Episode Transcript
Speaker 0 00:00:00 <silence> Louder than life. The biggest rock festival in America is back with the loudest lineup ever. Foo Fighters Green Day, A sevenfold God smack Panera Queen to the Stone Age, the Biz plus Weezer, mega daf Turnstile, rancid falling in reverse. Three 11. Here's the veil. Run the Jewels Cory Taylor. Co Heated Cambria, and so many more. 100 bands over four days in Louisville, Kentucky, September 21st through the 24th. Kisho passes on sale now at louder than life festival.com. A Foo Fighters Green Day tool, A benched sevenfold godsmack and more. The biggest rock festival in America. Louder than life.
Speaker 3 00:01:25 What's up everybody? This is Sam with Rowdy Alternative. Tonight we are with Gracie York, singer songwriter out of Texas. How are you?
Speaker 4 00:01:33 I'm good. How are you?
Speaker 3 00:01:34 Good, good. Uh, she's just rushed in from traffic, but we made it on time.
Speaker 4 00:01:39 We made it, we made it. Are you wearing a Shrek shirt by chance?
Speaker 3 00:01:42 I am. That's a Shrek shirt. Yeah,
Speaker 4 00:01:44 I love that. I love that
Speaker 3 00:01:46 <laugh>. First one I grabbed <laugh>
Speaker 4 00:01:48 <laugh>. I love Shrek. One of my favorite movies, so Oh
Speaker 3 00:01:51 Yeah. I actually got it for a Shrek themed party, and I wanted to be either, 'cause I have, I'm in a ponytail right now, but I have long hair and it kind of looks like Prince Charming, so I wanted to be either him or Far Quad, but I waited way too long, so I just picked out a Shrek shirt. <laugh>.
Speaker 4 00:02:11 Hey. It's okay. You're halfway there. Yeah,
Speaker 3 00:02:13 That's all, that's all. You gotta be halfway there. But, um, that's right. Uh, so, uh, how are, how's touring been? You've been touring at all recently?
Speaker 4 00:02:22 Uh, we're kind of taking this month off just to like reset and relax and, you know, rest the vocals and, um, I've been putting out any music, so I've been letting that do its thing. And, um, September is jam packed. We have zero weekends open or free, so it's very exciting and I'm very ready to get back on the road and get running, uh, pretty hard. So I'm, yeah, I'm excited.
Speaker 3 00:02:45 Oh, do you have anything coming up? Any, like, I know it's festival season, are you into any of that?
Speaker 4 00:02:52 Um, I, we played several festivals this summer. Um, but I, I, I can't think of, I've, like all my shows kind of jumble in the mix and so I kind of forget what we do play. Um, but as far as festival goes, I think we've played all of our festivals this summer. Um, I don't know what's coming up, so maybe, I dunno.
Speaker 3 00:03:11 Yeah, what were some of them?
Speaker 4 00:03:13 Uh, we did Larry Joe Taylor Fest for the second year, um, second year shoot. I wouldn't you put me on the spot like this. I'm like, what shows have I played? Um, I'm like, looking at my posters, I'm like, wait, what have I played? Um, yeah, I'm drawing a blank, but we've played a couple others, but I can just take a,
Speaker 3 00:03:32 Uh, are you a big festival person?
Speaker 4 00:03:35 I am. I really like when they're not a Million Degrees. Um, and I love, like, for example, highway 30 Fest. It's, it's just like your family. It's like you're at home and you get to meet everybody and just hang out and meet artists and, you know, people that work in the business. And it's just, it's like a little second home and my second family. So I really do love festivals. I think they're a great way for other artists to connect with other artists and, um, just kind of see people play for bigger groups of people. 'cause the energy at festivals is like no other show. I mean, people at festivals are ready to go, so yeah, I love them.
Speaker 3 00:04:09 Yeah, I, I guess, yeah, like you said, it's a good way to network and get to know people. Um, I guess, uh, who are, who are some, uh, 'cause I went back and looked at some of these lineups and like, there's some people like, like Lucas Nelson that I, that's the first one that comes to my mind because I'm just a big Lucas Nelson fan. Um,
Speaker 4 00:04:27 Same. Me too.
Speaker 3 00:04:29 Yeah, there's the poster right there. Um, are there any people that you've, uh, played with or been on the bill with on a festival that you're like, holy shit. Like, this is crazy.
Speaker 4 00:04:39 Yeah, he was definitely one of them. And he was absolutely so sweet and so kind. Um, and then just recently at Highway 30, I got to, uh, play the same day as Laney Wilson, which was, I mean, incredible. So, and she was also so kind. And, um, I got to chat with her for a little bit and that was amazing. And like this festival with Lucas that we played, we played peacemaker with them last year, and it was Charlie Crockett was on the same day as well, and he was phenomenal. Um, yeah, there's been several
Speaker 3 00:05:11 And he's a bucket list for me too. Yeah.
Speaker 4 00:05:13 I love him. No, it, it's amazing. It's an amazing show. Um, yeah, I mean, all of these festivals I've wanted to play with all of these artists for as long as I can remember. So it's just an honor to get to be on any of them with any of those artists.
