Interview w/Grace May: lustrous R&B outta NYC

22 year old New York based artist Grace May's first solo tracks are as well composed as they are full of tenderness. Having spent time honing her craft working as a vocalist, musician and studying at the prestigous Berklee College of Music, May delivers a focused and clear sound.

Her latest single, Quiet, is layered with impeccable and velvety vocals, soulful lyrics and sweeping dynamic shifts, making it a truly memorable experience.

 

Interview:

1- What's your first musical memory?

Singing in the shower. Still one of my favourite places to sing.

2- The messages of perseverance in your music is powerful, what's the best advice you ever received personally?

“It’s ok not to be ok”.

3- I love the influence of Joni Mitchell on your track 'Quiet', are there any other artists who have helped shape the way you approach creating a song?

Some of my favourite songwriters to study are Emily King and Lianne La Havas. They seem to have found a beautiful balance between writing honest lyrics and soulful melodies. They write to tell a story, and if that means there’s no hook - that’s fine with them.

4- Who are you listening to right now? Recommend our readers some tunes!

“Doubt” by Charlotte Day Wilson

“Happiness” the album by Appleby

“Lonely For You” by Georgia Greene

5- What was the most exciting and the most stressful aspects of launching your solo career?

I’ve always wanted to put out meaningful music, and to think that this is just the beginning, and that I have so much more to share, is very exciting.

It’s stressful knowing that a track and idea that has been with you for months, in your own personal library of music, will now be out in the world forever - whether it resonates with people or not. It’s all very intimate and public at the same time.

6- What advice would you give to any aspiring artists out there?

I’m still learning so I’d ask aspiring artists to take my advice with a grain of salt. I’d say, don’t write, sing or play what you think people want to hear. Write, sing or play what feels right and good to you.

7- What's next for you? Anything we should be keeping an eye out for?

I’m currently working on my next single release, “Angel”. Other than that, if anyone is in the New York area, follow me on Instagram and come out to my next gig!

You can keep up with Grace May, her latest events and tunes on her official Twitter, Instagram and Soundcloud.