At just 18 years old, Grace Humphries, who is based in the Austin, TX, Hill Country, is already writing impressively well-crafted songs that artists twice her age would envy; she began her musical journey early, with baby Grace humming in her crib and starting piano lessons at age 5, although she is mostly self-taught.
You learn that her mother, a Texas native, and her Liverpool, UK, expat father were astounded with their daughter’s early-emerging talents and encouraged her creativity at every turn. You discover how music fostered a bond between Grace and her older brother Liam in Ramona, California, their home until Liam’s devastating brain cancer diagnosis. When Grace was 8 and Liam was just 10, the family lost Liam and relocated to the Texas Hill Country, and in the years that followed, Grace began channeling her feelings into music and soon knew exactly what she wanted to do in life.
You see that Grace is constantly creating music, in and out of the studio, hearing the melodies in her head at school and at home, where she puts her ideas down via her small home recording studio. In 2024, Grace excelled in the annual All-State choir competition TPSMEA (Texas Private School Music Educators Association), securing the First Soprano position. You note her wins: TAPPS (Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools) in 2020 with her rendition of “Think of Me” from Phantom of the Opera and in 2022 as a soloist with her original composition, “I Am Found.”
You follow her performing up to hour-long sets at Chamber of Commerce events and local farmers markets as well as wineries and steakhouses, and in March of 2024 you find she had the wonderful opportunity to travel to England and spend a week recording at the famous Abbey Road Studios. You track her return to the UK in April to spend a week working with producer Ian Barter on her single “Good Enough” and her first mini radio promotion that took her to Nashville and Knoxville, Tennessee, as well as Atlanta, Georgia, where she was a guest on WSM 650 Coffee, Country and Cody, WDVX The Blue Plate Special, and WRFG The Americana Garage with Steve Kilbride.
You read that her most recent radio promotion took her to Sonoma County in Northern California, where she was Doug Jayne’s guest on KRCB 104.9, Sonoma County’s NPR station, for an on-air interview and live performance, followed by a live performance at the Hopmonk Tavern in Sebastopol, CA, to help raise funds for KRCB. You know she is currently an active member of the Worship Team at church and sings in both the adult ministries as well as the youth ministries. She is also completing her high school education through an online classical Christian program, maintaining a Merit Honors GPA.
You feel Grace’s drive: driven by the natural determination and focus of a true-born artist as well as the sense of loss she has experienced in her few short years, Grace creates music to express the joy, fragility, and beauty of life, and she uses that music to connect with others. And even at the age of 17, she knows exactly what she wants. “I just want to be fulfilled doing what I love: storytelling and performing,” she explains, “writing music that is meaningful and connects with people in a very real way.”
When did you start writing music?
I started writing full songs when I was 13 but ever since I can remember I have been making up my own jingles.
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, TV, or other media?
I do draw inspiration from TV, books and other people’s experiences. I feel like with any art form such as film or literature an artist is bound to be inspired. An artist can’t help but see the beauty in all types of art.
What about your music is rebellious, unconventional, or unusual?
I suppose I don’t consider myself a pop artist, a country artist, or an artist that is part of any specific genre because I love all kinds of music. I most definitely want to tap into many different genres in my music career. Right now most of my songs have country/pop/folk feel to them.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I would love to collaborate with Lizzy McAlpine. I love her sound and think she has created something really unique.
If you could go open a show for any artist, who would it be?
I would love to open a show for Ed Sheeran.
Have you got a ritual of sorts when writing and thinking about your music?
Oftentimes I will brainstorm my ideas for a song I want to write. I’ll just start crafting a story in a notebook then from there I’ll write little poems from that story. Those poems become lyrics in the song. Then other times a song just flows out of me; sometimes I come up with the melody first and then fill in the lyrics.
Which famous musicians do you admire?
I really love Joni Mitchell, Lizzy McAlpine, ABBA, Ed Sheeran and Lady A.
Where was your last song recorded?
My last song was recorded in Nashville with Caleb Flanders. The first time we went was in the Fall, then we went again in the winter to record this song and “I Couldn’t” . Then in February we went back and recorded “Wanted You to Know”. Each time I have learned so much and have loved going to Nashville. I definitely could see myself living in Nashville even though I love Texas with all of my heart.
Why’d You Give Up” is a raw, emotional ballad that speaks to the pain and confusion of watching a relationship slowly fade away. Written from the perspective of someone who fought to keep love alive, Grace delivers a soul stirring vocal performance that asks the lingering question so many have faced.
Are you a cat or dog person?
I am more of a dog person but I also really love cats. The only problem is that I am allergic to cats and most breeds of dogs. Poodles and sheep dogs are some of the only breeds that I am not allergic to.
What advice would you give to your previous boss if you could?
Hold yourself to the same standard that you hold other people to.
What would be a good theme song for your life?
I would say, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey. I really connect with the whole song and I love the opening line, “Just a small town girl, living in a lonely world”.
Which fictional character do you wish was real?
I wish Superman was real. He is strong and brave but also kind and gentle.
As a kid were you ever frightened of a monster under the bed or in the cupboard?
I was frightened of the monster under my bed.
Social links:
Instagram: @gracehumphriesmusic
Facebook: @gracehumphriesmusic
TikTok: @gracehumphriesmusic