Abigail Lapell describes her musical influences as multi-cultured. In an interview with 15 Questions she states: “I always loved singing and joined a children’s choir at a young age. I was especially obsessed with singing harmonies.” She went to French immersion school and also extracurricular Hebrew school as well which all influenced on the music that she writes.
Abigail Lapell’s music has often been compared to artists like Sandy Denny, Joni Mitchell, and Natalie Merchant because of a callback to classic folk music. Abigail Lapell’s lyrics include themes of loss, migration, identity, isolation and natural landscapes. While her music draws heavily on traditional folk style storytelling it also includes contemporary elements by her use of introspective lyrics and atmospheric indie-folk arrangement and production. Layered vocal harmonies are a recurring feature in Abigail Lapell’s music, adding depth and richness to her arrangements.
Abigail Lapell has built a strong reputation in Canadian folk circles with her awards and nominations. Her accolades include:
- In 2016, she won the Colleen Peterson Songwriting Award for her song “Jordan”.
- Her 2017 album “Hide Nor Hair”, won the Canadian Folk Award for Contemporary Album of the Year.
- Her album “Anniversary” received a Juno Award nomination for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year.
- She also won the award for Children’s Album of the Year for her 2023 album “Lullabies”.
Abigail Lapell brings a distinctive perspective on the indie-folk genre by weaving traditional folk elements with contemporary arrangements. Her unique perspective expands the genre’s well established roots while also sounding fresh and accessible to new audiences.
