Owen Sound, Ontario-based artist Gracie Jet wears her heart on her sleeve and lets her hair flow with the wind. She has always shown tenderness and understanding toward people’s lives. Her lyrics come from a place of passion, dealing not only with traditional themes such as love and relationships but also more difficult topics such as the heartbreaking scenes she witnessed during her time as a nurse during the Covid crisis.
The emotional fearlessness of her lyrics combined with her powerful, soulful voice makes for a tumultuous ride for the listener – through love, hate, and loss, from the exultation of finding a soulmate to the determination to explore the world.
Her latest single, “Be Like Us,” is an indie pop Bonnie and Clyde style story with a soaring melody and unstoppable vocals. It’s quite reminiscent of Adele meets Miley Cyrus.
In this interview spotlight, we chat about favorite songs, dream collabs, musical memories and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
What can you share with readers about your new project?
‘Be Like Us’ is a trip into my imagination. When I watch movies, I always end up putting myself in ‘that person’s shoes.’ I’m a big dreamer, so it kinda comes easily! Bonnie and Clyde is interesting because of the way Hollywood has successfully romanticized the life journey of two young murderers – and it has worked. Although the song is a product of my imagination the way we are influenced by media isn’t and that’s the point of this song.
How does this project compare with your other projects you had in the past?
I think ‘Be Like Us’ is fun. My last two releases take on big subjects such as mental health and memory loss. I am also a nurse so I am impacted by the people I work with. But if you take into account how often we look at people on social media and I’m not just talking about stars, but people we know, our colleagues or even friends. Maybe it’s just me, but who hasn’t at least once thought ‘I want to be like them’ and have no idea what their lives might actually be like.
What about this project makes you most proud? Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
I wanted to create a fun catchy song that people could enjoy but also with a message I think love can be destructive and messy – Bonnie and Clyde are the perfect example to that.
What inspires you to create music. What motivates you to keep going?
Everything can inspire me to make music. It’s just in me; and always has been. It’s a bit like asking someone what motivates them to breath. I don’t know of any other way. Music is the medium through which I see life. I’m that annoying person that begins a sentence and finishes it in a song! lol I write about life, my life, other people’s lives. It’s the ‘story’ that inspires me to create music. I like to write songs that tell a story.
If you could collaborate with anyone -dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? Oh, that easy! Tracy Chapman! ‘Fast Cars’ is where I first started singing. She a musical pioneer; she didn’t just write music she sang messages to the world. I loved that about her when I was a teen and I still love that now. She is my musical revolutionist.
What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all time band/artists
Right now, I’m listening to Matt Masson a lot. I’m in the top 3% of his most frequent Spotify listeners. So, believe me I’m committed!
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected? You’ll find me on all social media platforms. My website is a good place to stay connected to me at https://www.graciejet.com/
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?
The music business is a huge industry. I love this industry. I love the fact that I am getting the opportunity to bring my stories to life. I love being around musicians and writers. Seriously, If I’m popping out to get something from our local music store. Then don’t expect to see me for a couple of hours! Lol. They should serve coffee in music stores because I just want to shoot the breeze and talk to everyone. Which is literally what I end up doing!
