When Abby Thompson isn’t posing for the camera, she’s crooning on stage for fans of her music. We talk the perils of performing, stage fright, and even the correct way to eat a bowl of cereal.
Playboy: To start us up, where were you born?
Abby Thompson: I was born in Belleville, Illinois. I’d say it’s about six hours from Chicago. It’s only about 20 minutes away from St. Louis. So right on the border of Illinois and Missouri. I grew up half the time there and then half the time I grew up in Missouri because my parents are divorced.
Playboy: What was the first thing you ever dreamed of achieving?
Abby: My biggest dream has been to become a country singer. Since I was like 7, I’ve always wanted to be a musician. I’m currently in the process of trying my best to make it a reality, but it’s a little difficult.
Playboy: What are some of the challenges you’ve faced?
Abby: It’s very hard to get people to listen. First of all, you have to produce it all by yourself. It’s very hard to get into a studio. So, I had to buy all the equipment myself and set up my own itty bitty studio in my basement. But I try my best to make my songs as good as I possibly can.
Playboy: What makes you happiest?
Abby: Singing in front of people, because I do little gigs and stuff. I just love it because I’ve always wanted to do it, but I’ve struggled with stage fright all my life. It’s really cool for me to be able to go up and perform without being scared, because it took so hard work to get there. I just love the feeling.
Playboy: Do you still get stage fright?
Abby : Before I get on stage, yes. But not nearly as much as I used to. It’s more just excitement.
Playboy: Like, a rush?
Abby: Yes, exactly.
Playboy: What would make you ghost a potential suitor?
Abby: If they just try and act uninterested in me. They try to act too cool. I mean, girls always know.
Playboy: Definitely. What are you passionate about?
Abby: I’m really passionate about body positivity, showing how natural bodies can be just as beautiful. I like throwing it back to Marilyn Monroe, and just being myself authentically.
Playboy: Describe your perfect day.
Abby: I would say…waking up pretty early. Going to the gym first, getting that out of the way. And then probably doing a few song covers. Maybe some mini photo shoots and, and creating content that I can share throughout the week.
Later on that night… just watching a show or movie with my family or my fiance.
Playboy: What’s the food you reach for when you’re feeling down?
Abby: I am a lover of cereal. It’s so good to me. Specifically…I love Cheerios. But I love Cocoa Pebbles or anything like that. it’s always been a comfort food. Cinnamon Toast Crunch! Probably those three.
Playboy: Do you put the cereal in first or do you put the milk in first?
Abby: Definitely the cereal first!
Playboy: Smart, I don’t trust the “milk first” people.
Abby: Me either.
Playboy: What’s your favorite thing to splurge on?
Abby: Clothes, swimsuits. Makeup. I do modeling for a few different brands right now. I love this brand called Moana Bikini which is a pretty small Instagram brand, but I love them. For makeup, I love NYX. I honestly love it. Maybelline too! Just drugstore makeup, Jaclyn Hill, l like that kind of stuff.
Playboy: What’s the best piece of advice you were ever given?
Abby: My dad always just said to be myself, and to not care what people thought. If you go above and beyond the people that judge you, it doesn’t matter because at the end of the day. They’re going to be farther behind you. You have to keep pushing through no matter what.
Playboy: Who is a woman that inspires you?
Abby: I’m very inspired by Marilyn Monroe. I know that’s such an old example! I’ve done a lot of research about her and Dolly Parton. She’s just so real she’s my ideal icon. I would like to be like a country singer, but also a model, just like her. And I just love her outlook on life.
Playboy: Describe the perfect slice of pizza.
Abby: Not too, big not too small and I love cheese pizza. So just all cheese. Thick crust.
Playboy: Who was the first fictional character you fell in love with?
Abby: I don’t know if anyone’s gonna know this but the main kid in How to Train Your Dragon. His name is Hiccup. I was a little kid when I first watched that movie. He was just so…I don’t know. His attitude. The way he pushed for what he believed in.
Playboy: What’s your superpower?
Abby: I’m good at figuring out what people’s intentions are, and whether I want them in my life.
Playboy: What’s some of the best advice you have to share?
Abby: If there’s one thing that I would recommend for everyone is to put your mental health first before anything. Always new approaches…don’t be afraid to talk about how you feel. And really feel what you’re feeling: everyone’s human.
Abby Thompson is in the Playboy Club. Talk to her now.
