Gracie Abrams, in collaboration with Taylor Swift, discusses her new album, “The Secret of Us,” which marks a departure from her previous sad-girl image to a more upbeat and self-deprecating tone. Abrams, along with childhood friend Audrey Hobert, co-wrote most of the songs on the album, focusing on humor and laughter in their creative process. The album features a long-awaited track, “Close to You,” and Abrams reflects on the joy of making music with friends and the influence of working with Swift. With upcoming tour dates alongside Swift, Abrams aims to electrify audiences with her energetic new music, crafted with producer Aaron Dessner. The album is set to release on June 21, showcasing a shift towards a more enjoyable and collaborative songwriting experience for Abrams.
Gracie Abrams’ Colorful Journey: From Sad-Girl Pop to Brighter Horizons
Gracie Abrams, a 24-year-old rising star in the music industry, is making waves with her new album, “The Secret of Us.” Known for her introspective and emotional songwriting, Abrams has taken a different approach this time, describing the process as “splatter-painting on the walls.” While many artists draw from their darker moments for inspiration, Abrams is embracing a more upbeat perspective on her sophomore album.
Embracing Change: A Departure from Sad-Girl Bedroom Pop
In her earlier work, Abrams gained recognition for her sad-girl bedroom pop style, with songs that delved into themes of longing and loneliness. However, with “The Secret of Us,” she is exploring a new sonic landscape that is more light-hearted and optimistic. The album marks a significant departure from her debut record, “Good Riddance,” as Abrams and her collaborator, Audrey Hobert, set out to create a fresh and dynamic sound.
Abrams attributes the evolution of her music to the collaborative process with Hobert, her childhood friend turned co-writer. The duo found inspiration in spontaneity, often writing songs at home in a whirlwind of creativity. Abrams reflects on the experience, stating, “It feels like this tornado of a moment and then you’ve got a song.” Their playful approach to songwriting allowed them to explore new ideas and inject humor into their music, resulting in a more vibrant and eclectic album.
From Instagram Snippet to Album Highlight: The Story Behind “Close to You”
One of the standout tracks on “The Secret of Us” is “Close to You,” a song that Abrams wrote seven years ago and kept close to her chest until now. Originally shared as a snippet on Instagram in 2017, the track has been a fan favorite, eagerly anticipated for a full studio treatment. Abrams describes “Close to You” as a more extroverted song that didn’t align with her earlier musical style. However, she found the perfect home for it on her latest album, which she considers deeply extroverted due to the collaborative nature of its creation.
The journey of “Close to You” exemplifies Abrams’ growth as an artist and her willingness to embrace change and experimentation in her music. By including this long-awaited track on “The Secret of Us,” Abrams pays homage to her past while embracing her musical evolution.
Collaborating with Icons: Taylor Swift and the Eras Tour
One of the most significant moments in Abrams’ career was collaborating with Taylor Swift on the track “Us” from her album. Having grown up listening to Swift’s music, Abrams found the experience surreal and fulfilling, describing it as a dream come true. The collaboration with Swift not only allowed Abrams to work with one of her musical idols but also introduced a new dimension to her artistry.
The connection with Swift continued as Abrams joined the Eras Tour as a supporting act, sharing the stage with the renowned artist. The experience of touring and performing alongside Swift inspired Abrams to infuse her music with energy and excitement, creating a setlist that would electrify audiences and leave a lasting impression.
As Abrams gears up for the next leg of the Eras Tour with Swift, she reflects on the impact of their collaboration and the joy of creating music that is both meaningful and enjoyable. With the support of collaborators like Audrey Hobert and producer Aaron Dessner, Abrams has crafted an album that reflects her growth as an artist and her commitment to embracing new possibilities in her music.
Gracie Abrams’ journey from sad-girl pop to a more vibrant and dynamic sound is a testament to her evolution as an artist. With “The Secret of Us,” she invites listeners into a world of colorful melodies and introspective lyrics, showcasing her talent and creativity in a new light. As she continues to collaborate with icons like Taylor Swift and embark on new musical adventures, Abrams is poised to make a lasting impact on the music industry with her unique voice and infectious spirit.
