Notts is overflowing with talent and we’ve got plenty of it coming up at our place, including none other than soulful singer GRAYCE. Dropping a steady flow of singles and EPs over the last year, we’re excited to welcome the local songstress to our place as part of our Tempo: New Music Showcases this Summer. We chat below about shows, writing and her favourite tunes.
Hi Grayce! Nice to meet you. Let’s start off by telling us how you got into making music.
It’s great to meet you too! I began singing when I was seven years old and I was brought up in a very big musical family. Artists would constantly be playing in our house such as Stevie wonder, Whitney Houston and Marvin Gaye – all the legends. It’s always been a huge passion of mine to pursue this as a career.
Gigs are nearly back with us after a long while away, how excited are you to get back performing again next month?
I’m super excited to be able to get back behind the mic after what’s felt like a lifetime. I’m sure a lot of musicians will agree that it’s been a long time coming but it’s going to be such a great gig and worth the wait especially seeing as we also get to boogie too! I’m looking forward to showing off my new originals with the help of my friends behind me in the band!
Your dreamy new single ‘Past’ came out a couple of weeks ago, what was the writing and recording process like for that tune?
Thank you! Past was really fun to bring to life as it’s such a personal song to me. I mentioned on BBC Introducing that it symbolises a letter from me to my past self, saying “I don’t need you anymore” to my anxiety and depression. I was lucky enough to befriend Finn B who helped me with the mixing and mastering side of things, and from there it’s now available to stream everywhere!
Although live shows have been halted, you’ve been releasing a steady flow of singles and EPs over the last 12 months. How has the reaction been to the releases?
I think due to the restrictions and lockdowns it’s actually made me more creative which is why I released quite a few singles over the past few months. I had a lot of fun doing it and it was also a way for me to express myself and get whatever I was thinking off my chest.
We hear whispers that you’ve been working on an album. How has that project been coming on over the last few months?
I’d like to say more about my upcoming album but it’s currently still in the works, I can definitely say it involves lots of collabs though with local Nottingham artists. It’s going to be a breath of fresh air after the year we’ve had and believe it’s completely different to my usual stuff.
Following 18 months without gigs, what would be your dream first gig to attend?
Definitely gassed about being able to go to gigs again and was actually lucky enough to get tickets to see Billie Eilish at the O2 in London next year in June! She’s always been an inspiration and I think she’s very talented, many shots will be had that night!
And finally, what new tunes should we be adding to our playlists?
Some new tunes or artists for your playlist which are my faves would have to be Travis Scott, Clairo, King Princess, Billie Eilish, Daniel Caesar and the list could go on…
GRAYCE will play The Bodega on 26th August, as part of our Tempo: New Music Showcase nights. Tickets are on-sale now here.
