- Words Monique Boreland
After releasing stand-out album Self Sabotage, Australian singer-songwriter GRAACE answers our infamous Internet Crush questions.
If you haven’t listened to Australian singer and songwriter GRAACE’s EP, Self Sabotage, you’re making a huge mistake. GRAACE’s latest EP is a twenty-minute compilation of emotions that follow a breakup – heartbreak, guilt, confusion, the singer delves across feelings and themes we can all relate to. Distilling the complicated emotions that follow heartbreak into ear-worm lyrics, GRAACE’s EP is an emotive body of work.
A well-received favourite on the EP has been ‘Kissing Boys’, a perfect pop ballad that explores feelings of frustration, regret and a trail of kisses. The intoxicating synth tones, heartfelt piano chords and vibrant delivery transform the melancholy lyrics, to a memorable breakup anthem.
Only 21, GRAACE has established herself as the new world-class talent to look out for. So far she’s co-written and featured on Hayden James’ “Numb”, which has since gone platinum in Australia. Now signed to Sony Music, GRAACE’s debut EP has catapulted her into the international limelight as an unabashed, emotive storyteller who is not afraid to wear her heart on her sleeve.
We got the chance to quiz GRAACE with our infamous crush questions, here’s what she had to say…
Do you remember your dreams? Tell us about a recent dream you’ve had….
I remember my dreams every other night usually. Last night I dreamt I was at a concert and I left to go to the bathroom and a security guard followed me to say the band wanted me to come hang out after the show so, I never got to pee. I had to get in a limo to go to some random place… thinking about it now saying your dreams out loud sounds really stupid.
What is the closest you’ve ever come to death?
Look, not going to lie – Tower of Terror at Disneyland when I was 12 was the real deal… I’m yet to come closer than that yet.
Tell us, what is your first memory of music?
My first memory of music ever would be listening to Jazz in my Dad’s den while it was snowing outside in Oregon.
What’s your star sign? (and are you a typical *whatever your sign is*?)
My star sign is Taurus. I feel like I’m pretty spot on my star sign as much as I’m not totally into the whole thing. But I do know Adele’s a Taurus…. So proud I’m proud to be one haha.
When was the first time you had your heart broken? (who by? how did it feel? what did you do?)
The first time I had my heart broken was by my elementary school crush when he didn’t like me back at summer sports camp when I was 10. That one left a scar.
Who was your first celebrity crush?
I can’t remember any names but anyone who came on Hannah Montana as a guest star I’m sure my little heart fell in love with.
Tell us one thing nobody / not many people know about you.
I’m really good at making fake fart noises with my mouth.. don’t wanna brag though.
What would your biography be called?
‘The Grace behind Graace with two A’s’ only because I get asked why I have the Double A’s every show.
What was the first song you ever wrote?
‘So Close’. Might have to relearn it, I wrote it when I was 13.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
People can’t read your mind, if you don’t voice how you feel, how is anyone going to help fix it or accommodate to what you want? Speak up and most of the time the people around you will change their actions if they knew it upset you.
What has been your biggest achievement?
My biggest achievement so far has been writing a track called ‘Numb’ I featured on with Hayden James that went platinum in Australia, that’s something my 10 year old music lover self never thought was in my reach.
Which fictional character do you most relate to and why?
Probably Hermione Granger because of my stubbornness but also persistence.
How was high school?
That’s a tough one because I didn’t have any close friends besides my two best friends. I found myself lonely a lot though because we didn’t have any classes together besides one, so I tended to isolate myself a bit. I also hated most of my subjects so my music teacher would forge notes saying I had to rehearse for ‘said concert’ when there wasn’t one… he would just give me the key to the music room and I’d end up playing piano and writing all day. I think I was pretty lucky with that to have a teacher who believed in my art.
Who is the most famous person in your DMs?
Haha, I mean my Mum is famous in my eyes… but ‘famous’ probably The Chainsmokers.
Describe your own personal idea of hell…
Anything to do with worms, cockroaches or flying buzzing bugs around me. WORST NIGHTMARE. Yuk.
What’s a lie you’ve told and what was the fall out?
I once told a boyfriend I didn’t care that we broke up and ended up with a broken heart for a year because of it. And the fall out was me having to face the lie I told him and deal with it alone because I didn’t have the heart to tell him I still loved him.
Which super power would you most like to have, and why?
The superpower I would like to have most is teleportation. Being able to swing by home for a little bit while traveling and being on tour would be such a gift. I try not to overthink it too much because then I get sad that I can’t actually teleport… unless a genius figures it out before I die, that would be great. Thanks in advance genius person.
What is one album that totally changed your life?
‘Blue’ by Joni Mitchell. Not only is the song writing incredible, but her voice as a woman is so strong and vulnerable. It also reminds me of growing up with my father and amazing childhood memories. So nostalgic and special every time I hear it.
When was the last time you cried and why?
The last time I cried was the other night writing at my piano… reasons not to be shared.. sorry peeps.
Where/what will you be doing at the end of the world?
I hope to be holding a nice bowl of ramen (because I’m an emotional eater)… surrounded by all my friends and family, maybe watching a funny movie or listening to some good music. And somewhere really beautiful, just slurping on that ramen content with my choice of cuisine…waiting for s*^T to go down.