Artist Interview: Grace Elly

What first got you into music?

I remember being about five or six years old when my family took a trip to Daytona Beach, Florida. One evening, while we were having dinner at the hotel’s restaurant, my grandpa got up to sing karaoke. He chose What a Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong. Watching him perform was unforgettable — he looked so joyful, and his energy lit up the entire room. In that moment, I realized I wanted to do the same: bring happiness to others through music. Ever since that night, I haven’t been able to stop singing.

How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?

If I had to describe my music to someone who hasn’t heard it before, I’d say it’s rooted in fun, heartfelt pop with an emotional core. It captures the highs and lows that young women often go through—moments of confidence, heartbreak, growth, and everything in between. I want listeners to feel seen and understood when they hear my songs, whether they’re dancing along to an upbeat anthem or reflecting on a more vulnerable track. My music blends catchy melodies with honest storytelling, and I love pulling inspiration from different genres depending on the mood I’m trying to convey. Ultimately, I want my songs to be a safe space—something people can turn to no matter what they’re feeling.

Was there a defining moment when you realized music was your calling?

There was definitely a defining moment when everything clicked for me. I was 14 and part of a girl group called The Chosen Girls. We were in the middle of promoting our Christmas album, The Every Christmas Album, and had just finished filming a video outside for social media. I remember feeling so proud of what we were creating together. After we wrapped, I walked back inside and sat on the garage steps for a moment. That’s when it hit me—this overwhelming sense of purpose. I thought to myself, This is it. This is what I’m meant to do for the rest of my life. That moment of clarity has stuck with me ever since. It was simple but powerful—and it solidified that music isn’t just something I do, it’s who I am.

Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics or melodies?

When it comes to creating new music, I usually just follow whatever mood I'm in. Whether I'm feeling happy, angry, or sad, my emotions play a big role in shaping what I create, and I love exploring them all. For example, if I'm in a good mood, I might write a fun, upbeat pop song. If I'm feeling down, I might lean toward something more indie and mellow. I don’t like to limit myself to just one genre because I believe each one has something unique and special to offer.

How do you balance personal expression and creating something your audience will love?

For me, it all starts with honesty. I usually begin by writing down my emotions in detail—almost like poetry—capturing the heart of what I’m going through in that moment. It’s a very raw, personal process. Then, I bring those words to my producer,, and together we shape the story into something that others can feel connected to. Our goal is to preserve the emotion while making it universal—so that even if the listener hasn’t lived the exact same experience, they can still see themselves in the music.

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?

One of the most rewarding moments in my career was releasing my song My Opportunity. It was the first time I truly opened up and poured my heart into every lyric, sharing some of my deepest struggles—especially with self-doubt. While I’ve touched on personal experiences before, this song was different. It was raw, honest, and incredibly vulnerable. For a long time, I was afraid to let people see that side of me. I didn’t want anyone to know I was struggling. But then I realized: vulnerability is what builds connection. By being open, I gave others something to relate to—and hopefully, something to find strength in. That moment helped me grow not just as an artist, but as a person.

How do you prepare for a show or tour?

Preparation for a show starts well before the big day. I begin by immersing myself in my setlist—listening to it on repeat so the music becomes second nature. Then I dive into rehearsals, both on my own and with any musicians I’ll be performing with. I make sure I’m fully confident in every song, down to the smallest detail. On the day of the show, I like to run through a few key songs as a final mental check-in, but I also make time to relax—because performing takes a lot of physical and emotional energy. I’ll sip some hot lemon water, do my vocal warm-ups, throw on an outfit that makes me feel great, and then step on stage ready to give it my all.

What’s the most unusual or memorable thing that’s happened to you on stage?

One of my most memorable moments happened last year on Christmas Eve. I was performing at a small church service, and I sang Mary, Did You Know?—a song that holds deep meaning for me. As I sang, I could feel the room become still, and I saw how visibly moved the congregation was. It was powerful to witness music bring people together in such a sacred way. As a Christian and a musician, I believe it’s important to honor God with the gift He’s given me. Being able to use my voice to share the gospel is one of the greatest honors of my life, and it’s moments like that which remind me why I sing in the first place.

Can you tell us about your latest project or release?

Last month I just relased my latest single "I Don't Care Anymore." Prior to I had released "Safe Room," which was released in October of 2024. It’s a pop track that dives into the theme of self-acceptance—learning to embrace both the highlights and the flaws that make us who we are. One of the most powerful lines in the song is “My thoughts, wild thoughts, judge me not,” which really captures the inner dialogue so many of us struggle with. I truly love this song because it encourages listeners to find peace within themselves and live life without fear of judgment. I believe that kind of self-love is essential to reaching your fullest potential. 

Are there any collaborations in the works you’re excited about?

I’m currently working on a new EP that’s set to release this summer, and it’s all about life transitions—navigating the changes, uncertainties, and excitement that come with stepping into a new chapter. This project feels very personal, and I’ve poured a lot of my own experiences into it. Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to collaborate with a few incredibly talented musicians, and those experiences have really shaped my growth as an artist. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue expanding my team and work with new writers, producers, and creatives who can bring fresh energy and perspective to my music.

What message or emotion do you hope people take away from your music?

I want my music to provide a sense of peace and connection. We all face moments of doubt and struggle, and that’s completely okay. My hope is that my songs offer a message of hope — a reminder that even in the toughest times, we have the strength to keep going and grow through our challenges. More than anything, I want my listeners to feel understood and know they’re never alone in their journey.

Who are you listening to right now?

Right now, I’m loving Ariana Grande, especially her album Eternal Sunshine (Deluxe). It beautifully explores the theme of self-growth, which is something I deeply resonate with in my own music. Ariana’s vocals are nothing short of incredible—those high notes and powerful belts are so impressive. Her vocal style has had a huge influence on me, and I strive to bring that same energy and emotional depth to my own songs.

How do you see your music evolving in the next few years?

I envision my music continuing to grow within the pop industry, with a focus on creating songs that help people feel less alone in their struggles. However, I’m open to exploring other genres like country, R&B, and gospel, as I truly love the diversity in music. I’m also about to start my journey at Berklee College of Music this August, and I’m really excited to see how this experience will shape and elevate my career!

How do you handle the balance between commercial success and artistic integrity?

I’ve always remembered something my cousin taught me when I was a little girl: to stay humble, be confident, and most importantly, be myself. These words continue to guide me, reminding me to have faith in my abilities and not be afraid to pursue my dreams. At the same time, they keep me grounded, reminding me to stay thankful for every opportunity and to never forget where I come from. It’s this balance that helps me navigate both commercial success and artistic integrity with authenticity.

What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, tours, or surprises?

Right now, I’m working on an exciting new pop album! The songs will dive into the themes of transition, embracing the changes that come with stepping into a new chapter in life. I’m focusing on capturing the mix of excitement, uncertainty, and personal growth that comes with these moments of change. It’s a project I’m really passionate about, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!

Anything You'd Like Your Fans to Know.

My next release is coming this summer, and I’m so excited for everyone to hear it! To stay connected and keep up with all things Grace Elly, you can visit my website at GraceEllyMusic.com. There, you’ll find links to my music and social media platforms, making it easy to follow along.

Link to Album or Other Media:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/595K9lTaqLphl1sCK8mUt0