Discussions surrounding mental health are not always the easiest to engage in, especially during your younger years. 20-year-old Baker Grace is the vocalist aiming to remove the stigma surrounding these topics with her latest introspective and pop-infused track “I Feel For You”. Laced with self-sentiments, the singer takes us on a journey through her personal experience of struggling to let people in during tough times with her sickly sweet vocals leading the way. Accompanied by a mellow tune – which is driven by a steady drum beat and guitar vibrations – the song is a juxtaposition in itself as we hear deeply personal lyrics run over seemingly relaxed pop sounds.
“I have a tendency to close off when I am in a bad place and have always had a hard time letting other people in,” states Grace. “I wrote this song to try to understand the other person’s point of view and take responsibility for how I affect others when I am struggling with myself.”
This latest track comes from Grace’s upcoming EP “The Show Is Over” which is set to offer a further insight into the singer’s psyche. With each song drawing on specific life lessons she has learnt, the 4-part project promises more stigma-challenging conversations joining her dreamily airy vocals. With the singer having made her start in the basement of her family home with the help of her Dad, it is clear that musical perfection comes naturally to her, meaning that she is definitely one to watch.
Check out our interview with Baker Grace below…..
Hey Baker! How’s this past year been for you? Have you picked up any unusual skills?
Hey! It has been a journey, but I have been taking it day by day and making the most of the little things. I have definitely improved my piano and cooking skills and gotten really good at breathing behind a mask.
You were born in a musical family, what was it like growing up surrounded by music and what kickstarted it into a career?
I think I thought I was living in a musical as a child. I would constantly break into song and dance and imagine myself on stage. My father and I would sing together all the time and my sister was always sharing new music with me, it was really special to be connected with my family through music. When I was about 14, my thoughts and emotions were starting to get stronger and I needed a place for them to live. I started seriously writing songs to cope with everything going on in my head and when I showed them to my father, he encouraged me to share it with the world, I haven’t stopped ever since.
Congratulations on your new single “I Feel For You”, talk us through the production process, did you find it challenging during lockdown?
I actually recorded this song before lockdown at a studio in Los Angeles. The producer played some chords and I started by writing about my relationship at the time and the way I was feeling in the moment. I came in with a pretty clear vision and it came to life really naturally. I think the best songs are the ones that come easily, it feels like they write themselves.
The song takes us through someone struggling with their mental health, what made you tap into this subject?
I have a tendency to close off when I am in a bad place and have always had a hard time letting other people in. I wrote this song to try to understand the other person’s point of view and take responsibility for how I affect others when I am struggling with myself.
The song is taken from your upcoming EP, “The Show is Over”, talk us through your mindset going into this project, what do you want listeners to take from it?
I want to show that there is no perfect life and no perfect relationship. I spent way too much time trying to please others and become who I thought I was supposed to be instead of learning to love myself for who I am. I want people to remember to appreciate the little things and remember that it’s the journey and not the destination that makes life beautiful.
If you could work with anyone in the world who would it be?
I would love to make a song with Rick Rubin. I think he is such an incredible producer and admire his individuality and his creativity. I couldn’t imagine how much I would learn working with him.
Aside from the EP, what are you most looking forward to!
I am most looking forward to travelling and performing live again. Nothing compares to the rush of being on stage and connecting with people in the real world.