Inspired #0032 - GRAE
Toronto newcomer GRAE has just released her debut track ‘New Girl’, which mixes the old with the new when it comes to R’n’B vibes. She talks to use about how Prince was an all round badass, and which film made her want to do music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations?
My top three musical inspirations would have to be,
Janet Jackson
Prince
Robert Smith (of the Cure)
Janet Jackson’s “Rhythm Nation” was the very first album I ever listened to and I was about 4 years old. I used to carry that CD around with me and just beg my parents to play it. The production on that album seriously inspires me and some tracks on my EP.
Prince was an all round badass of a person and musician. He always did what he wanted, when he wanted, no matter what people thought, and he stood up for artists and their rights! I take a lot of inspiration from him when it comes to being myself and standing up for what I believe in.
Robert Smith of The Cure is (who I believe) one of the best songwriters ever. I look up to his writing and aspire to that. He’s poetry!!
Is there a certain film that inspires you?
Oh I mean, I’m going to have to say Purple Rain. That film really changed the game for me. Honestly, it made me want to do music even more. I’ll never forgot watching it for the first time when I was younger. I was like, “damn I’ve really gotta step my game up” Hahaha.
What city do you find the most inspiring?
When I lived in Australia I loved Melbourne. It’s so fresh and vibrant. I absolutely love the vibe and did a lot of writing when I was there. So I’d say Melbourne Australia is probably the most inspiring city I’ve been too this far.
Who is the most inspiring person to you?
My Dad. He’s an entrepreneurial spirit who started his first (and definitely not last) business at the age of sixteen. He’s never followed the norms and created the life he wanted for himself. I grew up around that, always being told I can create my own life, and I find that super inspiring.
How would you like to inspire people?
The same way I’ve been. I want people to know if they put their mind to something, they can achieve it. You have the power to create your own life. Always!