Charleston native Grace Joyner has expanded on her well-established dream pop sound with wistful new single “Vampira,”Charleston native Grace Joyner has expanded on her well-established dream pop sound with wistful new single “Vampira.” A “mix of rock and pop with Stevie Nicks-esque undertones,” (Culture Collide) “Vampira” takes Joyner’s ethereal style to new heights. The song was conceived after Joyner learned of the connection between 1950’s late-night horror host, Maila Nurmi (Vampira), and the actor James Dean. Grace says:
From what I took away from the story she was madly into him, and he entertained her for a while before moving on. She became slightly obsessive and unable to let it go. I found it interesting and somewhat sad because, in my opinion, she was on another level of creativity and innovation at the time. The work she was doing and the legacy she created lived on and can still be recognized in many household characters. The song is a letter to people who let unrequited love suppress or damage their own self-worth and value. It is a message I have needed to hear on many occasions and I hope others find it meaningful.
“Vampira” follows Joyner’s 2020 sophomore album Settle In, produced byWolfgang Zimmerman (Band of Horses, Susto, Brave Baby). The singer-songwriter first made waves with her single “Dreams” in 2016, leading to the sync of the song on The CW’s Riverdale, performances at SXSW and Savannah Stopover, and sessions at Daytrotter and Breakthru Radio. Joyner weaves a beautiful and delicate balance between reflecting on the trials of young love and showing a remarkable commitment to self-development.
