For the X Factor, Grace Davies auditioned with an original song in front of Simon Cowell and Nicole Scherzinger. Four years later, she's released it to the world.
What inspired you while writing “Roots?"
I'd just moved to north London, away from my home town up North and it felt like the beginning of my career that I never wanted to give up. I was so excited at the thought of doing music full time, being close to my management and studios etc; I just didn't want to go back... So I wrote Roots really about my career & the house I was living in at the time which gave me so much hope.
How has the last year changed you, both as a creator and as a person?
Everything that happened in the pandemic definitely made me a more creative person. I was left to my own devices as I wasn't in studios with producers, so I used the time to teach myself production - which enabled me to have several production credits on my new songs and songs I've written for other people. I think when it comes to me, I didn't realise how much I needed my family and friends around me until last year. I think being locked inside has made me much more outgoing and sociable. I've always been really happy to spend time by myself and not leave the house - but now I hate it!
What has been the biggest moment of your life so far?
There's been so many career-defining moments, but I think a moment that really made me feel like my life had changed forever was coming second on The X Factor. When something as big as that whole process happens, it's really hard to take it in, but that very moment felt massive. I watched the show as a child, and especially when we did the XF Tour in 2018 - I performed at Manchester Arena, which is where I went to my first ever concert (weirdly the XF Tour when Leona Lewis won) so it was a completely full circle 'wow' moment.
What’s one thing you hope never changes?
I hope I never make music that doesn't feel true to who I am. I've been so lucky in my career thus far to write and release music that is so very me - so I hope I never get to a point where I'm being pushed in a direction that makes me feel uncomfortable or isn't true to who I am.
What does it mean to be an artist in today’s world?
Being an artist in today's world is SO HARD. There's so much out there and so many ways to easily put yourself out there, like YouTube and TikTok - you feel like a tiny fish in a massive pond. Independent artists usually invest way more than we will ever earn back and breaking through is incredibly tough. The only reason anyone would be crazy enough to be an artist is if they love writing, singing & performing more than anything in the entire world... Which unfortunately I and so many do... This kind of job is like a drug - it's not necessarily good for your mental health, and there are absolutely no guarantees of success or a paycheque at the end of the month, but you do it because you love it. So you gotta keep pushing on!
What has been one of your favourite gigs and why?
Dublin 3 Arena in 2018 was mental. The way the arena is set out makes you feel like the whole crowd is right in front of your face and it was just so electric. The Irish fans are so up for it, I've never felt anything like it!
Make sure to follow Grace Davies on Instagram to stay up to date with her releases. Listen to "Roots" on all streaming platforms.