Back From The Center Of The Earth

Oh blogggggggg

Don’t think I forgot about you.

Hi. It’s been a while. I fell down a hole to the center of the earth and now I have been reborn from the lava.

I promised a girl dahlia I would post this week and although it’s not Friday, I didn’t break my promise.

I’m back home in New Jersey for a few days. I love the cold. It’s very nice to see my home friends again. We had dinner with all of our moms and it was very sweet. Lots of Prosecco and pizzaaaaa.

Life has been interesting. Some very high highs (which you’ll hear about very soon) and some low lows. I guess that’s just how it goes. I hope to find some more balance in 2024.

I’ve been living out my days in Los Angeles, spilling over myself with songs. I saw a Joni Mitchell quote that said something like if you ever feel writers block it means you’re just afraid to tell the truth and that resonated with me. I feel the new music I’ve been writing is prioritizing honesty which is cool.

My family and I agreed to do no presents this year for Christmas, but it’s been fun putting together gifts for friends and even some of you guys hehehe. I cooked a BIG feast for my friends for Christmas which was delicious. The menu consisted of chickpea curry, rice, arugula salad, a medley of roasted veggies, sugar cookies, and I can’t remember if there was anything else. I got a few people my all time favorite book (tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin) to say thank you for all the work a few girls put into making The Neighborhood feel like a community, and sent out a few holiday cards too.

I deleted social media for a week. It was a nice brain cleanse. I have been having this overwhelming feeling like this world is a separate world from the world outside our phones if that makes sense? Like if I spend an hour scrolling I’ve just spent an hour on another planet until I look up and I’m back on earth. Idk I probably sound crazy but anyways it was nice to just live in this world for a bit. Ideally there’s an in between that feels healthy. Maybe I’ll get a flip phone to carry around and use this once a day to check in idk. 

I hope everyone reading this has a great holiday. Personally, I’m looking forward to eating a lot and spending time with my family, and taking some much needed time for relaxation. I know for some people it can be a hard time of the year and if that’s you I’m sending you love.

Also, there might be something coming this week. A holiday present from me to you?

Love,
Grace

Lil Life Update

Hi guys - 

For those of you who don't know, hi this is my blog. It was honestly really hard to stay consistent with writing on tour but now that I'm back in the comfort of my home, I will be posting every Friday again. 

So, what's new? ok...

First of all, well, you guys sold out my first headline shows ever so...uh thank you more than the entire world for that. I am just so grateful to get to see you all again SO soon and with A FULL BAND... I'm already starting to plan everything and I know it's going to be so special. Thank you for wanting to come. 

I have been cooking A LOT. Chickpea curry, lots of different kinds of salads, pizza, soup cuz duh, and many many hardboiled eggs but I don't really know if you can count that as cooking. The one thing I missed the most on the road was cooking so I'm happy to get back to making food for myself - it's maybe my favorite creative outlet besides music. 

I've been writing again which is exciting. Two songs in particular I really really love that you'll get to hear at some point. It probably didn't look like it, but I was pretty sad this past year. Like the kind of sad that you kind of forget about, that's white noise throughout your day, that you only start to hear before and after you're trying to sleep. I mean I'm always pretty happy even when I'm sad if that makes sense? I always know eventually the feeling will subside but anyway,,, usually, writing is my outlet, but I honestly went a few months without writing anything I liked probably because I wasn't done processing my emotions. Happy to report I feel a lot better and have hopefully gained some perspective as well. Exercise helps. 

I missed my friends. I've seen them all since I got back and they are just as lovely as I left them! It's been fun to be 21 again. 

In a few days I am going on a very special trip partially for work and partially for adventure. Think island...think accents...think lack of orthodontists...

I'm still pining in airports and in cars and in cafes. I still want a cat. I also still eat pickles. And I still read your letters...they're all by my bedside with the stuffed animals and bracelets. 

I strangely feel older than when I left. It's only been three months but I feel changed, like I'm maybe more exposed, maybe more brave, maybe more ambitious. 

As it probably is for you too, the world has been weighing on me extremely heavily. And like I suddenly have this internal and external pressure to comment on something I know relatively little about, when all I know is I can't help but cry watching so many people die and so many people live in fear. Maybe this isn't the place for this but it's been on my mind. I hope you all know I am aware and I am reading as much as possible. I hope for peace and respect for humanity. 

