remote photography by TATIANA KATKOVA
creative editor & interview by PACO LAMPECINADO at MUSIC IS MUSE

GRACE WEBER has a soul-igniting vocal presence, first developed in her childhood by singing in a gospel choir. Weber’s most recent EP, How Did We Get Here, can be described as “sexy, timeless and empowering”.

PACO: How would you define your year 2020?

GRACE WEBER: I’m not sure just yet how to define 2020. Words that come to mind are growth, patience, acceptance, forgiveness, self-care. It feels like a turning point year for me personally and for the world. For me, the turning point is towards real self-care and self-love. I’m trying to break out of some habits of doubt and insecurity, and step into a more consistent place of confidence. For me that starts with taking better care of myself and showing myself more love – eating better, sleeping better, more face masks, drinking less, working out more. I want to use this year to get my mind and body ready for a big 2021 with my new album and touring!! I’m so excited.

What are some songs that help you get through during rough times?

Tiana Major9’s whole project, At Sixes & Sevens, has been getting me through right now. I love her voice and every song on that project, and I also love her positive affirmations that she weaves throughout it. It reminds me a little bit of India Arie’s ‘Acoustic Soul’ which was a project that really impacted me as an artist in the way I write lyrics.

Did anything inspire you this year in spite of the turmoil?

I am constantly inspired by people’s resilience right now. Despite Trump and others’ severe attempts to divide and cause chaos and cruelty, I see so many people refusing to give in and instead choosing kindness and empathy and love. It gives me hope that we can get through this and come out wiser and stronger and even more connected. I was just talking to a friend who’s had a pretty rough year, and they still were so upbeat and positive and believed that every downfall they’ve had this year has had a silver lining and that it taught them what they needed to learn. I also just saw an Instagram post from India Shawn that said, “Everything in your life is there as a vehicle for your transformation, use it!” I am so inspired by the resilience and the choice to choose gratitude and growth over fear or doubt.

Anything you’ve learned (epiphany) during this unprecedented year?

I actually had a few epiphanies: 1. Driving from Denver to LA in one day is a bad idea 2. Renting an E-Bike in Zion National Park is a very good idea. 3. Lavender Epsom Salt Baths are necessary for my mental health 4. Peloton is actually worth it 5. Santee Alley is my new favorite place in LA 6. Leaving my phone turned off for 24 hours is the new beach vacation.

Do you think these times helped you grow creatively and personally? If so, how?

I think these times have helped me grow and have helped me practice patience. I believe there is a reason patience is described as a virtue. It takes practice and faith to be able to let go and accept that you don’t always have control. Patience has taught me to see lessons more clearly and to understand that the universe is always lining things up for you in the time that work best for you and for the good of the world, so just let go and flow, because God / The Universe is always on time.

What were the inspirations behind your {smooth rnb} “how did we get here” EP?

How Did We Get Here is about renewal and comeback after a tough season. I became independent again this year and I think I needed to make this project in order to step into the next chapter. The project as a whole is about empowering yourself, looking back at the path that led you to now, and then choosing to go forward. Like I sing in ‘queen,’ “it was all an illusion, like a life with a plan”…I didn’t know what curve balls life would throw these past couple of years and what unexpected turns would have me to start again, but it led me to find the strength to take my power back, finding beauty in removing what no longer served me, and finding self-love in the process.

What can you tell us about your upcoming projects?

I have an album in the works that I’m so excited about. I’ve been working on this album for the past few years and I am feeling almost ready to put it out into the world. This project brings all of my musical influences together and is about resilience, forgiveness, and coming home to yourself. I really can’t wait to finish it and put it out in 2021!! I’m ready.