GRAACE is Embracing Change

INTERVIEW

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INTERVIEW ✦

Sydney-based singer-songwriter GRAACE has officially returned with her fresh single “Love Is Getting Wasted,” and “Her,” after nearly two years of anticipation.

Through her recent reappearance in the pop music scene, GRAACE’s “Love Is Getting Wasted” consists of themes of ambivalence, portraying the turmoil and uncertainty surrounding the future of a relationship. More importantly, the reflective song is a powerful expression of catharsis for the established artist, driven by an infectious pop energy that highlights GRAACE's inclination for utilizing poignant lyrics. And of course, it’s yet another must-have track from the indie-pop stylings of the rising star.

With GRAACE embarking on a hype-worthy tour and generating new music — we’re taking time to chat with the sincere artist about her return to the biz and what’s to come.

GRAACE | Photo Credit: Vasili Papathanasopoulos

First and foremost, congratulations on your new music! Can you share the inspiration behind your upcoming EP Afterimage and what messages you hope to convey through this collection of songs?

GRAACE: Thank you! Throughout my 20s in the music industry, I’d been told by men that I needed to fit into a specific mould. As a woman, I believe it's crucial to acknowledge growth, change, and the ability to be diverse and emotive. I wanted each song to represent a character and emotion I've experienced over the years and to express that through the styling. I hope it encourages listeners to feel deeply, embrace constant change, and not feel the need to repress their emotions to please others.

How did your personal experiences with grief and heartbreak influence the creative process for this new project? 

GRAACE: Since I can remember, music has always been my form of therapy and expression. I think most musicians would agree. In my personal life, I am quite introverted and a homebody. With this new project, I've started traveling the world again and tapping into the character of 'GRAACE,' which has allowed me to let so many walls down. I used to write exclusively about my personal experiences, which were often quite sad, but I've grown as a writer and artist. This new project lets me exaggerate and explore happy experiences as well. Creatively, it feels so exciting to unlock a new era and transform my past heartbreaks into something positive.

What was the significance behind choosing “Her” as a key single from the EP, and how does it set the tone for the rest of the record?

GRAACE: I love it so much. It feels so different from the music I've made before, production-wise. I originally wrote this song as a pop track in 2019 and loved the lyrics and story so much that I wanted to revisit it with a friend while writing in Byron Bay. Having such an honest and open relationship with producers and writers really helps me be vulnerable, and it shows in this song. Even though it feels different, it still fits into the rest of the record so well, contrasting beautifully with the other emotions carried through each song. They all tie together beautifully.

The Afterimage EP is said to represent different stages at the end of a relationship. How did you navigate portraying these complex emotions in each track?

GRAACE: Definitely personal experiences! Having had multiple relationships, it's clear that different people can bring out different sides of you and evoke various emotions, much like friendships or family can. I wanted to dive into the good and bad of life experiences, especially in your 20s. I often hear that your 20s are the greatest years of your life, but rarely do I hear about how hard it is to navigate the complex and constantly changing experiences that affect your personal life and relationships.

Your recent music is also your first comeback in two years, and a lot can happen in that time! What are some of the most prominent changes you’ve undergone during that hiatus?

GRAACE: Having so much time without touring before this project gave me a chance to really develop its concept. With all the ups and downs in the writing process and the long gap between releases, it was great to sit with the songs and let them evolve. A lot of the EP changed during that time, and I swapped out some original tracks once the concept felt more solid.

As a small artist, having so much time between releases is scary, but I’m really lucky to have a supportive team that I have strong relationships with, which made the wait more positive. I couldn’t be more excited about this project, and having the time to grow as an artist with the right support has been amazing.

With over 150 million streams on Spotify and tours around the globe, how do you personally handle industry pressure of trends, success, etc., while staying true to your artistic vision? 

GRAACE: That's so crazy to read! While streams are always great, I've always valued the personal connections I build with my fans more. Not to get too sappy but having that core group of ride-or-die supporters gives my work so much purpose. The rapid changes in the industry, especially in Australia, have been a tough journey, but with my manager's help, I've learned to push back against the pressure to follow trends and focus on authentic connections with my fans.

In closing, you mentioned being inspired by "fucking incredible women" during your time in the studio. Can you elaborate on how these influences shaped your music on this EP?

GRAACE: Amen! I've been incredibly lucky to grow up in a strong family of women. The resilience of my widowed mother, who not only raised two daughters alone but who also supported my music career even when I was just busking outside the local post office, has always inspired me. Being creatively lifted and not restricted has been a huge part of this journey. I'm so fortunate to have people around me who have always allowed me to dream. Because of this, I've been able to tap into all these characters on this project without fear or judgment.