- Words Talitha Messham
Molly Grace is tearing up the scene in Tennessee with her glamorous, pop-funk releases. Here, she talks all about her upcoming tour, the world of Blush and her dream headliner to open for.
Hot from the Nashville music scene, the emerging pop star Molly Grace has earnt the buzz surrounding her debut album, Blush. Comprising a mixture of pop, funk and disco melodies, the 23-year-old musician takes inspiration from camp icons like Chappell Roan and Reneé Rapp for her timeless sound and vivacious stage performance, proving to be the next queer superstar in the making.
Ahead of her LP, Grace shares her final single ‘WYKYK’ (When You Know You Know) on 26th September, an exploration of the excitement in a budding romance (“Tell me why I’m sizing up a wedding ring” / “Tell me why I’m trying on your last name”) that’s both playful and deeply personal. Her humorous, vulnerable lyricism paired with powerful vocals speaks to her sincere fan connection that’s led to accolades like being hailed as “The Best Festival Set” at Bonnaroo festival.
On the upcoming album, Molly says, “you could be embarrassed, you could be flirty, you could be hot and bothered – it encapsulates all those feelings.” A journey into the human experience adorned in showgirl aesthetics, the pop artist’s magnetism is as glaring as her bright pink stage outfits.
Here, Molly talks all about her upcoming tour, the world of Blush and her dream headliner to open for.
Congrats on ‘WYKYK’. What’s the story behind the track, and what made it the right final single before the album drops?
Thank you so much! It’s no secret that I’m a big lover girl – I’m a romantic, for sure, and I’m very inspired by love, lust, and heartbreak in my music. When writing ‘WYKYK’, I wanted to capture the feeling of having a crush and falling in love – when it’s effortless and you feel like dancing in the street. It felt like the perfect final single because it feels like the (more) grown-up version of my past catalogue. It’s deep in the funky soul-pop world where I began my career.
The track has those funky, soulful layers but still feels very modern pop. How did you land on the sound for it with The Gifted and Joe Pepe?
Joe and Louis are truly so gifted, no pun intended. We wanted to write a song that was super funky and feel-good. I wanted it to have that classic soul, familiar kind of feel, while still feeling fresh. They understood the assignment for sure!
Fans have already called it a “lover girl anthem.” When you were writing it, did you know it was going to be that kind of crowd-pleaser?
I always hope so! But this song has really, really surprised me with how it’s been received. It’s certainly a fan favourite and I think a lot of my fans who love soul-pop/funk really resonate with this one.
Your debut album Blush is out September 26th, if you had to sum it up in three words, what would they be?
Playful, heartfelt, dramatic.
You’ve said Blush captures both the highs and lows of the human experience. Why was it important for you to explore that full spectrum of emotions?
Though Blush certainly has her vulnerable, ballad moments, it’s overall a feel-good record. In my songwriting, I love to explore sharing hard emotions in playful ways. For example, one of my favourite songs on the record, ‘Call It Quits’, is about feeling deeply unsatisfied in a relationship but not knowing how to leave, but you almost would never know with how fun the melody, lyrics, and production are. That’s how I work through my problems in real life, so that’s mirrored in my music, as well.
Sonically, the album draws from cabaret sparkle, queer joy, disco, even gospel. What do you want listeners to feel when they step into the world of Blush?
I want listeners to feel whisked away into a shimmering, rose-tinted universe that is, at its core, pop excellence with kisses of funk, soul, R&B, disco, and gospel. I want listeners to feel entertained start to finish, and I want them to giggle to themselves at the cheeky lyrics peppered throughout.
You’re about to kick off the Blush tour in London before heading across North America. What are you most excited for when it comes to bringing these songs to the stage?
I can’t wait! I’m most excited to add in the visual element to the music. I love to dance; I can’t wait to sing these songs with my lover girls and bring them to life physically.
From festival sets to opening for Betty Who, you’ve already had some major live moments. How does it feel to now be stepping into your own headline era?
This headline tour is a major undertaking and such an “I made it” moment for me. I feel so lucky and excited to get the opportunity to create the Blush universe as an in-person experience and to get to share it with my fans all over the world!
With Blush marking your debut album, what do you hope people take away about who Molly Grace is?
I try to move through life and my career with an open heart and a good sense of humour. I hope people see Molly Grace (me) as a top-notch entertainer who just really loves what she’s doing.
Beyond the tour and album rollout, what’s next for you?
I’m already working on MG2! What can I say? Life keeps happening, so I have to keep writing. I’m looking forward to creating that universe post-Blush. I’m also manifesting opening for an artist that I love in between albums (Sabrina Carpenter, I’m looking at you).