“MY NOTES HAVE MY WHOLE LIFE IN THEM”: A CONVERSATION WITH PIPER-GRACE
Photography By Malou Moy
Just six months into releasing music, Piper-Grace is solidifying her place in the UK RnB scene. Her debut track ‘Things Lovers Do’ and most recent offering ‘Caught Up’ emphasise her powerful vocals and sultry voice. Paired with her emotionally stimulating and reflective lyrics, Piper-Grace is a breath of fresh air in the RnB world. It is hard to miss the influences of her favourites through her warm tone and passion, taking inspiration from the likes of Mary J Blige, H.E.R and Rihanna — it is clear Piper-Grace looks to the RnB greats to continue this trajectory.
The London-based artist has grown to love the capital and the confidence it gives her. Being in a new and diverse city has helped her grow into the self-loving woman she is today, embracing her iconic hair and channelling her trendsetting style. Originally from Devon in South West England, Piper-Grace has a great love for her hometown, Exeter, holding fond memories of growing up outside of the hustle and bustle, finding peace in the countryside landscapes, which is where her music career began.
The rising star is gearing up towards the release of more music, after a successful launch of two singles. Ahead of her future projects, Piper-Grace excitedly tells us about her writing process, her dreams for 2022, and more on the UK RnB scene.
How do you feel your upbringing has shaped your music?
From a young age I always used to sing. My mum says she caught me singing Kylie Minogue with a spoon in the kitchen, when I was about two years old, so it’s been a thing since I was really young. I then started vocal coaching when I was four and from then onwards, it's just been a huge part of my life.
My mum always listened to music. I remember my mum listening to Whitney Houston, Mary J Blige, and all these really cool women. My grandma loved to sing, she was so good at singing in the church choir. It has always been my whole life.
What was the first song you ever wrote about?
I first wrote music because I had to do it for my A Levels. I didn't realise I could write [outside of school] if that makes sense. I always thought that it was nicer to sing songs that had already been written. I just used to write things in my notes and stuff. But I'd say the first song I wrote that I do remember is when my stepdad passed. I wrote a song on my piano with little basic chords.
Tell me about your writing process?
Sometimes I'll hear something, or I'll think of something and I'll write down everything in my notes. My notes are the most crucial thing on my phone, I would never want anyone to go through my notes because they have my whole life on them. I have all kinds of little bullet points from conversations in my notes. It's one of those where I don't overthink it too much, I just come and listen to the beat and just work with what I have.
What’s your favourite part about making music?
I was always really scared to be vulnerable and to open up about the things I have been through and the situations I have dealt with. So, my favourite part is being able to write so that people can connect with it. I love making music that people can relate to and say, "Oh my God! Yeah, I feel that, or I like that"
It's just an amazing feeling. Everything about music is amazing. It's a language that everyone can understand. Even if you don't understand the lyrics or it's in another language, you can still vibe to it. I think that's really important.
Who are your music greats?
I will definitely say H.E.R. She is literally my favourite and is on every single one of my playlists. Inspiration-wise, I mentioned Whitney. Rihanna is also amazing.
The UK RnB is such an underrated scene. What do you think is pushing it forward?
I think that people like Mahalia have really managed to help set this standard and emphasise that this is a really sick genre. And I think that with time everyone will recognise that it is an amazing genre. You can't forget that, obviously, with the help of America, it is easier for UK artists to expand.
Are there any big names you would like to work with in the future?
As I said, H.E.R. It would be awesome to work on a project together. In the UK, Mahalia is amazing and I really like her music. Giveon as well. I love him.
What are your dreams for 2022?
I've been really happy with how things have gone so far already. Like, the first week or second week of January, I had my debut single played on BBC Radio 1 by Victoria Jane for the first time. Caught Up came out and is having an amazing reaction, also being played by some really cool DJs and presenters. People have been loving it, that's important for me. I just want people to listen to my work as I am obviously a new artist, so it is important that my voice gets heard.
I also don't want to have too many expectations because that can always lead to disappointment. I'm happy with just working extra hard, staying consistent, taking in my accomplishments and achievements, and building my community further.