Born and raised in Los Angeles, California in a household full of music, Talia Grace began her journey as a musician at the age of seven. Piano lessons turned into playing shows with her siblings by the time she was nine, and by 12 years old, she had fallen in love with writing and recording music. Now, almost a decade later, Talia is releasing her debut single Melancholy in collaboration with Austin-based producer Taylor Webb. Talia Grace’s music sits at the intersection between the stylings of Copeland and Bon Iver and the emotional rawness and emotional intensity of folk artists like Noah Gundersen and Phoebe Bridgers. Her music often explores themes of sadness and spirituality, but more importantly, it delves headfirst into what it means to be human. The hope is that listeners hear their own thoughts reflected in her art.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Kamil) Hey Talia Grace, super nice to have the chance to chat with you. What first got you into music?
Hi!
I can’t really remember a time before I was into music, but I think a lot of that has to do with how often there was music playing in my house as a kid. All of my siblings and I were in lessons for different instruments, and I started playing piano when I was seven. A few years later, my siblings and I became a family band, and I fell in love with singing and performing in a new way. I think it’s pretty safe to say music has always been THE thing for me.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
I’m an avid writer of all sorts - lyrics, poetry, copy, fiction, etc. One day I hope to be a published author, actually. I try to stay active, and I love working out. I’ve also recently been practicing mindfulness, meditation, and manifestation. Surprisingly, though, my “day job” is in tech. I try to keep my life pretty full and busy overall.
Your latest song is 'Soliloquy'. Can you tell us more about the making of it and if there were any unusual things happening during the process?
Soliloquy came ridiculously easily, and I knew from the moment I started writing it that it was special. I actually began writing it while sitting outside at a coffee shop/bar late at night, and I took a voice memo of the first two lines as I was walking out to my car. Those first two lines never changed. Some songs are a labor of love, and you really toil over them for hours and write and rewrite so that everything is perfect—Soliloquy was literally the opposite. The first draft and final draft ended up being almost identical. It got written start-to-finish in less than an hour. I think I texted my producer (Taylor Webb) later that week to set up a time to record it, and even the recording took almost no time. Maybe three hours? I remember specifically asking if I could sit down and record the vocals, because it didn’t feel right to stand for some reason, like it didn’t quite honor the solemn resignation and reflectiveness of the lyrics. It’s like a diary entry. And it’s probably the song I’m most proud of, overall, even though it’s by far the simplest. It feels so honest. Plus my “sister’s little girl” Carlin absolutely loves that I mentioned her.
Can you reveal the recipe for a musical hit?
I don’t think there is just one, honestly. I think maybe one of the key ingredients is letting go of the need to make a musical hit and instead focusing on creating what feels true to you as an artist. Production quality is also really important; it doesn’t really matter how good the writing or singing is if the quality doesn’t measure up. Along the same lines, collaboration is a beautiful thing and a veritable necessity for artists; a second set of ears is vital. Ultimately, though, I think it boils down to making what you love making. People respond to that.
What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?
I’m a big believer in the fact that the best artists are avid listeners. I devour music like no one else I know, and I overanalyze literally everything I listen to; it helps open my eyes to what’s possible through music. I also commit to writing something new daily, even if it’s just a couplet of lyrics or four bars of a chord progression. Small things become big things over time as you build a habit. I’m also in the process of making an EP. I’m actually recording vocals on a new song the day after this interview. There are always things in the works with me. I recently started working on another project, a band, with my brother and a long-time friend of ours, and it’s got a totally different sound than what I make independently. It’s about keeping my artistic plate full and making sure I’m constantly challenging myself.
What inspires you as an artist? Could it be the sea, the weather or something else?
This is going to sound cliche, but I accept that. I find inspiration literally everywhere all the time. In cups of coffee, sunrises, long car rides, rainy days, hard conversations. The beauty of everyday life really inspires me; I like immortalizing moments that seem inconsequential. I think maybe I’m trying to capture all elements of the human experience in some ways. I’m fascinated by the way that strong feelings get linked to things we’d never expect, and I like to write music about that. Inspiration really does strike me pretty much at random.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
I think I would just say thank you for listening to my music. I hope it helps you in some way. Also, remember that you are enough and you have enough time. I try to remind myself of that every day, and I think everyone needs to be a little more patient with themselves.
Do you have a mentor or coach?
I don’t formally have a mentor, no. My producer has a lot more experience than I do, so I’ve learned a lot from him about stuff that I never would have even considered. My brother is almost always the first person who hears my songs and gives me feedback. Most of what I do is pretty independent, though, up until I’m in the studio.
Do you think it's easy to become established in the music world, or is it difficult?
I think it’s simple, but I don’t think it’s easy. Especially in a city like Austin, the music “scene” is ridiculously oversaturated, and it’s very hard to stand out. Also, we’ve all got bills to pay, and making music is a huge investment that often doesn’t generate a return. I think it’s a combination of hard work, talent, sacrifice, and luck, and that can make it really difficult.
What accomplishments do you see yourself achieving in the next five to 10 years?
I would love to release a full-length album. One of my dreams/goals is to play at ACL one day, even if my name is in teeny tiny writing at the very bottom of the lineup. I think, though, that when that happens, it will be with a band, not as a solo artist. The crowning achievement would be making music my full-time career, because I genuinely think that’s the only thing that would ever really fulfill me. I see myself making music forever regardless of what happens though.
Thank you so much!