ASKING ABBY
Michael Smith – Guitars / Vocals
Lenny Pies – Guitars
Adam Weidman – Bass / Vocals
Gavin McDonald – Drums
Hailing from the Midwest, Asking Abby, as numerous fans have expressed, are breathing new life into a seemingly repetitive Midwest music scene. With influences ranging from The Descendents, to Skid Row, Alkaline Trio, and Rise Against, it’s undeniable that although their sound is fitting for independent modern rock, Asking Abby is not set out to satisfy any one particular genre. Combine the grit of post-hardcore with sinister, passionate songwriting, and toss in a little bit of traditional indie-rock/punk, and you’re one step closer to the Asking Abby sound. Bassist Adam Wiedman best describes the group’s classifications by saying; ‘Music has no boundaries, so why would you want to restrict yourselves to one type or style’’ Sure-fire hits such as “Late Night Drive” and “Destiny” are not only live favorites of fans, but also radio gems, and songs such as “Buried on 41st St.” and “Swallow” give the group more of an opportunity to not only get the crowd off of their feet, but also the chance for the band to show off their eccentric live show.
In their three years of existence, Asking Abby has shared the stage with Hawthorne Heights, Bleed The Dream, Senses Fail, Roses Are Red, My American Heart, Sophomore, Small Towns Burn a Little Slower, Saosin and Love Me Destroyer, won spots on the Vans Warped Tour and Taste of Chaos “MySpace Stage” Tour, toured the U.S. with bands from Victory/Undecided and Suburban Home Records, played close to 300 shows, sold in excess of 3,500 copies of their first two releases, have been featured on compilations from Vanishing Point, Lobster and Fatal Accident Records, and established record sales and radio play across the globe, all with absolutely no label support. Singer/Guitarist Mike Smith stated ‘There seems to be more of a family vibe within the group when everything is kept at a DIY level.’ The four-piece attributes much of their success to their extensive touring schedule, dynamic live performances and their devout connection between Asking Abby and their fans.
Released in late 2005, Asking Abby’s much anticipated junior release has been their most successful work to date. Recorded at The Warehouse in Omaha, NE, and produced by Jim Homan, the self-titled album is unafraid of reinventing convention and presumptions, blurs numerous genre boundaries, and will truly adhere to the hearts of practically anyone who is a fan of the ever-changing, diverse music scene of today. Since it’s release, the new album has been featured on Interpunk.com, has spent an extensive amount of time in the top 50 of Smartpunk.com’s Top 100 list, and has gained distribution nationwide through Hot Topic, Sam Goody, Best Buy, Target, Media Play, Barnes & Noble, and Amazon.com.< With an onslaught of shows already being booked for 2006 and new songs already in the works, the boys of Asking Abby are ready to bust their chops in order to give their fans the same energy that they give out night after night, and are heavily anticipating the future and where it is taking them. Guitarist Lenny Pies states, ‘If you are doing something that you love to do, there is no pressure to be anything but yourself.’ Don’t count on these four guys slowing down in 2006.
Update!
We just got back from another awesome East Coast Tour! Along with playing the Ernie Ball Stage at the Warped tour 2006!