Hallie Grace’s music has a sunny aspect to it, even when her songs might be heavier lyrically or thematically, an overwhelming takeaway of positivity, in spite of the trials and tribulations we all face. Perhaps it’s the smoothness and warm tones of her vocals, which glide enticing on each song. On her brand new album, “MOTIVATION,” Grace finds herself in the sweet spot between the sugar-candy coating of unabashed pop and the weight and difficulty of life and the reality of the day-to-day that gives heft to her lyrics, particularly in the second half of the album. “MOTIVATION” will pump you up and then provide the support you need to keep going. We sat down with her recently to go through the details about this stunning new album.
Hi, Hallie! You have an amazing new album out in March called “MOTIVATION.” Please tell us about the album in a big picture sort of way.
Thank you! “MOTIVATION” is a fun, energetic, dynamic album with an uplifting message. It gradually gets more personal and more vulnerable from start to finish; I begin the album essentially coasting through life unbothered, but by the end I’m sort of holding on for dear life. It definitely paints a real-life picture of how life is full of ups and downs, twists and turns, so staying motivated through it all is challenging but also worth it.
One of the songs on your new album, “Imma Just Do Me,” is wonderful and stood out to me. What can you tell us about that song? What inspired you to write this song?
Thank you so much, I love that one! So, I’ve struggled with insecurity my whole life, and growing up I was really shy, preferring to stay out of everyone’s way and basically just mirror personalities around me. This song is a declaration to change that and be 100% true to who I am, as a person AND as an artist. It’s one of those songs you can listen to on your way to school or work and get pumped for the day, and that’s exactly what I wanted it to be!
What was it like recording this album? Any great studio stories? Who played on the album with you?
This is my first full-length album ever, and I can’t say enough how much I loved recording it. Everything from writing, to demo-ing the songs with my producer, then fleshing them out more fully, mixing – I genuinely loved everything about the whole process. Nathan Pauley co-wrote a couple songs with me and also produced and mixed the entire album, so I basically trust him with my life now. He played most of the instruments, but there are a few features throughout that I absolutely love. One of my favorites is the last track, for which most of the background vocals were recorded by my sister, Kasey. It feels so personal because it’s a song about our grandmother, and we were each other’s best friends whenever we stayed with her as kids.
What do you hope this album’s message is to those who listen to it?
Keep going. That is my message to everyone still. Keep going even when no one thinks you can, including yourself. If you can’t see the light, keep trying to find it. If you’ve run out of hope, find faith. Just keep going.
Have you played any of these songs live? And what has the reception been like to then, as well as to the singles you’ve already released from it?
I have! I had someone I deeply respect tell me they loved “Imma Just Do Me” because it feels relatable and applicable to people of all backgrounds, all seasons of life, all ages. To know that it means that for someone is incredible news to me, and that’s an example of the kind of impact you just never expect but always hope to make, ya know? Playing the songs live has been really special, too, especially when someone hears my originals for the first time and decides to follow me on Spotify.
The album title… how did you choose it? What does it mean to you?
I enjoy giving myself the challenge of trying to sum up thoughts, lyrics, songs, and entire albums in one word. I often title my songs with a one-word title. “MOTIVATION”came to me pretty quickly when considering the scope and style of music I was creating, and it’s an added bonus that the word is actually sung in “Imma Just Do Me.” I think the meaning of the title and the album is best represented by the album intro – the first track on the album – so I’ll quote the final lyrics: “Only what you know to be true can pull you through… so what’s your motivation?”
How do you feel you’ve changed as an artist/writer/creative person since you started making music?
I feel like music always came very naturally to me, and I’ve been making up songs for as long as I can remember, but writing lyrics is a craft I’ve been developing over time. The lyrics in “MOTIVATION” are definitely, I think, my strongest to date. I also feel like this project has the clearest theme, the most consistent musical style, and the strongest branding I’ve ever had. I’ve learned so much about visual art and how to tell the story through imagery as well as through sound and word. I’ve learned so much about production and mixing that I didn’t know even four years ago. It’s been a big season of change for me all around these past few years.
Are there any artists who inspired what you did on this album, be it lyrically, musically, or both?
Absolutely. Biggest inspirations were Sara Bareilles, Taylor Swift, Hailee Steinfeld, and Maggie Rogers. Rogers is one of my biggest artist inspirations in general. There are many others I could name who influenced me more subconsciously, but I was listening to albums by these four on repeat while demo-ing the album.
Do you have any tour plans? Where can fans see you on the road?
I am in the beginning stages of this, to be honest! I have a ton of performance experience but have not yet toured my original music, so it’s in the plans for this year but to be determined as far as details go. A few places I would love to hit are Chicago, Nashville, and D.C., but I’m starting in my hometown of Charlotte, North Carolina. Stay tuned!
Website: https://www.halliegracemusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hallie.dineen
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LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/halliegracemusic
