For this edition of City Stories, we sit down with Abbey Anastasia, fondly known as Bey, an Indonesian singer whose passion for music began at a young age. With a deep appreciation for Thai culture and a lifelong love for singing, Bey shares how her early experiences with music shaped her journey as an artist.
From singing with her family at just five or six years old to growing through performances, cover songs, and meaningful connections with people through music, Bey’s story is one of passion, growth, and gratitude. As she continues to develop her artistry, she looks forward to discovering new opportunities and sharing more of her musical journey with the world.
In this City Stories feature, get to know Bey, the artist behind the voice, and discover the experiences that continue to inspire her musical journey.
To begin, could you introduce yourself to our readers and tell us about your journey into music?
Hi! I’m Abbey Anastasia, but most people know me as Bey. I’m an Indonesian singer with a deep love for music and Thai culture.
I’ve loved singing for as long as I can remember. I started singing when I was around five or six years old, and although it began as something I simply enjoyed doing with my family, music has remained a constant part of my life ever since.
Over the years, I’ve continued to grow through performances, cover songs, and opportunities to connect with people through music. I’m grateful for every step of the journey, and I’m excited to continue growing as an artist.
Was there a defining moment when you realized music was the path you wanted to pursue?
I don’t think there was just one defining moment. It happened gradually.
At the end of 2021, I started sharing Thai song covers online. To my surprise, some of the original artists noticed and supported my covers, which gave me the confidence to keep sharing my music.
Those opportunities eventually led to my first live performances, but I think the biggest turning point was performing at O La Nor I Love Thailand / โอ้ละหนอ I Love เมืองไทย (a Thai TV singing competition for non-Thai singers). That experience introduced my music to a much wider audience, and the love and encouragement I received made me realize that I wanted to pursue music more seriously. It was the moment that gave me the confidence to truly believe in myself as an artist.
How would you describe your artistry in three words, and why did you choose them?
Sincere. Emotional. Cross-cultural.
Sincere, because I always try to sing with honesty and connect with the meaning behind every song.
Emotional, because I hope people can truly feel the emotions I’m trying to express through my voice.
And cross-cultural, because my musical journey has been deeply influenced by Thai music and culture. Being able to connect with people from different countries through music is something I’m incredibly grateful for, and it’s become an important part of who I am as an artist.
What inspires you the most when writing or choosing the songs you perform?
When I choose a song to perform, I always pay attention to the story and emotions behind it. Even if it’s in a different language, I believe genuine emotions can still reach people’s hearts.
I’m especially drawn to songs that make me feel something first, because if I can connect with the song emotionally, I believe I’ll be able to deliver it more sincerely to the audience.
For me, music isn’t just about beautiful melodies, it’s about telling a story and creating a connection between the singer and the listener.
Can you take us through your creative process, from the initial idea to the finished track?
Since I’m primarily a vocalist, my creative process usually begins with understanding the song itself. I spend time listening to it repeatedly, learning the lyrics, and understanding the story and emotions behind it.
Once I feel connected to the song, I start thinking about how I want to express those emotions through my voice. During recording, I often try different approaches until I find the one that feels the most honest and natural.
For me, a performance feels complete not when every note is technically perfect, but when I can genuinely deliver the emotion and make listeners feel connected to the story.
Is there a song you’ve released that feels especially personal to you? What story does it tell?
Not yet. Releasing my first original song is something I’m really looking forward to, and I hope I’ll be able to share it with everyone soon.
What do you hope listeners feel or experience when they hear your music?
I hope people can connect with my music in their own way. Whether it brings them comfort, reminds them of a memory, or simply makes their day a little better, that would mean a lot to me.
I also believe that emotions have no language barrier. Even if we don’t speak the same language, music has a beautiful way of helping us understand one another. If my voice can make someone feel even a little less alone, then I’ll be truly happy.
Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?
NONT TANONT has been one of my biggest musical influences. He was actually the artist who introduced me to Thai music. I first came across one of his songs on TikTok, and honestly, at the time I didn’t even know what language it was or understand a single word. But somehow, I was completely drawn to the song and the emotions it carried. That experience made me realize how powerful music can be, even when you don’t understand the lyrics.
I also really admire Jeff Satur for his unique vocal tone, impressive vocal technique, and his ability to create songs that are both musically and emotionally captivating.
TillyBirds have also influenced me through their distinctive sound and their ability to create songs that are both emotionally honest and incredibly enjoyable to listen to.
They’ve inspired me to focus not only on singing well, but also on expressing genuine emotions and creating meaningful connections with listeners through music.
How has your music evolved since you first started your career?
When I first started, I thought singing was mostly about having good vocal technique and hitting the right notes. But over time, I realized there’s so much more to it than that.
As I continued sharing Thai song covers, I found myself wanting to understand the songs more deeply. That inspired me to learn the Thai language, including how to read Thai script (Aksorn), so I could learn songs directly from the original lyrics instead of relying on romanized versions. It not only helped me improve my pronunciation, but also allowed me to better understand the meaning and emotions behind each song.