Music I've been listening to that feels like a hug:

"How Many" ep - Jake Minch 

"Basket Case" - Sara Bareilles 

"Solsbury Hill" - Peter Gabriel 

"Mud On My Superstars" - Keni Titus (shoutout Jason the best producer ever)

"Chicago - demo" - Sufjan Stevens 

"Across the Universe" - Fiona Apple (it's a cover and it's great) 

I guess that's my brain this week. See you in seven days. Love you. 

Grace 

Weekly R.E.P.O.R.T.

R - reading
Slouching towards Bethlehem by Joan Didion
Tbh it’s kinda slow but trying to enrich myself. I liked the story abt the wife killing her husband.

E - eating
This fire gf cookie dough called doughy
Bonus points for being able to bake it
Negative points for being 15 dollars 

P - playing
Been playing new songs on guitar this week like one I posted a lil TikTok of. Been writing some new stuff too so random lil guitar things.

O - obsessed
I’m obsessed with my reformation flats always I wear them almost every night on stage. Hayley Williams influenced me to buy them. 

R - repeat
My House Is Warm by sombr (ily)
my friends are so talented 

 

T - treat
A fan I’ve known for a bit Tiff brought me spicy pickles and candy corn last night in Dallas. Very funny watching British people try candy corn. Maisie says it tastes like shit fudge. Harry loves it.

 

Bonus!: Tomorrow is the one year anniversary of The Neighborhood. Quite crazy looking back on this year and seeing all the things that have happened and all the people I’ve met because of this song. More to say tomorrow but feeling: grateful.

Xx Grace

 

my week 5/15/23

 Hey guys - 

Writing to you from sunny Los Angeles. I’m on a break from tour for a few days so I decided to come “home” (still getting used to saying that) to do some work and see my friends. Today I saw my friend and got some yummy coffee (matcha with almond milk for me, vanilla latte for her) and did some window shopping on Melrose - if you know how basic that sentence is, I apologize. There is nothing like doing practically nothing with your friends. Speaking of nothing like doing nothing, I also got to see Bruno Major both nights because my friend Lindsay was opening for him which was so sick. She has the most insane voice ever it’s actually superhuman and if you have never seen her you really should. And he is one of my favorite songwriters ever so it was truly a treat. 

Overall this week has been a reset for me, just laundry and more laundry and more laundry and taking showers that aren’t plagued by the new diseases that lie at the bottom of every venue’s tile

lit a candle/palo santo pre-shower with this cute heart stone a fan (Angie) brought me in vancouver :)

It’s wild how quickly tour has gone by. There is only one month left and 12 shows. I’ve traveled to so many places across the country I never thought I’d go, and some I don’t think I need to go back to (I’ll leave them unnamed for both of our sakes). But there are so many new faces every night who know the words and know about my pickle obsession and match sambas and flats with me and they are honestly some of the coolest people I’ve ever met. The last girl in line in Calgary (Ava) gave us all of these sick recommendations for Banff and we went to as many as possible. I feel so honored to know so many of you guys and watch how passionate, smart, kind, stylish, crafty and cool you all are. 

 

Also, update time: some cool things happened this week

     1. My second Vevo video came out for 20 !! I feel like 20 is underrated from the EP but it’s one of my favorite songs I’ve ever written. I was quite literally crying in between takes and I really hope this new version can live in a special place in your heart like it does in mine. 

     2. The Neighborhood hit 2 million streams !!! I am so grateful for every person who continues to listen and I hope you’ve all found your new neighborhoods by now because god knows you need to

     3. I have been writing new songs again after a period of time off and I have been listening to them nonstop it’s so fun (sorry for taunting you, but I’m so excited for them)  

     4. I learned that Winnie the Pooh is British after being dragged on Twitter by Anna aka gracesneighborhood

That’s my week, that is all, lots of love, logging off. 

Grace 

3 Weekiversary

Hi -

I’ve been a bit MIA on the blog. But hi. I’m here.

It’s been three weeks since my EP came out. I think I’ve been so concerned with trying to find the right words to sum up how much this project means to me that I get paralyzed in doing so.

