The Eighth Note is 8 quick Questions with Wellington Musicians. A chance for us to catch up with people & see what they’re up to, or introduce you to a new musician/band and their music. Up next is Wellington based singer/songwriter Grace Duncan, who has just released her first E.P.
Who are you? Tell us a bit about your music:
Kia ora!
Nō Kōtirana, nō Ingarani me Tenemāka ōku tįpuna
Ki tae mai ōku tįpuna ki Aotearoa i te tau 1860
I tipu ake au ki Te Matau-a-Māui
Kei Te Whanganui-a-Tara ahau e noho ana
Ko Grace tōku ingoa
Tēnā koutou katoa
I’m Grace Duncan, I grew up in Te Matau-a-Māui (Hawkes Bay), and I now live in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington). I’ve been writing singer/songwriter styled songs for the last 10 or so years. I was also classically trained in violin, guitar and voice so those shape how I write too. My music is generally driven by a desire to share hope and encourage people to reflect, which blends with the often-pensive style of music I create.
What have you been working on lately? Any new tracks or albums on the way?
I’ve just released my debut EP Ruminations which is a collection of songs from over the last eight years. The title sums up the grounding of each track, each of them have a theme or idea that I hope listeners might join me in mulling over.
Where is the best place people can follow you & find your music?
Spotify, Apple Music etc – just search Grace Duncan on any of the streaming platforms and I’ll pop up! Otherwise, this link will also take you there. Instagram is where I engage with people most so head along to @graceduncanmusic for the yarns. You’ll also find me on Facebook with the same handle if Instagram isn’t your cup of tea.
What were the 3 most influential albums to you growing up?
What to do with Daylight – Brooke Fraser.
This was the first album I ever owned and that was only because my sister owned the CD and I scratched it, so I had to replace hers hahah. Since then, I’ve been in love with all of her albums but this one kicked it all off for me.
A Rush of Blood to the Head – Coldplay.
Life For Rent – Dido.
The last two were on repeat in my dad’s car so naturally I also fell in love with them and their melancholic themes. I’m terrible with remembering lyrics, and these albums will be some of the few that I could probably sing 80% of the lyrics too haha. Maybe that’s how I should define an influential album from now on…
Which other Wellington musician (s) would you most like to work with?
Mmm that’s a tricky one! Too many to choose from… but if the Wellington Orchestra ever rocked up to my house and asked if I wanted to collaborate, I’d be in in a jiffy. Otherwise, honestly anyone, I love learning from other people and coming up with ideas you wouldn’t have come up with by yourself. Who knows, maybe one day we’ll see a folk/EDM collab appear…
What is your favourite Wellington venue to play in?
I haven’t played in many Wellington venues to be fair, but one I would like to play in would be Raglan Roast on Able Smith Street as the homey couch vibes they have set up would really suit the reflective nature of my music.
In your songwriting or composing, how do the compositions and songs take shape?
Most of them start with a chord progression on the guitar, I’ll find a new shape and want to incorporate it into something and then I’ll make up the melodies and often the lyrics come during this, or are shaped afterwards. I have to want to be drawn to the harmonies and melodies so I can genuinely express whatever the message of the song is. This is often a reason why most my music has a lot of minor seventh chords because there is something quite longing about said harmonies, a sad yet hopeful sound…
Where/when is your next gig?
My next and first gig of the year is coming up on May the 1st at the Southern Cross Bar! It’s actually a delayed EP release gig which I’m quite looking forward to as it’ll be the first time playing most of the tracks of my recent EP live. It’s a free gig, 4-6pm on a Saturday afternoon, so will be a good chance to come along and relax, maybe with a bowl of fries by your side…?