Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with GRAACE

Singer-songwriter GRAACE is one of Australia’s hottest up-and-coming musicians. After rocketing to the spotlight after her collaboration with Hayden James’ “Numb” in 2017, she’s been busy touring and releasing her own music; in fact, she has over 100 million streams on Spotify.

Her newest single, “You Do You,” is from her upcoming EP. As GRAACE says, “It was inspired by the honeymoon phase of meeting someone.” The catchy hook and luscious vocals draw listeners in—and we can’t wait for the full EP.

We chatted with GRAACE about her career, her biggest influences, and “You Do You.”

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
GRAACE: My best friend’s mum when I was younger was a piano teacher! I loved doing lessons, and it naturally grew into me wanting to play the guitar next. I then started writing. I feel so grateful to have had my dad buy me a guitar and an amp when I was fourteen, and that’s when I realized I really wanted to take music seriously because I’m so crazy passionate about it.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
GRAACE: Having had support from my friends and family since I was young I think goes unmentioned a lot of the time. I wouldn’t have had the drive to do it without them! But listening to artists like Joni Mitchell when I was young has had a big influence on my folk side of songwriting, which flows throughout my projects, even when they’re more pop-based.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
GRAACE: Before COVID, I think I was always thinking about the next thing and thinking ahead rather than taking a second to actually congratulate myself on some cool things I have done, so that’s been a blessing to have time to look back.

One moment I go back to is my Splendour performance with Hayden James for our song “Numb.” It really is a pinch-me moment to sing to thirty-five thousand people, especially now that I can’t even fathom that many people being in a group. [laughs]

PC: Your songs have been streamed millions of times. Does that add any pressure for future releases?
GRAACE: Yeah, for sure. Sometimes the business side of music creeps in and takes over a part of my creative brain that doesn’t care about what I’m saying and things like that make me question what I put out, knowing that millions of people can listen to it and will hear what I’m saying. But it’s also exciting when I feel like I’ve written something I’m proud of and know that there is a possibility that many people will hear!

PC: Tell us about your new single, “You Do You.” What inspired the track?
GRAACE: I was feeling a bit stuck from all the stoppings that happened during COVID, and I wanted to amp myself up to get out of my funk! I was in the studio with my friend Xav and he started playing the bass line, and the melody and lyrics honestly just fell out of me from all of my built-up emotions.

PC: If you had to pick one song off of your new EP that best encompasses who you are as an artist, what would it be and why?
GRAACE: There’s a song called “Downgraded.” I’m so proud of my writing on it and have been waiting to release it for a couple of years now, so I can’t wait! It’s a really great balance between my confident side and my vulnerable honest side.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
GRAACE: Ashnikko.

PC: First album you bought?
GRAACE: Cheetah Girls.

PC: First concert you attended?
GRAACE: Hannah Montana.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
GRAACE: Daughter—If You Leave. It really spoke to me when I needed it most.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
GRAACE: Red Rocks Amphitheatre.

PC: A must-have on the road?
GRAACE: Murder podcasts and headphones.

To keep up with GRAACE, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “You Do You” today.