Speaker 3 00:05:27 Right on. Um, so I guess let, let's go back a bit, um, just so people who might not know you, um, who listen to this all maybe five people, including my parents, um, <laugh> <laugh>. Uh, so what made you wanna start writing professionally? Well, I guess what, how was that step you took to do that? Because that sounds like a big step for artists.
Speaker 4 00:05:51 It is. Yeah. I, well, at first, 'cause I've always loved singing. It's always been what I've wanted to do. Uh, I just never saw myself as a songwriter. 'cause I would try to write songs or I would sit down and like force myself to sound like somebody else. And that's why I could never get anything out that I was, you know, proud of or that I felt like was actually true to who I am. And so then one day I was like, you know what? I just need to stop trying to write like all these people and write about what I know and what I believe in. And so I started writing and I, I knew that I loved Patsy Klein and so I wrote about Patsy and, uh, had my first song. And then from there I just kind of found my flow and did that. And then I just recently started writing with people for the longest time. I never did any co-writes or anything, not because I was against them, I just never knew how to get my foot in the door with that. But I just met other artists and then we talked and got to write with some of them. And I, I honestly, I love co-writing. I think it brings out a whole new side of me and, um, I don't know, I think it, it makes me a better songwriter every time.
Speaker 3 00:06:56 Nice. Who are some of the ones you wrote with?
Speaker 4 00:06:59 So I've written with May Estes mm-hmm. <affirmative>. And I freaking love her. I think she is gonna be ginormous or she deserves to be. Um, I've written with Colby Cooper, um, who else did I write? Uh, Matt McKinney is a songwriter in Nashville. He is awesome as well. Um, Ella Langley we wrote together. Oh yeah.
Speaker 3 00:07:18 We love
Speaker 4 00:07:19 Ella. Yeah. Love Ella. Yep. I do too. She's one of my, my good friends. Um, yeah, just those are some of the people that I've written with. I haven't written a ton with other people, but I'm definitely working on getting my foot into, into more doors in Nashville. 'cause I, I don't live there, but I like to go there to Right. It's really nice.
Speaker 3 00:07:36 Oh, yeah. Uh, raise Rowdy's based in Nashville. I'm not mm-hmm. <affirmative>, I'm in Sensei. I do it all remotely my stuff. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. But yeah, we do like, uh, rider's rounds and everything mm-hmm. <affirmative>. So Yeah. If you're ever in town, I could connect you with the right people and stuff. But, um, yeah,
Speaker 4 00:07:51 We did a, I actually did, it was, I think it was like two years ago, there was a four 20 show for, uh, in Nashville at Live Oak. And I'm pretty sure Ray Rowdy was a part of that. Um,
Speaker 3 00:08:04 Probably if it, if it was at Live Oak, they were probably hosting it. <laugh>.
Speaker 4 00:08:07 Yeah. Yeah. So that's, that's funny you say that. That was, I was like a short trip, 24 hours or less to Nashville to do that. And then, and I also couldn't even get into the bar because I was 18 at the time and they were like, you can't come in. And I was like, I have to
Speaker 3 00:08:23 <laugh>. I'm on the Bill <laugh>. Yeah.
Speaker 4 00:08:25 I'm on the bill.
Speaker 3 00:08:26 Yeah. That's funny. Um, yeah. So, um, hope you could follow me on this one. I'll try to explain it. But, um, when you started writing and recording and putting your work out there, wa was there a thought that goes through your head and other writer's heads too? I guess, uh, like, do people, like what makes you want people to hear what you have to say? Like, is there a thought or like a, like a, is that something you have to get over too as an artist? Like whether you're nervous for it or you just think like, like, I don't know, imposter syndrome or something like mm-hmm. <affirmative>, what do people really want to hear? What I have to say?
Speaker 4 00:09:09 Yeah. No, that's definitely something that goes through my head every single day. Um, it's probably like the third thought that I think of when I wake up. So, um, yeah, every time I put out a new song, it's, it's, I'm just as nervous as when I first put out my songs. Like, I, it's just always, it's a vulnerable thing, especially when there's stories about real life things that have happened to me. And it's very vulnerable and it's very scary. But at the same time, I know as a fan of music, I love when people are vulnerable and tell real stories. And I get to hear these deeper sides of people's lives. And I think that as a fan, just knowing that it brings me peace and be like, oh, maybe people do care about my music, or if it helps somebody go through something, that's all that I care about. 'cause my songs are what helped me get through my, my hard times in life. So I hope that it does it for other people. And if it doesn't, then that's fine. It heals me. So that's all I can ask for. But it just, it's nice that people do care.
Speaker 3 00:10:11 Yeah. And, and like, there's a song for everyone, so mm-hmm. <affirmative>, it's, you know, it's hard to believe that no one's gonna like a single song. You know? That's what Yeah. As a fan, that's what, you know, that's what it seems like.
Speaker 4 00:10:22 Yeah. Yeah. For sure.
Speaker 3 00:10:24 Um, also, I wanted to ask you, uh, I, over the last couple years I've gotten, I've never met him in person, but I've talked to him quite a bit. Uh, Palmer, Anthony. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. Yeah. Uh, you guys had a song together Meet Me in Texas.
Speaker 4 00:10:37 Yep. That's right. Yeah.
