Sugarcoating and holding back aren’t quite gracie’s style. She recently released her debut full-length record, *Miss Misfortunately* via Tooth & Nail Records, and to call it vulnerable would be an understatement. gracie kicked off the record cycle with an incredible show at The End in Nashville, Tennessee. Following the release, First III No Flash caught up with gracie to talk about the record, the stories behind it, and what’s already coming next.
For many, signing a record deal and beginning work on a first album comes with pressure and expectations. But for gracie, the process was actually “genuinely so freeing creatively.” She stopped worrying about fitting into genres or staying within what she already knew she could do, and instead gave herself permission to try new things. She says she “learned a lot about the production process” and collaborated in a way she never had before.
“I get to just make what brings me joy and feels cathartic, rather than just making what’s going to sell for the label.”
Ironically, the title of the record was a fortunate accident. “My producer actually had the word ‘Misfortunate’ in his head for a song title. It took us a week of working on other songs we had already written to actually get around to that idea,” says gracie. They built out the verses first before eventually landing on the moment that would define the entire album. She continues on to say that she “…stuttered into ‘Miss Misfortunately’…It felt kismet.”
Much of Miss Misfortunately sees gracie using her past to propel her forward. Instead of feeling shame and hiding the not-so-glamorous parts of her life, she uses them to fuel the emotion behind the album, and the title track is just the start.
“This album is predominantly about my second long-term relationship. It was pretty toxic and abusive. He was seven years older than me, and we met when I was 17. I had written a lot of songs about the breakup when it happened, so I was able to continue telling the story with this album.”
The lead single, “Not Your Mother,” tells a story many young women know all too well: the moment they realize they can no longer coddle someone who refuses to grow up. But its follow-up, “Sucker,” flips that perspective inward. gracie sings, “I’m a sucker for a parasite” and “I was smarter in another life, but never mind.”
Throughout the record, gracie navigates the rollercoaster of escaping, processing, and healing from an abusive relationship. The songs ebb and flow between anger and resentment, sadness and acceptance. Thankfully, the album ends on a high note with “Hot Air Balloon,” which tells the story of finding a love that feels like flying.
Additionally, her live show really brings this record to life. Especially “Amputate,” which she says “kind of coasts peacefully until it gets to the bridge… it feels so special.”
“’Miss Misfortunately,’ the title track, has become my Mount Everest live, but it’s so fun. I’m a big roller coaster person, and ‘Miss Misfortunately’ feels like I’m at the top of one. Once I get past the crazy high octave bridge, I feel like I can do anything and I’m flying.”
Another standout performance moment was gracie’s cover of Paramore’s “All I Wanted,” jokingly introduced as “everyone’s favorite song.” Everything about the show felt intentional, from the staging to the highly coordinated lights. A large “Miss Misfortunately” banner draped over the stage while paper stars dangled overhead, giving the room a prom-like atmosphere that perfectly matched the angsty nostalgia of the record.
With a strong record freshly out into the world, few artists would be thinking about what’s next. But here’s what gracie had to say:
“Well, I’m five demos into album number two. We’re working on a million things at the moment, because I feel like I can’t stop, but I feel like we’ve found a crazy rhythm, and album two is going to be my favorite thing in the world. We’re also working on some Christmassy things… cause who doesn’t love Christmas. But, it’s a lot of constant studio time and writing, which might be my favorite part of all of this, although that’s hard to say. Touring is also at the top of my favorites list. So if that’s next, I’m stoked.”
If “Miss Misfortunately” is any indication, gracie is only getting started. With album two already taking shape and a creative rhythm she says she’s never felt before, this debut feels like an introduction to a whole world still to come.
GALLERY: gracie’s Album Release Show in Nashville, Tennessee
