Social media has lent a huge hand in helping the works of so many many talented artists come to light. Many are young people just like you and me, simply creating music in their bedrooms. (Yes, I just assumed your age bracket. Roll with it.)
Then there’s Gracie Abrams. The 21-year-old rising star has been penning her own music since before she hit double digits in age, but it’s also worth noting that creativity is in her DNA. Gracie is the daughter of famed director and executive producer J.J. Abrams. Growing up, Gracie frequently filled her ears with tunes from artists such as Joni Mitchell, Simon & Garfunkel and Elvis Costello. She also learned how to play the drums when she was eight, but then quickly shifted over to playing the guitar and piano.
As a teen, Gracie started recording snippets of songs and posting them on Soundcloud and Instagram. Over the years, she built up her following on social media, and currently sits at 393k Instagram followers. Constantly writing and sharing her creations, Gracie built up her own tight knit community on the app – and a space where she could be herself.
By 2019, it was time for Gracie to release her first official single. The arrival of “Mean It” provided a vulnerable glimpse of the end of a relationship’s lifespan. Eager to give her listeners more, Gracie made huge strides in 2020 by dropping her debut EP minor. The hand-crafted project led to appearances on late night TV shows, billboards in Times Square, and even a virtual tour.
Through it all, everything Gracie does has touches of intimacy, vulnerability, and spontaneity. When listening to her music or scrolling through her photos and videos, it’s easy to feel as though everything Gracie has to offer was curated just for you. Her alt-pop ballads feel like a letter from a friend you haven’t seen in years, sung right in your own bedroom.
Gifts from those we care about are always welcome, and today Gracie decided to share one of the best gifts she has to offer! Gracie released her new single “Brush Fire,” which was written alongside Tobias Jesso Jr and Blake Slatkin. “Brush Fire” serves as a reflection on feelings of love and loss, and serves as a companion to minor.
“I wanted this song to come out before the end of the year because it feels kind of like a bookend,” Gracie says. “There are new feelings and new sounds that come with the new music. Brush Fire felt it needed to live closer to minor. Like neighbors.”
Get lost in the “Brush Fire” below!