Originally hailing from Ocala, Florida, and now based in Los Angeles, Graive ‘s musical journey started behind the scenes as a producer before she transitioned into a singer-songwriter. Her latest release, “Nothing New,” offers a raw and heartfelt narrative on unreciprocated effort in relationships, showcasing her evolution and the depth of her creative process. Join us as we uncover the layers of Graive ‘s music, her inspirations, and the stories behind her evocative songs.
- Why did you choose the name “Graive” for your musical identity, and what significance does it hold for you personally?
The name “Graive” reflects my habit of burying my emotions in everyday life, only to unearth them through my music. It’s about digging up those feelings from the “grave.” Combining this concept with my passion for horror and my aesthetic made it a natural choice.
- Can you briefly introduce yourself and your style of music to those who may be discovering your work for the first time?
I’m an emerging alternative pop artist inspired by the styles of Olivia Rodrigo, Tate McRae, and Nessa Barret but with a darker twist. I’m originally from Ocala, Florida, but have now lived in Los Angeles for a few years , my journey began as a producer before transitioning to a singer-songwriter.
- When it comes to creating music, what does your typical creative process look like? How do you approach crafting a new song?
I usually enter a session with a topic in mind, it can be something I’m currently experiencing or have gone through that I want to put into words. My producer starts by writing a few chord progressions, and we build the song from there. Other times, we take a more free approach, seeing what sticks and letting the topic emerge organically from random words picked out of demo ideas.
- You just released your new song “Nothing New”. What was the most challenging aspect of bringing this song to life, and how did you overcome it?
The entire process for this song came easier than any other song I have written for this project. It was one of the first songs where everything just came together naturally—the words and emotions just flowed. Honestly, the most challenging part was picking the release date. This song was made more recently than all the others on my debut EP, So I was excited and wanted it out as soon as possible.
- In your opinion, what sets your latest release, “Nothing New,” apart from your previous work? How do you see your music evolving in the future?
“Nothing New” is unique because it’s the first song where I don’t sing on the chorus, which was a fun learning curve. It challenged me to make the verses and pre-choruses strong enough to carry the guitar-driven choruses.
- How do you personally relate to the themes explored in “Nothing New”?
In past experiences, I had multiple partners that never put an equal amount of effort into our relationship, leaving me feeling exhausted from giving so much to those who never met me halfway. My hope is that this song captures the feeling of resignation & the lack of surprise when the same patterns repeat themselves over and over again.
- Can you describe the sound and atmosphere you aimed to create with “Nothing New”?
With “Nothing New,” I wanted to create a song that painted the emotional intensity of being in this type of relationship. The guitar-driven chorus helps create a sense of urgency and frustration (anxiety/uncertainty) , while the verses and pre-choruses build a perspective of an unequal relationship. I wanted the overall vibe to be dark yet relatable, helping listeners feel the weight of their own similar experiences and hoping to alleviate some of that burden through the music.
- What do you enjoy most about the process of creating music, whether it’s writing lyrics, composing melodies, or performing?
I enjoy songwriting the most! It’s my main form of release in life, allowing me to let out my built-up emotions, whether they come from recent events or experiences from years ago. I also truly enjoy the process of gluing words together, treating music like a puzzle where everything needs to be placed correctly to fit.
- What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
You’re not Alone. We all go through so many similar experiences, but often, we feel isolated and think no one else can relate to us. I want my music to be a space where everyone can relate and not feel so alone in the world. When you can’t find the right words to express what you’re feeling, I hope my music can be those words for you.
