Abby Bryant, the daughter of a music minister, has emerged as a prominent figure in the Americana and soul genres with the release of her band’s debut album, Not Your Little Girl. This 13-track LP showcases Bryant’s powerful vocal ability, supported by her dynamic backing band, The Echoes, and lays a solid groundwork for their presence in the realm of vintage-inspired Americana and soul rock.

Bryant's musical journey began in her small-town community near Charlotte, North Carolina, where she performed at church services under her father's guidance. She reminisces about her early experiences, which include singing a solo as an angel in a nativity play and providing backup for the church band. It wasn't until her time at Appalachian State University that Bryant considered pursuing a professional music career. There, she teamed up with her childhood friend Bailey Faulkner, blending her passion for soul and American roots music, influenced by artists like Etta James and Bonnie Raitt, with Faulkner's enthusiasm for American blues and Faces-style rock. Together, they began co-writing songs that would later feature on Not Your Little Girl.

After completing her college education and collaborating with various part-time band members, Bryant and Faulkner moved to Asheville, North Carolina, to solidify their band. They quickly embarked on an extensive touring schedule, fostering an organic fanbase throughout the Southeast. Bryant reflects on her journey, stating, “I’ve really had to learn to trust myself and lean into our confidence in the band. There will always be difficult moments, but the thought of giving up or even slowing down has never crossed my mind.”

The title track, “Not Your Little Girl,” exemplifies Bryant’s commitment to trusting her instincts and convictions in the face of challenges. She recalls her experiences in the early stages of her professional singing career, feeling young and vulnerable amid older individuals attempting to influence her decisions. “I was done letting myself be in situations where someone would try to control my work or talk down to me,” she explains. The song’s impactful chorus resonates with her declaration of independence: “It took so long for me to say / That I’m not your little girl / I gotta find my very own way / To live in this big old world.”

The album explores themes of growing up, leaving home, and the necessity of establishing one’s identity and values. Bryant describes it as navigating a challenging world with a renewed sense of self, finding solace in the band’s consistent progress. “And if you feel like you’re dying ... / You just gotta follow your own lead,” she asserts in the energetic track “Keep Moving.”

Not Your Little Girl was recorded in Asheville and features contributions from Anthony Dorion on bass, John Ginty on Hammond organ and keys, Jeff Sipe on drums, and The Naughty Horns (Nick Ellman, John Culbreth, Ian Bowman), along with Faulkner on guitars and Bryant on vocals. This album represents the culmination of years of commitment and a decisive shift in Bryant and Faulkner’s vision for the band’s future, as they seek to establish their place among the greats of American roots and soul music.