Meet Charles Grace

Today we’d like to introduce you to Charles Grace.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Charles. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was born in Anaheim, California and raised in South Carolina, which is where I lived until I relocated two years ago. I started listening to music seriously when I was ten years old, way more than most kids I knew at school. I could just sit and listen to albums for hours and be satisfied. It got to the point where I would memorize every song title, and I knew which song was up next before the first one finished.

This led me to picking up the guitar at the age of thirteen. By fifteen, I had written my first song as an extra credit project based on The Crucible by Arthur Miller. After being in a few bands throughout high school, I pursued music in college, majoring in classical guitar performance. Between 2010 and 2017, I was fortunate to write and record four full-length albums with my former band. It was during this time that I also toured throughout the Southeastern U.S. This time on the road gave me the itch to move to a new place.

In 2018, I scratched the itch by packing only what could fit in the back of my car and driving across the country in four and a half days.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
My dad and I often joke about prioritizing the stuff that’s not so sexy so that you can do the things you really want to do to the fullest. When I first moved back to California, the only two intentions I set for myself were to be closer to my grandfather who had Alzheimer’s and to continue pursuing the dream. I had no friends, no work lined up, and a dwindling bank account. I knew I had to take some intentional steps in a healthier direction if I wanted any chance of succeeding. This led me down a very challenging series of growing pains in just about every facet of my life, but necessary changes nonetheless. I was finally at the point where I was ready to embrace the tension head on.

Can you give our readers some background on your music?
Musically, I would say my material is an eclectic mix of indie rock, blues, and folk music. I also love blending the fingerstyle guitar-playing with my love of soul music. My biggest heroes are Jeff Buckley, Glen Hansard, and Ray LaMontagne. They have really inspired me to be more bold stepping into new creative territory.

I once heard Victor Wooten answer an audience question by responding that he was only as good as his last performance. What he meant was he was always striving to be better and grow. I am most proud of the next song I am going to write because that means the creativity is still alive and well. It means I am still striving and growing. That means way more to mean than any trophy or past accomplishment.

My favorite thing about performing is the ability to make a first impression. There are few scenarios like a live show where the room begins as strangers and then moves to the same wavelength, tuned in to the story the performer is telling. I notice more since live shows have been put on pause for the time being. I want my audience to get the same goosebumps I got the first time I saw my favorite artists live. I make it my mission to have that exchange with as many people as possible.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I can confidently say that my plans will revolve around creativity and community. I have already written a few new songs during the quarantine that I am excited to develop in the studio. I am looking forward to collaborating and co-writing with more musicians. One of my big goals for the coming months is to work with other musician friends of mine to organize a curated showcase event for local and traveling bands/artists. I have always had a deep appreciation for the listening room atmosphere, and there is still a dedicated audience for that.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://charlesgrace.bandcamp.com/releases
• Phone: 8434670041
• Email: charlesedwardgrace@gmail.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesgracemusic/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Charles.E.Grace.Music

Image Credit:
Devon Larae, Samantha Rae, Eric Martinez

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