A Quick Chat with Grace Chia

You released your 15-track album The Human Grey just last month, and now you’re following it up with new single ‘Check Ya Etiquette’. What has this creative period been like for you, and are these releases connected in any way?

Honestly, I’m always creating whether that be music or a different creative field. This period of releasing the project has been exciting to get this body of work out in the world. Some songs I had written over a year ago and others that were very fresh but they all feel like they lived in the same world. ‘The Human Grey’ lives in an introspective part of me, through or harsh Tassie winters and early sunfall. ‘Check Ya Etiquette’ marks the beginning of the sun returning, longer days and springtime fun.

A 15-track album is a substantial body of work to put out into the world. Now that The Human Grey has had some time to breathe, how do you reflect on the project and what it represents for you as an artist?

‘The Human Grey’ is a deeply reflective body of work, not just on me individually but also how I view the world as a whole, our interconnectedness, divide and opportunities for growth. My previous album was a very personal reflection, whethers this one looks outside myself and how I fit as a puzzle piece into this bigger picture. It also features many amazing collaborators, further exploring other points of views.

Your new single, ‘Check Ya Etiquette’, arrives right as you head into BIGSOUND. What can you tell us about the track and why did this feel like the right moment to share it?

I think this song brings the energy I want to enter BIGSOUND with, an assurity as well as having fun and staying true to myself. Plus it’s going to be a real fun one live!

You’ll be bringing your music to BIGSOUND at a time when there’s already so much happening around your project. What are you hoping people discover about Grace Chia when they experience your music in a live setting?

That my music is all built on deep meaning. I find that when people come to my live shows, they find a whole new connection to the songs. I want people to leave feeling empowered, strong and left with concepts they continue to explore in the coming days after the set.

BIGSOUND can put artists in front of completely new audiences, alongside people from all corners of the music industry. Does playing a showcase like this change the way you approach a performance, or is it simply about doing what you do and letting the music speak for itself?

I think it’s a balance. It’s important to stay true to myself always, that comes first. But it’s been exciting to imagine the set with some special additions and elements that will bring new lights to the music and help the audience imagine my shows on all kinds of stages… You’ll have to come to the shows to see!

With The Human Grey now out, ‘Check Ya Etiquette’ on the way and BIGSOUND around the corner, it feels like a significant moment for you creatively. Where do you feel Grace Chia is heading next?

I’m excited for this next chapter, I’m always writing and performing but I know this experience will inspire and connect me to the next steps on my path. I have new music to release in the summer and some amazing gigs lined up. There’s trust and wonder in stepping into the unknown but I’m ready for what comes knowing I’m led with a beautiful crew of people and aligned in my values and intentions.