We had the good fortune of connecting with Grace Harrison and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Grace, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
Not to sound too ‘deep’, but it really isn’t a choice. If you’re a ‘creative’ who isn’t creating, you’re going to end up hating your life. I struggled with this during university and actually took a leave of absence for a year to go to Nashville and write/record an original EP. Although I went back and graduated with an unrelated degree, I quickly realized that I just wasn’t satisfied with a career outside music. I dabbled with other ‘traditional’ career ideas, but would find myself spending my days sitting at the piano. My recommendation to anyone grappling with this is to be honest with yourself about what you really want to do in life. Not what your parents, friends, colleagues, or teachers suggest.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As a songwriter, it’s taken me years to figure out my own style. And I think you never truly stop learning about yourself in your craft. I’ve spent the past two years of this pandemic writing new material and constantly critiquing and editing it in the process. Most songwriters will say that’s the biggest challenge– finding your own voice within the industry. There’s also pressure to fit a certain mold or in a particular box, especially in Nashville. But once you put the art above everything else, that’s when you have fun!!
I’m really excited to go to Nashville next month and start the process of recording two new singles!
Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Houston is a gem! I love living here because it fuels my creativity. We have so much diversity to offer, whether it’s the food, art, or music.
I’d say Uchi is my favorite restaurant right now. I’m on a sushi kick! Get the tapioca pudding dessert. It’s out of this world.
If you want to hear live music, check out Cowboy Surfer. The owner Jim is a local celebrity in his own right and has a passion for supporting new musical talent. You never know who you’ll see on stage!
And finally, you can’t go wrong with any of our museums. I love putting on headphones and browsing through the Museum of Fine Arts.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my Dad and my grandpa, who have both been huge musical influences in my life. My grandpa played guitar in a band in the 1950s, and my dad played in a regional Texas country band called Pecos in the 70s. Both of them have inspired, encouraged, and guided me throughout my musical journey.
Instagram: @thegraceharrison
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegraceharrison
Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1yZ8njPsfStr9xBjDTQffY?si=3Dq-HBcMR16g_Zf-zYy5yw
Image Credits
Photographer for car photo and portrait with white jacket: Hill Taylor White Photographer for guitar photo and other portrait: Bailey Hart