Speaker 3 00:10:39 So was was that a co-write or did you just hop on to sing with him? Or how'd that all come to be?
Speaker 4 00:10:44 So he's had that song for years, um, and it was like rewritten multiple times. And, uh, he had taken it into like, multiple writing rooms and he finally got the version that's out now that he loves. And, uh, we had met and then I think we had played a couple shows together and we just became pretty good friends. And then, uh, he was like, I want you to sing on this if you want to. So he sent me the demo and I was like, oh my gosh, I love this song. I would love to hop on this. And so, um, I just went to the studio and, and recorded that and got that knocked out, which it was actually close to me. It was like an hour away. So I got to do that. And, um, yeah. I love how that song turned out. That's, I just, I knew instantly when I played that song that I wa I wanted to be on that. And I'm so honored that he asked me to be a part of that. 'cause I love singing that one.
Speaker 3 00:11:32 Oh yeah. It, it's a great song I thought. And, um, he's another one, uh, who's doing real good right now. I think. Like, he's just one of those guys who just pushes music out and just mm-hmm. <affirmative>, you know, and like nowadays, that's what you have to do. Yeah. Especially with singles. And what do you think about that? Like, 'cause the world we're in now, it's not really an album centric like industry anymore for anybody. No.
Speaker 4 00:11:58 Uh, what
Speaker 3 00:11:58 Do you Yeah,
Speaker 4 00:12:00 Yeah. People's like, their, their attention spans about that big now. And, uh, I mean, mine too, I, I can't say anything. I, I'm the same way, but, um, it's hard to decide, like, 'cause I wanna put out a full album. I wanna have that under my belt and say that I have an album and, and show the world all these songs. But at the same time, like you said, in this world, you have to be smart about how you do everything. And, um, music is the same thing. You have to be smart about what you wanna put out when you wanna put it out. You can't put out, you know, I mean, you could, but in the summertime, people want, you know, happy little boat songs and <laugh>, you know, not sad heartbreak. I'm gonna cry myself to sleep songs, but that's what I write. So that's what you get <laugh>. Um, no, but we, we've been putting out like happier stuff, uh, funkier stuff, which is what I love. But yeah, you gotta be smart about it. It's hard to, to figure out what you wanna do. If you wanna put out singles, if you wanna put out eps, if you wanna put album, it's, it's a whole thing. Yeah. It, it's honestly what keeps me up at night, uh, all those thoughts about what I'm gonna do. So thank you for asking and bringing it back up. <laugh>
Speaker 3 00:13:08 My bad
Speaker 4 00:13:09 <laugh>.
Speaker 3 00:13:10 But, um, so yeah, speaking of short attention span, uh, are you on the TikTok train yet? Like a lot of other artists are?
Speaker 4 00:13:18 Uh, unfortunately, I think, I don't think you have to be, but unfortunately it's a big part of, of the music world and how to help get a following and yeah. So I, yeah. I am <laugh> I'm not gonna lie. I'm not gonna lie. I do like making silly little TikTok. I do enjoy it. I think it's fun. So
Speaker 3 00:13:42 Yeah, I, I finally downloaded it. I, so I downloaded and re downloaded that damn app probably 10 times and I just kept deleting it. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, it's just like, uh, sometimes I'm scared I'll get too addicted to it, but sometimes I like take three scrolls. I'm like, this is not for me. But <laugh> like we, I we're probably close to the same age. We had Vine right in like high school and middle school.
Speaker 4 00:14:06 I loved Vine. Yeah. Loved Vine. That's like half of my personality. All of my like references are either to the Office or Vine.
Speaker 3 00:14:14 Oh yeah. So, yeah. Yeah. I, I have like, behind me, I have the entire office series on D V D 'cause they took it off Netflix. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. So I got 'em on Fri it's like thick as a dictionary, but anyway. Yeah. Um, so, um, when you, when you talk about the Texas scene there, everyone's very close knit. It that's, uh, nothing against Nashville, but like, it seems like in Nashville there's a lot more competition, um, with the Texas scene. Do you think it's more like, is it, is that what it looks like? Is that how it actually is being more comradery, more people working together, trying to help each other?
Speaker 4 00:14:56 Yeah, I know for sure. Um, I think that there's, after like being in Nashville a couple times and like seeing how other artists work out there, I feel like it's, there's definitely some of that in Nashville as well. It's definitely a more competitive, um, place for sure. 'cause there's more people pushing for the same thing and trying to get to that same goal. Um, but I feel like in Texas it's, it's definitely close knit. I feel like my music friends are my extended family and like, we talk to each other about everything and we see each other at shows. And it's just like, you're hanging out with your best friends and it's so much fun. And it's, and I, everybody really is so supportive and you can like, text other people and be like, what do you think about this? What do you think about this? And they'll come back and give you their genuine response. And I think that's so cool. And I think that that's just, I don't know, I feel like Texas music is really doing something special right now. And, um, yeah, I think it's really cool that we're still a close-knit kind of community, if you will.