People keep asking me how it feels to have my EP finally out in the world, and it kind of feels like a birthday. There has been no monumental shift in my life- I have the same friends, I still forget to call my mom, Taylor Swift hasn’t called my managers and asked me to open for her (working on that one). And I still love those seven songs as much as I did when I wrote them. But there are subtle changes. Like when the waiter asks you how old you are and you stumble over your new age.

People now know my lyrics at shows.

I get to meet so many new people every night.

They want to buy my merch and support me, and that’s really really really cool. I feel confident that everything for this EP is exactly how I wanted it to be. I love the cover art and visualizers and I personally think you can hear the love and intention in every song, which is all I’ve ever wanted.

I feel like I haven’t given a proper thanks to everyone who made this project happen as well… so I’m gonna do that now. I’m gonna go in alphabetical order cuz it feels more equal that way lol.

Alexander -
When I met you I was honestly scared of you. You were so talented and sure of yourself and I didn’t understand how someone could have such certainty that a song would become something great when they hadn’t heard the end result yet. But you heard the potential in me with what seemed like blind faith. Over time, I’m not scared of you anymore and actually actively bully you, and your confidence has inspired confidence within me - especially after giving me the time and space to learn from your production and help produce alongside you. I used to be scared of production and now I’ve fallen in love with it. And not only that, but you were my first friend in LA and had no problem introducing me to everyone without hesitation. And then you took me on my first tour ever and helped introduce my music to so many new people... literally none of this would be possible without you and I’m forever grateful for you as a mentor, a partner, and a friend. Also When It Was Over is maybe the best song ever in the books of history. Yeah. 

Andrew -
I don’t even know how to properly sum up my thanks for you. There really aren’t enough words. When I met you I immediately knew I wanted to work with you. I think I even wrote it in my journal like a nerd. You are the smartest person I know (who needs college when you have an Andrew) and it’s comforting to know you always have a plan even if I don’t know about it yet lol. You keep me on track and always remind me of the important stuff. Thanks for believing in me and helping all of my dreams come to fruition. You’re like a magician if magicians wore converse and the same hat everyday. 

Dan -
When I met you I didn’t know what to expect. We had a session set up on a trip I had planned to LA, and I really wanted to make a good first impression. I don’t know if I’ve told you this, but you wrote my favorite Taylor Swift song (Treacherous) and I was so excited to even be in the same room as you. I was, honestly, really sad at that point in time, but I think you knew that from the fact that I was breaking down in tears within the first hour. How ironic it is that I was sad about turning 20 and not accomplishing all my goals while being in the same room with one of my heroes. Anyways, I brought in this melancholy piano part and immediately we started riffing the verse melody. It was so comfortable. No rush to finish a song. No rush to process my emotions. Just sitting and letting the conversation carry the inspiration. I think you expect someone so accomplished to have an ego, but I’ve never felt that way with you Dan. You are so grounded and I am so grateful to be able to ask you questions about your life and absorb your wisdom. Your mentorship means so much to me and I’m lucky to be in your presence.

Doug -
Having gone to the same college and being a fan of the songs you had worked on, tbh I felt really cool when I told my friends I was working with you. When we had our first session, I was just coming off of having a large song come out with a friend and I was scared I’d never write a good song again. Although you probably thought I was crazy for crying to you (a stranger, common theme clearly), you hid it very well. You have a way of toeing the line between lyrics and melodies that are both cool and alternative while still being enjoyable. The Neighborhood is a smash and I’m so happy we got to write it together. #clivealumni

Dylan -
Thank you Dylan for being the og mastermind being everything creative. Your ability to come up with unique visual interpretations of my lyrics has helped me create a world around my music that only existed in my head for so long. The amount of people that text me after every release how much they love the art work is overwhelming and that’s all because of you. Who would have thought high school would lead us here lol. You are just the most talented and the most patient. I wish one day to be 1% as cool as you.

Laufey -
We met out one night in LA and I kind of instantly knew we would get along after connecting over the fact that we had the exact same shoe collection and treacherously hilarious Berklee experiences. I honestly didn’t even know you played cello until alexander brought up the idea of having you play on “Bad Guy”, which is kind of ridiculous looking back. You so effortlessly played and arranged parts that lifted the song to a whole new magical place. You inspire me in so many ways and I’m so lucky to have you on my first EP and as a friend.

