Abby Ahmad

With edgy, intelligent lyrics and hypnotic melodies, Ms. Ahmad's tunes meander from folk to blues, soul to jazz and everything rocks. Her intricately percussive guitar style and sultry vocals roar and purr. She manages to subtly incorporate influences including Tori Amos, Patty Griffin, Leo Kottke, and Nina Simone, but emerges with a sound that is distinctly original. Emotionally-charged, yet funky, Abby is at once in your face and in your heart.

While attending the University of Pittsburgh, Ms. Ahmad continued to develop her love affair with the performing arts, turning her attentions to the theatrical world. She became a staple of the Pitt Repertory stage and received numerous awards and accolades for her work as both an actress and sound designer/composer. In 2004, Ms. Ahmad graduated with a B.A. in Theatre Arts and received the coveted Helen Katz Award for outstanding student in the Department of Theatre Arts.

During her final year in Pittsburgh, Ms. Ahmad inaugurated/hosted an interdisciplinary open-mic night at progressive venue The Shadow Lounge. She was also awarded grand prize at the Rock for RAINN Singer/Songwriter Competition and placed as a finalist in the Three Rivers Acoustic Challenge.

In August of 2005, Ms. Ahmad fulfilled her lifelong dream of moving to New York City. Within her first year residing in NY, Abby racked up a notable resume, playing gigs at distinguished venues including the Knitting Factory, Arlene's Grocery, and the legendary Bitter End. She also completed a short tour, hitting venues in Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.

2006 saw the release of her first full-length studio album, The Rearview (on self-founded Little Whisper Records). Produced and arranged by Abby and longtime friend Matt Zeigler, The Rearview is an ambitious, sophisticated work for the 24-year old songwriter. Utilizing the talents of 11 fellow musicians, The Rearview is a departure from Abby?s previously released acoustic-based EP?s The P.M. Peeps Sessions (2002) and Headcase (2004).

Within mere months of The Rearview's release, Ms. Ahmad caught the attention of renowned film director Andrew Davis (The Fugitive). Her songs "Seven Year Itch" and "Tri-Me" were both selected for inclusion in Davis's blockbuster filmThe Guardian which was released in September of 2006. "Tri-Me" is also featured on the film's soundtrack album (Hollywood Records).