Speaker 3 00:15:56 Yeah, for sure. And, and it, it's kind of crazy seeing how close it still is, because I think in the past, uh, year, you could credit anyone I guess. I mean, like, you know, co blew up, Parker blew up. But like, that's like the Texas scene is, is spreading like the, the hype for it and everything, like big time. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. So it's kind of cool to go to like a club show and like, I don't know, Fort Worth or something. And seeing like these artists who are big over here that everyone's talking about, but no one gets to see. So like, they always think, okay, it's a singer. It's gonna be like, oh my gosh, I can't believe. Like, if you're at a show, you kinda get like overhyped about it, but you go to these shows, you actually go to one and it's like, nah. It just feels like super intimate no matter who it is. And like most of the time they're willing to come down, talk to the fans afterwards when they're selling merch and stuff. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. So, and that's like a, I'm sure that's in Nashville too, but with Texas it's just like a different vibe. Texas and like Oklahoma. Yeah.
Speaker 4 00:16:56 Yeah. No, I think that, and it's cool too 'cause like being so close knit, if you go to an artist's show, you're, there's a good chance you're gonna see another artist at that show just going to support. And I think that that's one of my favorite things about the Texas scene is the support system and the community that we ha that we do have mm-hmm. <affirmative> and that people will show up to shows or they'll, you know, say stuff on Instagram and, you know, repost other artists. And I think that's so cool. Um, but yeah, going down to merch is something that was ingrained in me from the start of my career to now. And that you, you have to go to merch and I always loved when the artist went to merch too, and I got to meet them. So I just wanna do like the whole full circle thing and do the exact same thing. And I also love getting to meet the people that do spend their hard-earned money to come out to the shows. So it's always so cool to see and meet those people
Speaker 3 00:17:49 That doesn't ever get tiring for you or anything after all this time. Or,
Speaker 4 00:17:54 I mean, there's days when, like, I, I do feel like, ugh, I just don't wanna be here. Like, I'm, I'm tired, I wanna go to bed. But at the same time, I'm so grateful for where I am at and, and how I got here. And 'cause it did happen pretty quickly for me. Um, and at such a young age that I just, I'm very grateful for it. And there was like a little break in there where I wasn't putting out any music. I wasn't really doing that many shows. And so now I'm back into the swing of things and it feels very good to be back here and not just at home on the weekends wondering what I'm gonna do.
Speaker 3 00:18:27 Yeah. So let's get into that actually. Um, when, uh, you said it happened pretty quick for you, uh, what point in time was that? Like how, how, how'd you respond to that? Or how'd it happen?
Speaker 4 00:18:38 So it was when I had put out Texas Rain is really when it happened. Um, and within a year that song got a million streams and that was absolutely mind blowing. 'cause I, that just, I did not see that happening at all. Um, and it just hit 2 million, which is amazing. And I still can't process a million. So I don't really know how that one's gonna work. But, uh, <laugh>, yeah, I just, it opened a lot of doors for me and a lot of other artists heard it and made that connection. And then it got a bunch of people on TikTok making TikTok with the sound. And then I got all these streams and all these new people and I was like, what is happening? And uh, so that was really cool. And then my friend Tanner Esry, I, I really owe a lot to him because he let me hop on a bunch of shows with him and hop on songs with him and do harmonies. And, um, I got a lot of great, great followers from, from him. So I'm very grateful to him as well. But yeah, when I released Texas Reign is kind of when it all started.
Speaker 3 00:19:46 Nice. Um, so, um, when you write, whether it be on your own or I guess with a co-write, what, what is your process? 'cause I know every artist is different. Uh, so like, when does it start out with a guitar riff for some people or just straight lyrics? Or how does it work for you?
Speaker 4 00:20:08 Um, either way. I, I, I hate to say it, but I really don't feel like I have a certain way that I go about writing. I just kind of, if I feel like I'm gonna write or if I feel like I have an idea, I'm gonna sit down and write. But I don't force myself to write. Okay. I don't sit down every day for like 30 minutes and try to push something out. 'cause I feel like if I push myself too much, then I'm gonna end up with something that I'm not happy with. And that's in pretty much all aspects of my life. Um, but I just, I don't know, sometimes I'll have a little guitar riff or most of the time I'll have like lyrics in my head and then I'll go and try to figure it out on guitar and then kind of work from there. But I don't really think I have like a specific way, like, I have to write like this or I'm not gonna get anything out of it. I just kind of do what feels natural.
Speaker 3 00:20:53 Okay. Cool. Um, what about, uh, when, so when you, with, with your band, is it consistent, uh, live, like the same guys? Everything changes up a little bit?
Speaker 4 00:21:06 Not, not anymore. Not anymore. Oh. Uh, it was for a while, um, it was pretty consistent. And then, uh, we started switching out players just 'cause they had like, other things going on or they had like, new bands that they were gonna join. Um, and I'm so happy for like, all of my old band members 'cause they're all doing amazing things and I'm so happy for them. I genuinely am. Um, but right now we're on like, the search for, um, full-time people again, which is never the most fun. But, um, I'm excited about, you know, new people and new teammates and seeing where we can all go together and, um, how we play together. And I think it's gonna be a fun new opportunity. But yeah, it can be very stressful finding band members. I'll tell you that. <laugh>.