Lucy -
Lucy you are of the most talented people I know, and even though you’re one of my best friends you honestly intimidate me and make me want to be better. You’re such an incredible producer and person and I’m so happy to say that imytn was written and produced by all women!! I can’t wait to watch you ascend into a legendary hit maker. And thank you Caroline for adding strings for Lucy to play with they turned out so so beautiful.

Petro -
Petro Petro Petro. You not only are one of the funniest people I’ve ever met, but you are also one of the most talented. I remember when Andrew sent me your unreleased hit song “Listen” and I was like this is the guy. You have a knack for finding the part that fits perfectly without taking away from anything else, and I’m so lucky to get to make music with you. You bring out my sillies, and let me put ham-boning on songs which also is a plus. Thank you for always making me comfortable and letting me learn firsthand from you creativity. “The Neighborhood”, “Me to You”, and **** wouldn’t be what they are without you.

Jeremy -
I guess the spirit is honesty with this blog post, and to be honest I think you were on my Spotify wrapped in both like 2019 and 2020 (what can I say, end. slapped) So it’s really cool to say not only did you give me a tattoo of the word “lemon,” but you also added addition production to “Bad Guy.” Everything you do is so intentional and I love how every instrument adds the perfect musical part, as well as an interesting texture that I can’t begin to imagine how you achieved. “Bad Guy” wouldn’t be the same without you and I’m so grateful you wanted to work on this song with us.

Jesse -
Jesse I don’t really know what you do but I know you do stuff like Spotify stuff. My songs have gotten on a lot of cool playlist and besides the fact that they are good songs, I mainly attribute that to you. Thanks for making the calls and believing in me. You always bring a great attitude and focus and you happen to share my dangerous love of vintage clothing with me.

Josh -
Thanks for being a cog in this crazy machine and helping everything get done. I crown you knight of the blog and also thanks for dropping the truck off that one time. That was really cool of you.

Lea -
My big sister, my guardian, my best friend, and my biggest critique, you have been there for me even before we started working together.  You get shit done and put others ahead of you always - I have so much respect and admiration for you. Thank you for being a sounding board when everything feels overwhelming. And for allowing me to use your personal life as inspiration for imytn as well you killed it with that😍😍😍.

Sarah -
You are a protools wizard and I’m so grateful to have had you work on “20” with Dan. You always have the warmest smile on your face and such patience despite my 2736367373 notes on a song with essentially just piano and vocals. I’m so grateful to have you on this project.

Sierra -
You came into my life when I was really uncertain of the creative direction of the EP. A picture alone didn’t feel cool enough
but I knew I wanted to take a step beyond another drawing. Scroll scroll scroll on TikTok and there I saw your pictures and stopped in my tracks. Then I stalked your page and saw your collages and I was sold. Thank you for being the sweetest ever, for coming to prospect park with me to take photos, for making the cover art collage, and all the visualizers. I love everything you do. Special thank to the ever so talented Olivia for taking the center photo as well.

Theo and Yianni -
You make it all sound good. Mixing and mastering is the final baton and you guys always do such a good job and are so efficient with it. Thanks for making the sounds sound.

Neama Ethan and Ethan -
Not only are you guys the bestest guys ever and some of my good friends, but I am so appreciative that you basically gave up your three days of rest between projects to drive up to Mammoth with me and film “The Neighborhood” music video. It turned out fucking beautiful, but honestly the whole thing was just an excuse to hang out with you all. Thank you helping bring my miniature world to life with limited time and resources, I will never forget how fun making my first music video ever was.

If youve made it to the end of this, you get a gold star. I love you and you clearly care a lot about me which means I care a lot about you. I feel so lucky to make music with people I am fans of and look up to.

And also, I hope it helps you realize how many people are involved in making music and having a project come to life. And why it takes so long lol. I promise I’m working on new music that is so sick that you’re literally gonna catch a cold. Ok that one was bad but laugh anyways out of pity.

