Gracie Jet: From Nurse to Songwriter, Her Soulful Sound In ‘Sway’ Is A Love Letter To The Past
Singer/songwriter Gracie Jet draws in audiences quickly with her unique, soulful voice. Her piano-driven pop draws comparisons to big names like Adele and other strong female vocalists. Listen to her lyrics and you’ll be instantly drawn in, perhaps laughing and crying over the course of one song. Jet sings about conventional themes like love and relationships, but also includes heartbreaking scenes from what she witnessed during the pandemic when she was a nurse.
Jet is UK-born and now resides in Owen Sound, Ontario. She’s spent years making her rounds through the local bar scene, singing covers of Beatles songs, and Sheryl Crow and Tracy Chapman tunes.
Jet is now armed with an album of her own, ready to launch a career as a solo artist. The lead single “Sway” is what she calls an anthem of her youth.
“It’s a love letter to the girl I used to be,” she adds. “I was in a time of my life where I was lacking purpose, always surrounded by people yet feeling profoundly alone.”
Jet hopes the song can be cathartic for people who feel similarly.
Jet calls her family her greatest supporters and inspiration in life, especially her sister Rosie, who is featured in her “Sway” music video as the wise bartender Jet confides in.
“I was so thrilled that she agreed to be in this project with me.”
Jet’s emotional fearlessness in her lyrics, combined with a soaring voice, make her a true musical standout.
Care to introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Gracie Jet! I’m a singer-songwriter from a small rural town in Ontario. I was born in the UK but Owen Sound has been my home since I was nine years old. As a child I was always influenced by music and singing was very normal for me. My favorite song, for anyone willing to listen to me, was my own rendition of “We Will Rock You” by Queen. I love the rumble and energy of classic rock and I love pop music. The combination resonates with who I am, so, I think it was inevitable that pop-rock would be my music choice.
Tell us about the process of recording “Sway.”
I wrote “Sway” based on memories from a younger me. When you are young you spend a lot of time trying to figure out who you are- well at least I did! Sometimes it’s not that great but you tell yourself it is. Imagine you’re in a crowded bar, the music is playing; you’re surrounded by a sea of people but yet you still feel alone. I started with the chorus and the song grew from there. These were powerful memories for me because they represent the vulnerability I felt as a woman in my early 20s. I used to look back on this song with unease but now I see it all as part of my journey. When I started playing live shows I knew this song could resonate with people, but I also wanted it to make people dance. I love how Josh Richie captured this when he produced Sway. It’s fun, funky and sassy. A bit like me! It makes me happy when I sing it and I hope people feel that too.
What’s it like being a musician in Owen Sound?
Growing up in Owen Sound, I soon found out that music is a vibrant part of rural life. People know each other, musicians play in each other’s bands and I have really felt supported by so many. I think I first experienced that when Heartwood our local concert hall opened. I would go to the open mic night which became a hub for me. I would be so nervous but I was always met with such positivity from other musicians encouraging me to pursue songwriting and a music career. Really looking back, it’s where I found ‘my’ people. So, it was a real full circle moment to be able to sell out the Heartwood venue for my Sway release show.
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
I first heard Shania Twain as a young child and I loved her. Shania was brought up in a rural town not too far from me which made me believe anything was possible. I can still put on her music and sing along to every song and who doesn’t want to wear a full cheater outfit on stage! Shania pushed the boundaries for women yet it felt like she was authentic. I want to be like that. When people leave my shows, I want them to be wowed by the music but also want them to experience the energy I feel when I perform because it is a huge thrill for me. Avril Lavine is another artist I really respect. I grew up on her music and watched as her sound developed and evolved with her life, like the song Head Above Water. I feel keeping who you are in the music is important. These are two Canadian icons that have shaped the way I look at music.
You’ve been making music for a bit of time now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
This journey is a marathon not a sprint. It takes time to find your people and never be afraid to ask questions. Entering the music industry can be very overwhelming and scary. There are so many unknowns and so much you need to know. So, I would often, and still do, slide into people’s DM’s and say, “Hey! you don’t know me, but can I ask you how you started out as a musician or a singer?” I would just be as direct as I could and do you know what when people did answer me, I was greeted with warmth and a story. There isn’t one of those encounters that hasn’t helped me. But you also have to do your own research. At the end of the day as an independent artist, you have to educate yourself about the music industry. Take the time to learn about different platforms, know your audience, and how to market yourself and still be ‘you.’ Music is about human interaction- make genuine connections and people will follow your journey.