Speaker 3 00:21:54 Yeah. Like how do you, uh, do you just do like straight up rehearsals or it's like, hey, hop on one day, or like, what do you, how do you do that
Speaker 4 00:22:02 Either? Like, some day, there was one day with my old, uh, guitar player, he had to learn a two hour set in less than 24 hours because our, we had a, um, incident with our guitar player and he had to go. Um, and so he had to hop on. But usually we'll have like a rehearsal or, um, they'll send me, you know, videos of them playing with a song or, I mean, I'll, or I'll know of them like friend-Wise and other bands and they'll come and fill in for me. And I, I mean, so far we've been pretty, pretty lucky with who we've gotten and they haven't been too bad, but I hope it doesn't start now where it's bad <laugh>.
Speaker 3 00:22:43 Yeah. Hopefully we didn't jinx you <laugh>.
Speaker 4 00:22:45 Yeah, I know. No, but it, it definitely can be hard, but it's, it's always fun too.
Speaker 3 00:22:50 Cool. What about, uh, when you record, um, do you, like, do you bring any of the guys from your live band in? Or is it just complete different people?
Speaker 4 00:23:01 So on my, my first, like the first things I put out, I was recording with my drummer. He was my producer at the time. And so he would bring in like, some of the band members and then other people that he knew. Uh, but with this new stuff, I actually went to Nashville to record for the first time and used studio players in Nashville who are absolutely phenomenal. And, um, so that was great to see that process because I've never gotten to see that in person. But, uh, yeah, if I, if I get a band in the future that is very consistent, then I'll a hundred percent take 'em into the studio and have 'em do stuff. But just for time's sake, I, I wanted to go to Nashville and get some stuff knocked out, but they were amazing. And yeah.
Speaker 3 00:23:44 How was that experience like? That had to have been cool going to Nashville to record.
Speaker 4 00:23:48 Yeah. It was so fun. I did it at, um, the Amber Sound with, uh, with Ryan up there. He does all of Muscadine bloodline stuff. Yeah. So he's incredible. And, uh, yeah, it was so fun to watch the studio players do their thing. 'cause they really, they listen to half of your song that they've never heard before and they got it like that, and they're like, we got this song. Um, but it was just so fun to get to be up there and be in that environment, in that air of just music and yeah. And the studio itself is also like very vibey and cool and feels like Home Ryan's awesome, great to work with. So it was a a hundred percent a great experience. I would definitely do it again.
Speaker 3 00:24:27 How long were you out there for for that?
Speaker 4 00:24:30 Um, three days. Three. Oh, okay. I think it was three days then. Like, three days. We knocked out like five songs. So it's pretty good.
Speaker 3 00:24:39 Yeah, I was about to say, I didn't know, I mean, that's, that's far from home. I didn't know if you were like back and forth or staying, but three days ain't bad I
Speaker 4 00:24:47 Guess. No. Yeah. No, it's only a, it's only a nine hour drive. Um, which I say only, but that's, 'cause you know, I'm used to running roads, so I'm used to long hours. So nine hours is like nothing.
Speaker 3 00:24:57 Yeah. I mean, I'm, I'm four hours from there and that's a hall for me. <laugh>. So <laugh>. Yeah. But, um, cool. Let's talk about, uh, I'm gonna, I, so I can never say Marlboro, like <laugh>, I, that's one of those words I could never say, but I'm gonna try it. Yeah. So Marlboro Magic. Yeah,
Speaker 4 00:25:17 That was pretty good. That
Speaker 3 00:25:17 Was pretty good. Yeah. Yeah, I had to think about it. But, um, yeah. So, uh, that's your newest single mm-hmm. <affirmative>. Um, I, my thoughts on it, like, it was great, uh, that I, that's when I real, like, I always listen to your stuff, but like, I took another deep dive when that came out. Um, and yeah, there's something about it. It, it's like there, it has a certain swing to it, uh, like in the melody, especially very like old school sounding, but it's also fresh, I guess. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>, I don't know if, like, what was your, uh, process of creating that? Like whether it be the lyrics or the sound or what.
Speaker 4 00:25:54 So that's the song that I actually wrote with May Estes. Um, and we wrote that in Nashville and I told her that I had this idea for the song and she actually came up with Marlboro Magic and I thought that that was such a cool name. And I was like, yeah. I was like, we need to make this funky, like funky hipstery. Mm-hmm. <affirmative> vibey kind of groove, but still country. And I told that to Ryan when I went in with it and he just, he had a vision and I had a vision and then the, the players had their vision and it all just came together and ugh, gosh. They started playing and I was like, mm-hmm. <affirmative>, it's already my favorite one out of the bunch. Um, and I showed all of my family and they were like, holy hell, like, that's good. And I was like, yeah, I know. I'm so excited. Uh, yeah. But I wanted, I knew I wanted like a funky, groovy beat for that song. 'cause I feel like Marlboro magic isn't sad, it's just, it's like a funky and I needed a funky fun one. So that was what I really wanted with that. And it came out better than I could've imagined. So.
Speaker 3 00:26:57 Yeah. Uh, and I've always wondered this, but with the, um, when it, when you go from the lyrics on a sheet of paper to actually singing it, how do you get the delivery? Like, if that makes any sense, the way that you deliver it. Like it just, Marlboro magic goes to Marlborough Magic. Like how does, do you just sit there and just phrase it in different ways? I'm just a dumb fan. I'm just wondering. <laugh> <laugh>.