Love you always, and it feels good to have the blog back,

Grace

this is from the first day we ever started working on the neighborhood which was the first song we made for the ep

Me in the green room the night my ep came out

Tour's Eve

 Hiiii

I'm back and betta than ever. Took a short hiatus from the blog posts due to tour prep (yay) and stuff for my ep next week (yay), but I'm leaving for Minneapolis tomorrow and wanted to write a lil. 

Im so excited for tour to start you have no idea. The other day someone asked me what it feels like when I'm on stage and the only way I can describe it is like I'm the best version of myself while floating on a cloud in deep outer space where my brain is free of any negative thoughts. Playing shows is maybe my favorite part of making music and I am just so grateful that I'm about to play 27!! There are so many surprises coming I don't think you're ready. Actually, I'm not even ready so you're definitely not ready. 

This month has been really fun. I celebrated turning 21, released "Bad Guy," saw all of my friends, have been gallivanting around New York, and even though this summer was busy I think I'll remember it for the rest of my life. So much is changing but is still the same which I guess is how it always is, but I can't believe a year ago I had no music out, was debating staying in school, and was crying about turning 20 lol. Next Friday we're playing Radio City? On the day of the EP coming out? With all my friends and family and fans? It feels made up, but also somehow makes sense at the same time. 

I've been working on this EP for the last two years, whether I knew it or not, and these songs are kind of my transition from childhood to adulthood. I feel so protective and proud of them like little hand-painted porcelain mugs but I know you will treat them very well. These songs have allowed me to feel so seen and heard and I hope they do the same for you. I guess I just want to say thank you for making me your first pick. And that I am excited for what's coming. 

my current suitcase situation...

See you on Friday...at Radio City...with an EP out...

Love, 

Grace

July 22, 2023

    The blog is late but this time for good reason. It's my date of birth today, making this my 21st time around the sun!!! Sometimes I feel like I've lived 5 separate lives already, currently on the 6th, especially as a child who was always called “mature,” but at least on this plane of reality I am 21.  Anyways, I thought it would be cute to do 21 lessons I've learned in my 21 years because I always enjoy reading them. These are lessons I had to learn the hard way, so if it sounds like I'm projecting, I am.

    1.    Don't buy shoes that are pretty that aren't your size just because they're the only ones they have. You will wear them once and they will make your feet bleed
    2.    I truly believe you are the average of the 5 closest people to you. If you are around negative people, your mindset will become negative too.
    3.    Ask people about themselves - especially if you get anxious everyone lovessssss to talk about themselves
    4.    If something bothers you, vocalize it to the other person - and it doesn't have to be accusatory but just to make them know how you feel. Most people will respond better than you think.
    5.    Boys are literally dumb and haven't developed their pre frontal cortex. Why would you care what they think of you? (unless ur reading this then ur cool)
    6.    Never ever ever ever EVER put a guy above a close friendship. The guy will inevitably be shitty and you will miss your friend.
    7.    Gloss over lipstick always
    8.    Two braids save a bad hair day
    9.    If you have a compliment for a stranger, give it to them.
    10.    Wear things that don't really go together - they're kinda always the best outfits
    11.    Your phone makes you sad. Try to get off it as much as possible.
    12.    It's ok to think you look pretty without shame attached to it.
    13.    Don't let other people tell you what's realistic. They are just trying to protect you from their own disappointments and failures, but you're not them.
    14.    Notice patterns in your life, in other people, patterns tell you a lot about what is changing and what you still need to work on
    15.    Throw a vegetable in every meal cuz why not they're yummy and make your skin glow
    16.    It's so lame to save an experience or an outfit for when you think you'll be skinny enough. You can do it all now without the self hatred.
    17.    Nothing is unfixable - there is always a solution if you pivot instead of dwelling on the mistake
    18.    Share your art and follow your passions. You will find a way to make money at it.
    19.    You're not unlovable just because you haven't been in a relationship. My mom once told me when I was sad It takes one day for what hasn't happened in a lifetime and I thought that was really cute.
    20.    Be silly. It's more fun anyways.
    21.    Practice gratitude. There is always something to be grateful for even when you feel like dog shit.

This year has been the best of my life so far, and a lot of that has to do with you if You're reading this. Thank you and I can't wait to make 21 even better.

I love you,
Grace