NYC based singer-songwriter Gracie Nash has released her debut EP, Power Lady. The body of work combines Motown orchestral styles with quirky lyrics and a big voice that puts Gracie Nash on the map as a unique artist with her own sound.
The E.P. features music and lyrics by Gracie Nash, arrangement and production by Charlie Rosen, mixing by Dylan Mckinstry, mastering by Alan Silverman, and was recorded at John Kilgore Studios, Power Station, and The Bridge Studio. Josh Bailey, Tiger Darrow, Danielle Gimbal, Lily Holgate, Susan Davita Mandel, David Farrell Melton, Austin Moorhead, Gracie Nash, Jimmy O’Connell, Lavinia Pavlish, Jordan Pettay, Charlie Rosen, Laura Sacks, Mike Sailors, Kate Steinberg, Natalie Tenenbaum, and Zac Zinger are all featured in the band.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Gracie about the latest release, technology, challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Hi! I’m a native New Yorker and I create what I like to call “retro-pop”. While all my songs tend to drift between genres, they all fall under this general umbrella of “retro-pop”. My songwriting style has a classic flare by prioritizing melody & storytelling. Additionally, there are practically no samples or synths involved in the production. Every sound you hear was recorded by a musician in the studio!
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I grew up with Classic Rock radio as my life’s soundtrack. Throughout my youth I was always growing my CD collection. Then, when I was 11 I started playing guitar and immediately filled notebook after notebook with song lyrics. In 2016 I entered the graduate songwriting program at NYU where I was really able to hone my craft. As for motivation, songwriting is an integral part of who I am–I’m certain that for the rest of my life I’ll be writing songs.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
This is my first EP! I’ve released 3 singles prior to this (all of which will be featured on the EP) but this is my first time releasing a greater body of work. I wrote the songs while I was in the process of falling out of love with someone else and falling in love with myself. Each of these songs is deeply personal and reflects a part of the healing process that I went through while coming into my own as a young woman. I know many people struggle on the road to self love (especially after a nasty breakup!) and I hope that my songs can help aid in their healing process.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age?
I find it really challenging to promote myself on social media! I’m much more of a face-to-face sort of person, and sometimes I feel a bit of a struggle between me & my musical passion vs. my on-line presence.
How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
I’ve had a really fun time getting to meet other artists through social media! I’ve found a vibrant songwriting community in the NYC area and I’m happy to say that the songwriting scene is SO supportive here. While sometimes social media & technology can be a drag–it certainly has the bright side of bringing like-minded people together.
What was the last song you listened to?
Hypotheticals by Lake Street Dive–AMAZING!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Hm! I think every audio medium has its place. I will say there is something magical about finding a vintage vinyl record from a hole-in-the-wall shop in the village & bringing it home. I have a big box of vinyls passed down through generations and I think it’s so nice to put one on and hear the slight bumps in the record and know that there is a story behind that album.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I’m a Spotify gal! I love the opportunity for musical exploration & the community aspect of it. My boyfriend & I have shared playlists for every season…and it feels like such a fun way to connect & collaborate.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
Check out my spotify page! Take a look at my YouTube channel! Follow me on instagram! Or take a peep at my website www.gracienash.com! I love getting emails and messages, so always feel free to reach out 🙂
Anything else before we sign off?
Thank you for having me…this interview has been a blast! And a lil wink wink to everyone out there, keep your ears ready for some new music on the horizon!