That journey has taught me that being an artist isn’t just about singing well, but it’s about constantly learning, growing, and finding better ways to connect with the music and the people listening to it.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced as an artist, and what did it teach you?
I think one of the biggest challenges I’ve faced as an artist has been learning to believe in myself. I’m someone who tends to overthink, especially when new opportunities come my way. There were times when I questioned whether I was really ready for the opportunities I received.
But over time, I realized that if God opens a door for me, it’s because He knows I’m capable of walking through it, even when I don’t fully believe it myself. That realization has changed the way I look at new opportunities. Instead of letting fear or self-doubt take over, I’ve learned to accept them with gratitude and simply do my best.
Every performance, every cover I shared, and every word of encouragement from the people around me helped me become more confident. I’ve learned that growth doesn’t come from having all the answers, it comes from being willing to take chances, keep learning, and trust the journey.
How do you stay motivated during moments of self-doubt or creative blocks?
I always try to remember why I started singing in the first place.
There was a time in my life when I was going through a lot personally. Discovering Thai music changed more than just my playlist, it gave me something new to learn, something to look forward to, and something positive to focus on. As I became more immersed in the music, the language, and the culture, I slowly found myself enjoying life again. Looking back, that journey became an important part of my healing.
Now, whenever I start overthinking or doubting myself, I remind myself of how far I’ve come. I keep learning, listening to music, praying, and trusting God’s timing. Music didn’t fix everything, but it reminded me that there’s always hope, and I’ll always be grateful for that.
What has been the most memorable milestone in your career so far?
One of the most memorable milestones in my journey so far was performing at O La Nor.
After my performance aired, I was genuinely surprised by how many people found it through YouTube and social media. Seeing people share it, repost it, and leave such kind and supportive messages made the whole experience even more meaningful.
It reminded me that you never really know how far one performance can reach, and I’ll always be grateful for everyone who has supported me throughout this journey.
If you could collaborate with any artist—Filipino or international—who would it be and why?
If I could collaborate with any artist, it would definitely be NONT TANONT.
He was the artist who introduced me to Thai music, and in many ways, he inspired the journey I’m on today. His music encouraged me to learn a new language, explore a different culture, and grow not only as a singer, but also as a person.
I think collaborating with someone who had such a meaningful influence on my journey would be a very special experience.
What role do your fans play in your journey as an artist?
To be honest, I’ve never really thought of them as “fans.” To me, they’re people who’ve been cheering me on throughout my journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for every one of them.
Whether they’ve been listening to my covers, coming to my performances, or simply leaving kind messages online, their support has meant so much to me. There were times when their encouragement reminded me to keep going, especially when I was doubting myself.
I hope I can continue sharing music that brings them joy, just as they’ve brought so much encouragement into my journey.
Outside of music, what hobbies or interests help you recharge and spark creativity?
Outside of music, I love learning about Thai language and culture. Watching Thai series, practicing the language, and discovering new artists always help me recharge and inspire me creatively.
I also enjoy spending quality time with my family and friends. Those simple moments help me clear my mind, and I often come back feeling refreshed and full of new ideas.
How do you balance your personal life with the demands of being an artist?
Balancing everything isn’t always easy, especially since I also have a full-time job outside of music. There are definitely days when things get busy, but I’ve learned that good time management and setting priorities make a big difference.
Of course, there are times when I feel tired, but making time for music is always worth it because singing helps me recharge. I also try to spend quality time with my family and friends whenever I can. Being with the people I love helps me recharge, clear my mind, and come back with a fresh perspective.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey?
I don’t think I’m in a position to give big advice because I’m still learning myself. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s to never stop learning.
Don’t be afraid to start, even if you don’t feel completely ready. Every performance, every mistake, and every new experience will help you grow. Just keep learning, stay curious, and trust your own journey.
Most importantly, don’t compare your progress to anyone else’s. We all grow at our own pace, and every journey is different.
Are there any upcoming releases, performances, or projects that you’re excited to share with your fans?
Yes! I’m currently working on Vibez Project, my first original music project. It’s a collaboration with Thai musicians, and I’m one of the co-founders. We’re currently preparing for the release, and I’m really excited to finally share this project with everyone when the time is right. I hope everyone will look forward to it!
Looking ahead, what are your biggest goals and dreams for the next chapter of your career?
My biggest dream is to continue growing as an artist and to share more original music with people. Having my own songs has always been one of my biggest goals, and I’m excited to keep taking steps toward that dream.
I hope to keep creating music that connects with people, regardless of language or where they come from. If my music can make someone feel understood or bring people together through music, that would mean more to me than anything else.
More than anything, I simply hope to keep learning, keep growing, and enjoy every step of the journey.
Finally, do you have a message for your supporters and for the readers of City Stories around the world?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. It really means a lot to me.
To everyone who has been supporting me, thank you for always cheering me on and encouraging me. Every kind message, every comment, and every bit of support has truly meant so much to me.
I hope you’ll continue enjoying this journey with me. Thank you for being here, and I hope to see you at one of my performances someday.
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