The music scene in Dallas-Fort Worth is experiencing a renaissance, and at the forefront of this revival is Awaiting Abigail, a hard rock band that defies convention in nearly every way. With an age range spanning from 20 to 62 years old, they represent a fascinating cross-section of musical experience and perspectives that somehow blend into a cohesive and compelling sound.
The band’s formation story feels almost like a modern fairy tale. James, the band’s guitarist and de facto manager, found himself with recorded rhythm tracks but no vocalist after their original singer proved too timid for the studio. Turning to BandMix (essentially “a dating app for musicians”), he came across 19-year-old Abigail’s profile, which listed influences ranging from Fleetwood Mac to Evanescence. Despite initial concerns about the significant age gap, Abigail’s talent was undeniable. She sent in audition videos covering The Pretty Reckless and was eventually given the true test: writing lyrics and melodies for four instrumental tracks. She delivered one song per week from her home studio, impressing the band with her creativity and professionalism.
What’s particularly remarkable about Awaiting Abigail is how they’ve navigated their generational differences. Far from being a hindrance, the age diversity has become one of their greatest strengths, bringing together different musical eras and perspectives. As James noted during the interview, “The age thing is not a factor.” Abigail herself embraces this unique dynamic, suggesting that it “gives us the different genres and the different time periods and it kind of mixes it together really well.”
Their recording process is equally unconventional. Working with producer Alex Gerst at Empire Sound (whose father, coincidentally, recorded James’s band in the 90s), they’ve developed a workflow that leverages modern technology while maintaining creative authenticity. James typically writes initial ideas in Pro Tools, creating formatted tracks with click tracks that the band can build upon together in the studio. Abigail, who previously recorded pop music, brings her own studio experience to the table, allowing her to efficiently record vocals in brief sessions—sometimes completing an entire EP’s worth of vocals in under two hours.
The band’s trajectory has been swift and impressive. Their first show was at Trees in Deep Ellum, a premier venue for local bands, as part of a “Women in Metal” showcase featuring some of the area’s best hard rock and metal talent. They’ve since secured opening slots for legendary acts like LA Guns at the iconic Whiskey a Go Go in Hollywood—a venue James had previously visited and merely dreamed of playing someday. They’re also slated to open for Lillian Axe on their Texas mini-tour and will be performing alongside Texas Hippie Coalition at a biker rally in Flagstaff come September.
For all their success, what makes Awaiting Abigail special is their genuine connection as musicians and people. Despite Abigail being named after King Diamond’s album “Abigail” (a fact that surprised her bandmates), and despite coming from different generations and musical backgrounds, they’ve formed what feels like a family unit. As James put it, “It’s like the island of misfit toys, but it’s literally… crazy how well Abby is able to control her voice, her stage show. Everything is just super easy.”
In an industry often fixated on youth and trends, Awaiting Abigail demonstrates that authentic music transcends age barriers. Their story is a powerful reminder that when it comes to creative chemistry, shared passion and mutual respect matter far more than birth years. As they continue to build momentum, this unlikely band of musical misfits is proving that sometimes the most compelling sounds emerge from the most unexpected collaborations.