Speaker 4 00:27:25 Well, honestly, sometimes I just kind of like, when we were writing it, we sang it a little bit different than how I did in the studio, but not very much. Um, so we kind of had that down in Marlborough Magic. But like with Ryan, he, uh, my producer, he would kind of give me some suggestions and he'd be like, here, try this and see if you like it, song like that. Um, and sometimes it would works, sometimes it wouldn't, but you just kind of go in and do some different takes and if what you like sticks, then it sticks. And, um, yeah, I just kind of sing stuff how I feel like is
Speaker 3 00:27:58 Natural. Yeah. I Sure. Okay. Yeah, I I, I just, I wonder that with everybody, it's like, yeah, like you could write the song, but when it comes to delivering it, like that's just, I don't know that, I guess that's where the talent comes in. It's like how to figure out how to do that. But, um, so, uh, what, what's the, is there a certain story behind that? An experience? Like how, how, how'd that all come to be?
Speaker 4 00:28:24 Uh, yeah, there is, I'm glad you asked. It's one of my favorites to tell. Um, I was at a festival, um, that I played and there was a band on stage. I'm not naming who it is, I will never, I've told myself I will never, um, but there was a band member on the stage and he was playing guitar and he had a cigarette like, uh, sitting outside of like laying on his lip, right? Yeah, yeah. And Ella is standing next to me and I was like, girl, I kind of wanna be that cigarette on his lips if you're picking up what I'm putting down. And she was like, yeah, me too. And I was like, I think there's a song somewhere in that. And she was like, there definitely is. And so that's what I told May and uh, I'd actually originally said, wanna be that Cigarette was like the title of the song. And then that's when May stepped in and came up with Marvel Magic. And I was like, that is genius. And that's a hundred percent what this is called. So yeah, that's that one.
Speaker 3 00:29:23 Wow. I didn't expect that one <laugh>. But that's funny though. Know. Yeah.
Speaker 4 00:29:27 Yeah.
Speaker 3 00:29:27 They just come outta nowhere. What is there? Oh yeah. Yeah. Is there a song that comes your to mind that you have where like, it just popped, like it just popped in your head? Like the idea for it like outta nowhere or like one that you didn't have to Yeah.
Speaker 4 00:29:43 Yeah. So I, there was one on my EP that I released back in 2020 called Rodeo Queen. And uh, I was just sitting down one day and all of a sudden like that, like it popped into my head Rodeo Queen. And I was like, where the hell is this coming from? I don't really know much about rodeos. And um, you know, at the time I really didn't know anybody in rodeo either. I do now, but, um, I really only knew like what my grandpa had told me. And then all of a sudden all these lyrics just came out and I was like, where did that come from? And I was going to bed and I'd like finished half the song. And then I was looking through my emails and my favorite boutique at the time posted that they were coming out with stickers. And the first one was a Little Crown and it said Rodeo Queen on it. And, uh, so I knew that I had to finish that song for some reason. And so the next day I sat down and the rest of the song flowed outta me. And I, it was like, I put no thought behind it, but it's, yeah, that story is also really cool. And I never really get to tell that one either. So yeah, that just really popped out of nowhere and I was like, okay, rodeo Queen. I guess it's <laugh>.
Speaker 3 00:30:49 That's crazy how that happens. I don't know. Yeah. But, um, uh, when it comes to Back to Marlboro Magic, I said it right that time. Um, there you go. The, uh, were you happy with, uh, the reception, like once it was released? 'cause it looks like it, it did real well.
Speaker 4 00:31:07 Yeah, I'm actually very happy with it. I, like I said, I was really nervous to like, put out new stuff again, just 'cause it had been, it had been over a year since I had released any music and that was never my intention. I just had so many things going on that I had no time to get into a new studio and record. Um, and yeah, I mean, I put out Family Affair, which was the first release, and then we put out Marble Magic and I'm very happy with it. I'm, and I'm very happy with the feedback on the music video that we released for it as well. Um, so yeah, I'm very, I'm very happy with it. I'm, I think people like it and it's, it's different than anything I've ever put out. So that's why I was extra nervous about this one. But I know how much I love the song, so that's all that really matters. But yeah, I'm glad people also like it.
Speaker 3 00:31:57 Sure. Yeah, that was a good music video too, that that was, um, did, when you, how do you get that stuff together? Like music videos, you say, Hey, do you have your own crew that you just call up? Or do you have to go out looking for people?
Speaker 4 00:32:12 No, so I just, I mean I've, I've met a bunch of like, um, photographers and videographers and all that and doing this for like four years now. Um, but I met Claiborne through mm-hmm.
Speaker 3 00:32:27 <affirmative>,
Speaker 4 00:32:28 Other thing, I don't even, maybe Palmer, I don't know. I met him through somebody and uh, I knew that I just loved his work so much and so I, I texted him, I was like, Hey, I wanna do a music video and I want you to do it. Are you down? And he was like, absolutely. So I sent him the song and he just was so excited and we had all these ideas flowing. We met for coffee and had a meeting about it. It went perfect. And I was like, we're doing this. Let's, let's go. Like, I'm ready now. Let's, let's do it. So we got it done in two days and um, actually a day and a half and it just is so much better than I could've imagined. And he was absolutely, um, a pleasure to work with. He's so sweet and so kind and, and made it a very safe and comfortable environment for everybody involved. And I think that was, um, really important to me. Just feeling comfortable and, you know, being told what to do and getting that help and he was perfect at it. So that's how I went about that one.
