If you’re looking for the perfect end-of-summer track to carry you into the fall season, “Hot Girl Summer (Demo)” by Abby Cates is waiting for you.
Growing up in Cincinnati, Ohio, Cates has been putting out music since 2021 with her debut single “Roadtripsong.” Since then, the singer-songwriter has released more singles on and off, taking some breaks in between, and serving as an instrumentalist for fellow songwriter Leanna Firestone’s tour.
While playing both guitar and keyboard for Firestone on her recent Victory Lap Tour, Cates was also featured as the opening act, playing 19 shows across the country. While opening, she played a mix of released and unreleased music, getting the crowd excited for her future music endeavors.
Cates creates a charmingly nostalgic folk sound when she writes music. “Hot Girl Summer (Demo)” feels like a country song that would play on the oldies station while still holding on to the modern aspects, namely the title being a phrase widely used by teenagers. Cates blends nostalgia and contemporary smoothly in this demo, set to acoustic guitar and harmonica.
The first line of “Hot Girl Summer (Demo)” also showcases the contemporary aspect of the song. “It’s a hot girl summer, I popped my shit,” is a very 2020s phrase, and it feels ironic in the context of the song. Cates has written a phrase that feels like it should be against a hip-hop/pop beat fit for the club, but yet is singing it so smoothly and angelic-like against soft, strumming instrumentals. The track also opens to the lighting of a bong, aiding in setting a comfortable, homely feeling.
Hot Girl Summer (Demo)” is soothing and simple, the vibe of a demo, while still feeling like a completed, purposeful track. The instrumentals are simplistic, but still artistically full; stripped but intentional with the mix of the harmonica to add a bright sound to the acoustic guitar.
The song ties the end of summer to the beginning of fall, with the line “I wanna be in love when October ends” explaining that summer was fun, but she wants to make a real connection by the time fall hits, moving on from this period of her life.
Abby Cates is a bright new artist to look out for. Check out “Hot Girl Summer (Demo)” and more, and be on the lookout for more to come!
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