From time to time, we have the pleasure of encountering artists like Willow, FKA twigs, and Björk—creators who conjure entire worlds through their unconventional sound. South London's Absolutely embodies an authenticity that places her within this realm. Absolutely, whose real name is Abby-Lynn Keen, has been crafting global pop and R&B hits behind the scenes as a songwriter since her teenage years. At just 20, she frequently finds herself as the sole woman in a studio dominated by men. Nevertheless, she navigates this environment with remarkable ease.
As our conversation continues, Absolutely reveals more layers of her character. One thing is clear: she is a multi-faceted individual. We chat about her wish to resume playing the cello and her self-designed outfits, as she reminisces about sketching in Top Model books. “I’ve been having a blast with designing, and the possibilities are limitless. I can create whatever I want to wear and bring it to life,” she shares with enthusiasm.
Absolutely is entering a new phase with her latest projects. The prelude single ‘I Just Don’t Know You Yet’ was initially meant to serve as the closing track on her debut LP ‘Cerebrum,’ but she decided at the last moment to include it in her tour setlist this past June. This decision turned out to be a timely move. The introspective and soulful lyric, “I just couldn’t understand. Why I’d be pushed aside, lost my dignity and pride. I’ve fallen for a counterfeit,” captivated fans through a viral video of her performing the song live.
As a wandering artist, Absolutely operates from a fresh perspective on her upcoming full-length album ‘Paracosm,’ which emphasizes observation and childlike curiosity. With a cosmic blend of pop, electronica, jazz, and R&B—highlighted in the orchestral new single ‘No Audience’—she reaches a conclusion that aligns with the album’s main theme: “Anything you decide, you can make it real life.”
“I aimed to view things from other people's perspectives instead of just creating from my love for music. I wanted to reignite that sense of wonder I used to have, rather than being trapped in logical thought,” she expresses.
The track she is most excited about from the album is the opening piece, aptly named ‘Introduction.’ “I’ve been more deliberate with everything I say,” she explains. “I won’t allow myself to make a song unless it carries significant meaning. The first song on the album is the first instance where I truly did that.”
Absolutely’s heartfelt storytelling and imaginative world-building invite fans to immerse themselves, and her upcoming album promises to showcase the full breadth of her whimsical spirit.
—
WHAT: Cosmic soul
WHERE: South London-born, soon-to-be Los Angeles-based.
3 SONGS: ‘Goodbye Glitter,’ ‘I Just Don’t Know You Yet,’ ‘Fever Dream’
FACT: Absolutely adored Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, and Disney during her childhood.
—
—
Words: Leah Fan
Photography: Bella Howard
A visit to the cinema is one of the rare opportunities we have to completely disconnect in 2025—phones are silenced, the outside world can be put on hold, and for two
Clash arrived in Stockholm last week along with Kish-Kash to witness the Sheraton Stockholm team's reveal of the newly renovated, magnificent Ballroom featuring an
Electronic expert HAAi wraps up the year with her latest remix EP, 'Can't Stand To Lose'. This year has been significant for the Australian artist based in London, who organized a
Lily Allen appeared on Saturday Night Live this past weekend. The British artist released her album 'West End Girl' earlier this year, alongside Lily Allen's
Occasionally, we have the privilege of discovering musicians such as Willow, FKA twigs, and Björk—artists who create entire universes with their unconventional sound.