gracie pairs unapologetic honesty with heavy alternative grit to deliver anthems that hold absolutely nothing back. Her debut full-length, Miss Misfortunately, drops June 26 via Tooth & Nail Records. Here, she breaks down finding her sound, writing through the heavy stuff, and taking those raw emotions straight to the stage.
Lucy
Putting out a debut full-length album is such a massive turning point! It’s essentially your introduction to the world. When you look at the big picture of this record, what side of your musical identity did you feel you absolutely had to capture for this first major statement?
gracie
To me, the most important introduction I could have to the world is an outspoken and honest one. I think my sound will grow and evolve over time- although rock and pop influences are extraordinarily foundational for me. But definitely, my lyrical integrity and honesty is the most important thing to me. I hope that people will be able to see themselves in my lyrics, and feel like their own story is being told. I hope to make people feel safe, and seen, and understood. All of that will always be paired with aggressive high notes to drive a point home, and musicality that helps tell an important story.
Lucy
Your background spans a pretty wild spectrum; from huge powerhouse vocalists to the grit of pop-punk and alternative rock. When you were figuring out your own sound, how did you navigate blending those massive, clean vocal influences with a heavier, more aggressive rock vibe?
gracie
I love this question! I think I’ve always had a cleaner pop voice. When I was younger, I hated it- I wanted rasp and gravel so bad. As I got older, I learned to love what I was given, and wanted to steward it well. I think I just try to create whatever comes out of me naturally. That usually ends up being clean, pure toned vocals with heavier guitars. I think the way we structure songs is pretty pop inspired, as well- my producer knows how to write a chorus everybody wants to sing, whereas I’m more lyric heavy, story-telling in the verses. I think good pop music is all centered around a killer chorus- and when you pair that with rock/pop-punk sounds, you get a culmination of everything I love. It’s all a growing work in progress- building a new, unique sound- but it’s all so fun, and so worth it.
Lucy
Your writing is incredibly honest and unfiltered, which I really admire. When a song starts out as a deeply personal thought or memory, what is the process like taking those raw feelings and turning them into a high-energy track for the world to hear?
gracie
I think I’ve always been a pretty honest and raw person.. whether that’s just in conversation, or on social media, it definitely translates to my songwriting- I want to write songs that feel real. It takes the right collaborators to be able to open up in a writing session. If I’m not writing a vulnerable song with my producer, who’s a good and safe friend, I’m writing it by myself. Not because I’m afraid or unwilling to share a true story, but because not everyone is willing to go there with you, or talk about something that might get ridiculed publicly. My producer is one of the few people who’s willing to take risks with me, and I’m extremely grateful. But sometimes, if it’s gonna end with me crying, I’m gonna write it alone- or at least start the idea alone. I hate crying in front of people haha.
Lucy
Do you ever hesitate before putting that much of yourself out there on tape?
gracie
Honestly, it’s less scary to put my life story on tape than it is to post about it online. Music, I think, is an easier vessel for heavy topics or big emotions, because it dances its way into your ears and your heart, rather than just putting it bluntly on a screen.. I think you can understand someone’s heart better from hearing their story in a song, rather than just typing it out or reading the words. Of course, conversation with a friend is a happy middle ground. But even then…I’d rather say it through song. I broke up with a boy when I was 14 by playing him two songs I had written, so I think I’ve always been that way haha.
Lucy
LMAO.
It takes time to land on a sound that feels totally like you. Looking back at your early days of writing, was there a specific moment where it all clicked and you knew this was the exact style you wanted to go for?
gracie
Honestly, the first real song I had written kind of sounds like what we’re making today. I was nine. I tried to write a country song, because I was a big Swiftie, but it wasn’t working. Instead, I wrote a pop/rock love song about a boy who lived in my neighborhood. It included an electric guitar solo, and a big ole high note in the bridge. It was called ‘Be Mine.’ He didn’t like me back.
Lucy
His loss. With the album done, it’s time to take these songs live! How do you approach translating the contrast of heavy emotional lyrics and high-energy rock to the stage?
gracie
Singing these songs live is an unreal experience. I’ve gotten to do it a few times so far in some small spaces with a few fans, and watching people connect with the lyrics is my favorite thing. I see their eyes light up, or their jaw drop, or they laugh at something witty I put in the lyrics, and I feel like we all just connected on something major. Music is powerful in that way. Screaming high notes over crazy rock music is how I’ve always processed heavy emotion- whether it be to MCR, Paramore, or Demi Lovato, I’ve always felt relieved after a solo concert in my car. I expect every live show to be cathartic for all of us involved.
Lucy
Truly cathartic. To wrap things up, if you could perform a dream duet or go on tour with any artist from the early 2000s alternative scene that shaped your sound, who would be at the top of your list and why?
gracie
Oh boy. Vocally, I would love to have a screaming match with Kellin Quinn. Let me harmonize with a high note PLEASE. If we’re talking tour, touring with Paramore would’ve been the ultimate dream come true, solely for the sake of watching their set after mine. Throwing in an extra answer for you, In present days, I’d kill for a duet with Yungblud. I think he’s magic, and I have a special adoration for classic rock influences.
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