Speaker 3 00:33:28 Yeah, it turned out great. And with music videos, it's, uh, I, I reference Austin meet a lot. Uh, his, um, like his music videos I think are like undefeated 'cause they're so weird and off the wall and they just keep getting weirder and weirder <laugh> and it's like, but like they, they all do so well. And it, I wonder from your point of view, is that like a stat you look like, you look at, like you would a, like a song on Spotify, how many streams it has or how many records you sold, like that really happens anymore, but um, like do you look at music videos that way? Or any artist? Do they look at 'em like that?
Speaker 4 00:34:08 I, yeah, I mean I really try and I, I say try 'cause I'm pretty bad about it and I used to be much worse, but I try not to look and focus too much on numbers. Uh, 'cause I feel like in the end, like it'll really, um, mess you up and put you in a, in a bad spot mentally. But I think because I think, you know, everybody has their time and when the time is right it's gonna happen. But, um, I try not to look at numbers and just be grateful for what I do have. Um, 'cause I could have none at all. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. So, um, but I think, you know, at the end of the day we're human. We all have those feelings of jealousy and you know, that want that need to be like those other people and have those same numbers. But like I said, when it's time, hopefully it'll happen. But I'm very happy with where it's at right now. And um, and Austin also has, you know, a way bigger following me. So that also helps <laugh>. Uh, but yeah, his music videos are fantastic as well. Um, but yeah, I think I try not to focus on it. It still definitely gets to me sometimes, but I try to just stay
Speaker 3 00:35:14 Grateful. Do you, yeah. Um, so what have you had in your career so far? Was there, like, you talked about how um, when you first, your first million streams and then 2 million streams, was there like, was that the moment or was there another like moment where you were like, oh shit, this is happening?
Speaker 4 00:35:34 Oh, there's been like several of those. Um, but I'm just like, what is my life right now? Like there's no way. This is a real thing. I got to open for Ronnie Millsap in Arkansas. Wow. Yeah. And that was a moment that I was just like, what is happening? Um, and his uh, sound guy was the son to Dottie West and Dottie West was like best friends with Patsy Klein. So it was like a whole thing for me. I started sobbing and it was, it was a whole thing. But um, that was definitely like a pinch me moment. And then we got to open for Cody Johnson in El Paso two years ago and it was at their baseball stadium. And so there was, you know, thousands of people there. And I was a nervous wreck 'cause that's the biggest crowd I've ever played for.
Speaker 4 00:36:21 Um, but Cody was so sweet and he made it again a safe and comfortable environment and it was just a fun show. And just walking out to that crowd, I was like, wow. And he apparently was standing side stage watching half of our set and thank God I didn't know 'cause I would pee my pants. But, um, yeah, just moments like that are kind of those pinch me moments. And like Lucas Nelson came out at peacemaker and told me how great, uh, he thought our set was. And that also was a moment for me that I was like, what is happening? Um, but now that I think about it, actually that night when he was playing, he broke out into um, an acoustic acapella version of, uh, blue eyes Crying in the Rain. And I started sobbing. 'cause I looked out into the crowd and I was like, what is my life like? I'm standing side stage listening to this right now. Like, this is all I've ever wanted. I just played this stage and I'm in like a completely different state. And so it kind of all hit me at that moment. And that was definitely like a this is happening. Like this is your life. Can you believe it? Like, this is all you've ever wanted. And so, yeah, I've, I've had a few of those and I'm, it's crazy. I still sometimes don't think they're real, so
Speaker 3 00:37:36 Yeah. I can only imagine that, that that has to feel good.
Speaker 4 00:37:40 Yeah, it's insane. I mean, we're playing the state fair of Texas in a few months and that's one of those things for me that is probably gonna be a pinch fee moment. 'cause I've gone and seen so many artists on that stage and I love the fair. It's something I look forward to every single year and I always dreamed about playing the Chevy main stage. And so we're finally doing that and I think that that's gonna be such a cool moment. And that's a 360 moment, so very excited about that.
Speaker 3 00:38:06 Is that the one, the fair with the big old cowboy that like waves <laugh>,
Speaker 4 00:38:10 That's big text.
Speaker 3 00:38:12 Okay. <laugh>. I didn't know if that was a fever dream or a real thing, but Nope.
Speaker 4 00:38:15 That's a real thing. <laugh>.
Speaker 3 00:38:18 Well that's awesome. Congratulations on that. Thank you.
Speaker 4 00:38:20 Thank you. Um, very excited.
Speaker 3 00:38:23 Yeah. Uh, you mentioned Patsy Klein. I see a Loretta Lynn, uh, poster behind you. Um, so you're really into like the old, old school. Oh yeah. Female singers or just country music in general.
Speaker 4 00:38:34 Okay. Country music. I love country music. It's, it's what I was raised. I mean, I was raised on everything. My parents love a a mix of everything, but I love classic country. That's, that's where my heart lies for sure.
