New song - "Baggage Claim" at open mic

Check out my newest original, "Baggage Claim!" Performed at Banjo Jim's open mic 3/12/11 with Sean Singer on guitar. New beginnings, yipee-ay-yay!

On NBC TV Show "All Night With Joey Reynolds"

Check out the footage from my band, the NYCity Slickers on the new NBC TV show, "All Night with Joey Reynolds!" It was so exciting to be performing the first song I ever wrote, "It's All About Me," in a big time TV studio, in the middle of Times Square. Sooooo much fun!! Also watch the interview and our closing song - bluegrass favorite, "Rocky Top." Yippee-ay-o-ay-yay!

New Song

I just recorded a very simple demo of my new song, "Weak." Take a listen and let me know what you think. It's a beginning but I'm really excited about it! Yay! :-D

http://www.reverbnation.com/play_now/song_7121130

Interviewed for HONKY TONK ANGELS

I was just interviewed for HONKY TONK ANGELS blog. Below are my answers to their 7 questions for songwriters. Read my answers as well as fellow "Slicker Chickers" Annie Chadwick & Linda Dwyer on Honky Tonk Angels' blog: http://honkytonkangels.blogspot.com/2010/12/ny-city-slickers-answer-seven-questions.html

Abigail Hardin NYCity Slicker Singer/Songwriter

1. What motivates you to write?

What excites me most about writing is the ability to imagine and create a world. I love the challenge of creating a story of characters that can engage people in the span of 3-5 minutes. I am a very passionate person and I guess what motivates me is the opportunity to channel that energy into song.

2. Who is the greatest unknown influence on your music?

Honestly, my parents (my dad's gonna get all mushy when he reads this). I was brought up in such a musical household and was encouraged from day one to create. I learned how to be a storyteller by observing my mom. I have never seen anyone communicate through song the way she does. My dad is one of the most brilliant musicians I know. Give him an instrument and he'll learn how to play it. Watching him write and arrange music over the years has taught me how to construct a song and give it some "umph." Key changes, jazz chords, gospel choirs singing a rock opera - everything my dad does has an element of theatrics and I think people respond to that. I know I do. Being in a band with my parents has and continues to be the most amazing experience. I am so lucky.

3. What is your most closeted, secret, guilty and humiliating musical pleasure?

Guilty & humiliating pleasure.....hmmm....I don't know if it's a pleasure but one embarrassing thing I do is act out all of my songs in a mirror at home. I pretend it's my music video or I'm on stage and I get really into it. I like to live in the world of the song. I've done this since I was a little girl and would act out pop songs in reflective surfaces. It's very funny when caught in the moment.

4. What established artist made you want to write songs, and why?

Abigail Washburn. The songs she creates on the banjo and with her voice are so inspiring. She has created a unique sound, borrowing from different cultures. In my eyes, she elevates the banjo to a high class instrument. Her songs are simple, yet complex and her storytelling is so vivid. When I heard her first CD, I knew then and there that that's what I wanted to do - Play the banjo and perform my own songs. I'm still working on the banjo part, but I have found a home in writing music.

5. Advice for just-starting songwriters?

Don't judge a single thing that you write, no matter how silly or stupid it sounds. You never know where it might lead you. There is no "right" way to compose a song. Do what works for you. And write, write, write, all the time!

6. Why country?

Growing up in NYC, the two genres I was exposed to were Country & Musical Theatre. Country music lends itself to story telling almost more than any other genre, and I love that. Also you can have so much fun with country. You don't have to take yourself too seriously. Some of the best bad lyrics are in country songs, and they are amazing! Lastly, the country music that I like most has a feeling of history. I love the rich background of country music and all the different genres that it has crossed over.

7. Favorite backwoods expression?

"Tibbies on the Drumstick!"

The NYCity Slickers: $1,350 raised....and counting!

The NYCity Slickers: $1,350 raised....and counting!: "With almost 3 weeks behind us, we have raised $1,350 for our Debut CD on Kickstarter. With 70 days to go, if we can raise $100 a day we will surpass our goal of $8,000! We need your help to do that. Remember, Kickstrter is all or nothing. If we don't raise $8,000 we get none of the money and the CD, merchandise, and the talked about tour will be majorly postponed. Don't let that happen..."

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2121515386/the-nycity-slickers-debut-cd

Interviewed Live on the Johnny Mandolin Show!

It has been an amazing, intense, jam packed, week - and it's only Wednesday! In addition to the NYCity Slicker Kickstarter campaign, that was launched on Monday, Annie & I were interviewed LIVE on the Johnny Mandolin show last night! My original song, "It's All About Me" was one of the songs featured and I got to talk about my inspiration ;-) and goals with the band. What a great experience!! I'll be posting the archived stream in a few days, as soon it's available!

Thanks to everyone who listened in (Especially Mark Sportiello & Sean Singer)!!

for more information on the Johnny Mandolin Show and the Centanni Broadcasting Network go to: www.centannibroadcasting.com

The NYCity Slickers CD is Coming!!

t's official....the NYCity Slickers CD is on it's way! We are thrilled to announce our Kickstarter launch! Kickstarter is an amazing website that allows artists to raise money for big, otherwise unattainable, projects. Go on to our page and see all the great prizes that we are offering and how you can take a little but of the NYCity Slickers home with you. We have a lot of things planned for the near future, this CD is just the beginning!!! Thanks for being incredibly supportive! Be sure to check out the Kickstarter page below :-)

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2121515386/the-nycity-slickers-debut-cd