The "America's Got Talent" winner has recently released a video for her dedication to New York, "City Song." Grace Vanderwaal discussed her new video song "city song" in an interview.
Grace Vanderwaal, the season 11 winner of "America's Got Talent," has released a magnificent new video for "City Song," the third single from her album "Just the Beginning."
The 14-year-old singer/songwriter created the song as a love letter to her home state, which just hosted the 60th annual Grammy Awards at Madison Square Garden on Jan. 28. She was signed to AGT judge Simon Cowell's Syco Music and Columbia Records after winning the NBC competition.
Vanderwaal encourages listeners to "just keep moving and absorb it all in" over a pulsing beat before rejoicing with the catchy chorus to "take the city and make it our song."
"Growing up so close to New York City, I've always wanted to visit, but I've always been disappointed since songs about the city usually make it look so fantastic and exciting." and I just thought it was busy and dirty when I was younger," recalls Vanderwaal, a Suffern, New York native. "Now I realize it's not about the city; it's about taking the life within the city and turning it into your own fantastic dream."
What's the backstory to "City Song"?
I was in a studio overlooking Times Square when I composed this song, and I was so inspired by all the varied people, sights, and noises that make New York so lovely.
On "Just the Beginning," you play bass, ukulele, glockenspiel, and percussion, among other instruments. How much creative control over the recording process did you have?
The entire record was a work in progress. It was a lot of pleasure to be able to take spontaneous creative ideas and turn them into reality, whether it was with a new instrument or a sound we created in the studio. On the record, I collaborated with some incredible co-writers and producers who helped me bring it all together into something I'm really pleased of.
In the last year, what has changed in your life?
My career has progressed tremendously in the last year. I launched my first record, embarked on my first tour, met many of my incredible fans, and worked extremely hard. It was for this reason that I titled the album "Just the Beginning," as everything felt like it was just getting started.
Have you seen the Grammy Awards yet? Were you moved by Kesha's performance or Alessia Cara's speech on her 12-year-old dream of winning a Grammy? What do you believe the biggest obstacles are for young women trying to get into the music industry?
I believe it is critical for women and girls to have a voice and to come together and support one another. That was amazing to see at the Grammys, and I like Alessia Cara and her impact on my generation. I'm overjoyed for her. I believe there is a misperception in the industry that in order to thrive, you must change who you are in order to appear "cool," which is simply not true. I always want to be honest to myself, and if people don't like it, that's fine with me. Fans like it when you're sincere and honest, and that's what I've tried to be throughout this process.
How do you manage your responsibilities as a 14-year-old while attending school and working? What are the difficulties of being so young in the music industry?
It's difficult to strike a balance at times, and I believe this last year taught me a lot about balancing school, social life, and work. I used to go to school online, but this year I transferred to regular school, which has been fantastic. It's just a matter of examining each possibility and ensuring that it is something I truly want to pursue, as well as remaining content. It's crucial to do things that make you happy!
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