Introducing Breakthrough Artist Grace VanderWaal
Wonderfully wacky singer-songwriter, Grace VanderWaal has been riding the train to fame since her sweeping win season eleven of NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Raised in upstate New York, VanderWaal has been called the teen prodigy of pop by the likes of Simon Cowell, Ellen Degeneres, and the Queen of Boheme, Stevie Nicks. The Fleetwood Mac star likened the young artist to herself, calling out a link of quirkiness and a shared desire to stand out in the crowd with their music.
Since her win, VanderWaal has been pretty busy, touring with big names like Imagine Dragons and Florence + The Machine as while also being named one of Billboard’s 21 under 21 and receiving their Rising Star award in 2018. She’s a multifaceted artist, set to flex her acting skills in the film Stargirl to be released before the end of 2019. Her voice is the one you hear humming through dreamscape deserts, bringing you to the light of day with her unique yet timeless sound. With a new EP LETTERS: Vol 1 out now, she is definitely an artist to keep on your radar.
We got the chance to chat with Grace about everything from her track ‘I Don’t Like You’, America’s Got Talent, and more…
Your latest single “I Don’t Like You” is such a break up anthem! What was the creative process for this track?
This song is so far from a breakup anthem. Of course anyone can interpret it any way they want, but that is not what it is for me at least. The process for writing I Don’t Like You was very very fun and creative and expressive. The producer in the room completely understood what I heard.
The video for your single ‘Waste my time’ is quirky and sweet. What inspired the idea for the visual?
For the ‘Waste My Time’ video I pretty much had that vision the moment I closed my eyes listening to the song and just talked to my team and they helped me make it a reality.
When did you realize that you wanted to pursue music?
There was never really a moment for me where I realized I wanted to pursue music. I went on America’s Got Talent and it just kinda changed everything and I decided, not really decided, but I just kinda grew a love for releasing music, being an artist and expressing myself in that way. So yeah, I guess that’s when.
Describe your songwriting routine?
I don’t really have a routine. I just kinda write whatever whenever however; no process, no step by step — it’s different every single time.
Do you remember the first song you ever wrote?
I don’t really remember the first one. ‘I Don’t Know My Name’ was definitely one of the first songs I wrote though.
How has winning America’s Got Talent shaped you as an artist?
Winning America’s Got Talent, I think, mainly shaped me because I got signed to my now-label. Sometimes I think that it would still be the same even if I didn’t win and was just on the show. I really think winning was such a small portion of why I am here. I think the main thing was just being on the show but who knows, maybe I wouldn’t have gotten signed if I hadn’t won. I guess the most important thing was being signed to my now-label, who are so supportive and amazing, and help me express myself in the best way possible.
You were awarded Billboards ‘Rising Star’ Award at the Women In Music Awards. What was your initial reaction after finding out you were being honored?
My initial reaction was “WHAT AM I GONNA WEAR?”. It was such an honour to be chosen as their Rising Star.
What were some of your favourite moments during the “Ur So Beautiful” Tour?
Some of my favourite moments of the “Ur So Beautiful Tour” was definitely hanging out with my band. We had some really fun times. I can’t even really highlight one time as there were so many. We would all just eat pizza and laugh and talk. Definitely hanging out with my brother too — he worked on that tour. And just the crew, really. Getting to know everyone and just having a great time. We all had a lot of fun on that tour.
You’re staring in the upcoming film adaptation of Stargirl – loved the novel! Will you be creating new music for the film as well?
I’m happy you liked the book and I’m super excited about the movie. There is lots of music in the movie and I can’t wait for everyone to see the movie version of the book.
In five year’s time, what do you hope to accomplish as an artist?
I never think that far ahead. [sizzle sound] Just so you know, since you can’t see me, I just licked my finger and it sizzled.
Make sure to check out Grace VanderWaal fantastic EP, LETTERS: Vol 1 here and the video for her single ‘I Don’t Like You’ below…
