Emerging singer, songwriter and musician Abby Hamilton’s anticipated debut album, #1 Zookeeper (of the San Diego Zoo), is out today via Blue Gown Records—a new imprint run by WhizzBangBAM’s Ian Thornton (Tyler Childers) in partnership with Virgin Music. Stream/purchase HERE.
Already receiving critical acclaim, American Songwriter praises, “infectious…introducing the acclaimed songsmith’s captivating blend of folk and indie rock,” while Holler declares, “one of the genre’s stars of tomorrow…stellar vocals and intricate lyricism” and 303 Magazine proclaims, “impressive…absolutely worth keeping an eye on.”
In conjunction with the release, the official music video for album track, “Lucky,” is also debuting today—watch/share HERE. Of the song, Hamilton shares, “An earnest story of a girl trying to find her way in this world. The youngest daughter to a loving father and absent mother, she finds her way through life playing airport bars and dive bars. Her eldest brother returns from Afghanistan and she thinks of how many ways there are for people to find freedom and a life worth living. No matter how hard life is, we really are all so similar. She resolves to say, ‘Aren't we all just trying to get lucky?’”
Produced by Justin Craig and Duane Lundy, #1 Zookeeper (of the San Diego Zoo) is filled with Hamilton’s sharp lyrical perspective and entrancing vocals, further establishing her as one of music’s most intriguing new voices. Across these ten vulnerable tracks, Hamilton recounts personal experiences with a universal relatability, all over a captivating blend of folk and indie rock.
In celebration of the new music, Hamilton will continue to tour through the fall including upcoming headline shows at St. Louis’ Off Broadway, Omaha’s Slowdown, Bozeman’s Live from the Divide (two nights) and Denver’s Globe Hall as well as several dates supporting Deer Tick. See below for complete itinerary.
In addition to signing with Blue Gown Records, Hamilton has also signed a publishing deal with Limited Edition Musicin partnership with Warner Chappell Music. Of the deal, Greg Sowders and Marc Wilson, Co-Presidents of Limited Edition Music Publishing, share, “Limited Edition Music Publishing proudly welcomes Abby Hamilton to our family of extraordinary artists. With her unique sound and unparalleled artistry, Abby’s music transcends boundaries and resonates with the deepest corners of the soul.
Reflecting on the album, Hamilton shares, “This is an album about the worlds we create to cope with the world we are in. The places we go to for comfort within ourselves when we are grieving, strategizing, fantasizing, creating, and so on. These songs are fake worlds rooted in my own experiences processed through my own lens of anxiety and hope. I hope this brings comfort to those who are in the process (whatever that may be). You are not alone. I was not alone in creating it either. With the help of Duane Lundy, Justin Craig, Zac Hamilton, Zach Martin, Carson Childers, and many more, I was aided in creating a sonic landscape that supported the fantasy vision. The goal was to integrate the sounds of country, rock, and anthemic choruses to create my own footprint. Tucked away in the studio for 5 months in Kentucky, we found a sound I am so proud of. #1 Zookeeper will always be the perfect timestamp to me of the process it takes to truly know and love yourself.”
Born and raised in Nicholasville, KY, Hamilton has garnered a reputation as an engaging live performer and musician. In the past few years, she has opened for artists such as Tyler Childers, Shakey Graves, Wynonna Judd, Blackberry Smoke, Kelsey Waldon and The Mountain Goats and also performed at many major festivals including Bonnaroo, AmericanaFest, Railbird, Luck Reunion and more. Ahead of her full-length debut, Hamilton released her EP, Afraid of the Dark (Live Sessions), in 2022 of which Brooklyn Vegan praised, “showcases Abby’s grizzled-yet-soaring voice.”
#1 ZOOKEEPER (OF THE SAN DIEGO ZOO) TRACK LIST
1. Lucky
2. Good Thing
3. Baby Let’s Ride
4. Mayday
5. #1 Zookeeper (of the San Diego Zoo)
6. Soccer Field
7. Satisfied
8. Whatever Helps You Sleep
9. Fine
10. Displacer
ABBY HAMILTON CONFIRMED TOUR DATES
October 22—Columbia, MO—Rose Music Hall
October 23—St. Louis, MO—Off Broadway
October 24—Omaha, NE—Slowdown
October 27—Bozeman, MT—Live From The Divide
October 28—Bozeman, MT—Live From The Divide
October 31—Seattle, WA—The Crocodile+
November 1—Portland, OR—Aladdin Theater+
November 4—Denver, CO—Bluebird Theater+
November 5—Denver, CO—Globe Hall
November 8—Minneapolis, MN—Fine Line+
November 9—Chicago, IL—Thalia Hall+
November 10—Ferndale, MI—The Loving Touch+
November 11—Toronto, ON—The Opera House+
November 12—Homer, NY—Center for the Arts of Homer+
November 14—Washington, DC—9:30 Club+
November 15—New York, NY—Warsaw+
November 17—Philadelphia, PA—Union Transfer+
November 18—Boston, MA—House of Blues+
November 20—Pittsburgh, PA—Club Cafe
+with Deer Tick