Speaker 3 00:38:46 Yeah. And I hate to ask, oh, who are your influences, but like, are there any like that come to mind? Like aside from them like that, that really drive you? Like this is like what I wanna sound like or you take inspiration from?
Speaker 4 00:38:58 Yeah, absolutely. I love Chris Stapleton. He is one of my like, like top I I absolutely adore anything he does. Um, him, obviously everybody loves Lainey, but it's just 'cause she's so authentic and so real and, and so fun. And I think that she's a great role model for everybody coming up in the scene. Uh, male and female. Mm-hmm. <affirmative>. Um, so she's another big one for me. Uh, Dolly obviously. And, um, I love Linda Ronstadt too. I really forget about her a lot, like when I'm in interviews and that question's being asked. But I really do love her sound and her style. Um, Stevie Nicks and, uh, who was, who was another one that I, I thought about it the other day and I was like, oh, oh, Keith Whitley, I love Keith.
Speaker 3 00:39:45 Oh yeah, yeah, of course. Um, but yeah, well when I put like, if I'd have to like group 'em all, like I could definitely see you and Lainey Wilson in like the same group because like, you guys have that, like you said earlier, like the hipster kind of sound mm-hmm. <affirmative> the like the old school but fresh kind of thing. Yeah. And that's so I don't know like what it is about that or like what makes it sound like that? Like is that something you try to do or is it just kind of just happen?
Speaker 4 00:40:13 It just happens I guess I don't, I don't really know. I just, I, I, when I like what I hear then I'm like, yeah, we're good. I don't really like to like box myself in very, oh, very much. I, I like to say that I'm a country singer, but I also love singing anything else. Like, Adele is another huge inspiration for me. And um, and like even what Kelsey Ballerini's been doing with her new ep, I love that kind of sound as well. And I think that I would love to do, you know, like poppy stuff in the future or, or indie stuff or even Hill, maybe even a rock song if I'm feeling crazy. I don't know. Um, yeah, I just, I think I just love music so I just kinda like what I like and put it out.
Speaker 3 00:40:57 Yeah. And that, I mean, that's is true as ever, especially in the Texas scene. 'cause it's not, people think Texas music, they think okay country music, but like yeah. It couldn't be further from the truth honestly. Like it's so, and I love it, like, 'cause I'm a rock guy, like through and through mm-hmm. <affirmative>, I, this is a country website, but like, I do like mostly rock stuff and everything I talk about on here always turns to rock music. Yeah. But like, it's, it's just, it's crazy seeing, like I said earlier, co Austin, uh, Reed, all them guys. And like, it's just funny you say that because it could be anything you don't need to box it in. Yeah. Like it bends all the genres and that's how it should be.
Speaker 4 00:41:35 Yeah, absolutely. I think that there's so many people coming up that are really like putting more of like a southern rock, rock sound in there. And I think that that's so cool. 'cause I'm also a big fan of like southern rock and, and rock and roll and um, 'cause I listened to a lot of that growing up 'cause of my dad and my mom. Um, but yeah, there's some artists coming up that are, that are really rocking out and they sound incredible. And I, that's again, another thing that I love about Texas is that we're not boxed into just country. We're whatever the hell we wanna be. 'cause that's how Texans are <laugh>.
Speaker 3 00:42:05 Yeah. That's, that's true. <laugh>. Um, so I, I guess we, is there, what, what do you have coming up? I know you said you're taking a break from touring for a little, a short while, but, uh, when, when it comes to like releases or anything, what, what's on the schedule there?
Speaker 4 00:42:21 It's a very good question. I love that question. Um, I have a few songs under my belt for sure that I am putting out, um, this year. Um, and probably not too far away from that happening. Um, yeah, I'm very excited. We have a couple sad ones in there, of course have to have those. And there possibly is a love song in there, which is so unlike me, I've never put out a love song before <laugh>. Um, so yeah, we'll see. I'm very excited. But it's, um, yeah, my favorite music I've ever done. Very excited to put it out. There will be more stuff coming out before the end of the year and uh, that's, that's all I'll say.
Speaker 3 00:43:01 Alright. That's exciting stuff. Um, but, uh, Gracie, thank you so much. Uh, sorry about the technical difficulties earlier. Don't know That's okay. Anything about that, but, uh, that's all right. Yeah. But if you have any more plugs like socials, anything coming up, you wanna plug half at it.
Speaker 4 00:43:19 We're just, you know, I'm just Gracie York, g r a y c i e. Gotta spell it different. Um, 'cause you know, my parents wanted to make it hard on me, but, uh, yeah, that's how you can find me anywhere and go stream all my new stuff and watch my music video 'cause it was expensive. So go watch that. Yeah,
Speaker 3 00:43:36 <laugh>, listen to Marlboro Madness or Madness Magic. I can't get the fucking name right, <laugh>.
Speaker 4 00:43:44 That's okay. You know, it's a whole bunch of madness going on all the time, so. Yeah,
Speaker 3 00:43:48 It works. It's been, it's been a long couple days, I'm telling you. Oh yeah. But <laugh>, but, uh, thank you so much. Uh, hang out for a minute after I sign off here. Make sure this all gets uploaded. But thank you everybody for listening. This is Gracie York. I'm Sam and y'all have a good one.
