the hour: ABEO.
ABEO
“Birds”
Lead vocals: ABEO, Guitar: Jacob Moses, Keys: Rexzeal Omaka
ABEO’s the sort of guy who feels like a friend even after just meeting. He had us smiling and happy up until intro-ing his first song, a not-so-happy song called “Birds.”
It’s about heartbreak and love lost, and (unsuccessfully) trying to move on. With the relatable refrain, “This sh*t is for the birds,” ABEO serenaded the Songtradr crew about missing the feeling of love. Many of us nodded along and chuckled ironically in agreement to “sending texts to our exes” as well as a few other relatable lines. We were a little melancholy from the subject matter but as his guitarist, Jacob finished the last virtuosic notes in “Birds,” ABEO flipped the mood with a few well-placed jokes that flipped the mood.
He then shared with us his journey to the office, which included jetlag and an unwelcome cold. One would never have guessed by how rich and polished his voice sounded during the set. To hear more ABEO, head to his profile on Songtradr, or listen to his song L.A.M.S. below.
Find ABEO on Songtradr
Jaz Joyner
Jaz Joyner is an LA-based writer of both fiction and non-fiction. Their work has been featured in Teen Vogue, Huffington Post, The Establishment, and others. Joyner is the Content Specialist and Copywriter here at Songtradr.