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Hi Charles, welcome to VENTS! How have you been?
I’ve been well all things considered. Thank you for asking! In addition to gearing up for this new release, I’ve been doing a lot of songwriting during quarantine. It has been really healing to write through actually.
Can you talk to us more about your latest single “The Wreckage?”
Absolutely! THE WRECKAGE is the title track from my debut record. It’s such a special song that I named the entire collection of songs after it as well as created a music video to go alongside the release. It was the last song I wrote while I still lived in South Carolina.
Did any event in particular inspire you to write this song?
You know, I don’t often remember all the details of the process, but this one is different. I remember writing it at the desk in my third story apartment about four blocks away from the Atlantic Ocean. This song is largely inspired by my struggle to reconcile being a person of faith who also deals with depression. It is really an honest, desperate cry for clarity and peace in the midst of a very dark season in my life. When I finished writing the rough draft there was such a release of emotion. THE WRECKAGE was the last song I wrote for eight months until I moved to California in 2018.
How was the filming process and experience behind the video?
Oh, the music video was so much fun to make! My friend, Anthony Ortiz, was the videographer for this project. We met at one of my gigs last summer and immediately hit it off. It was easy to trust Anthony with my baby. We filmed in Fullerton, South Pasadena, and Long Beach over the course of two months. My good friend, Tavia, is a featured vocalist both on the song and in the music video. Her creative insight was invaluable!
Why naming the album after this song in particular?
THE WRECKAGE is the turning point, not only on the album, but in my personal journey as well. The overall themes of this album revolve around value, identity, and worth. THE WRECKAGE is the song where all of those themes were deconstructed and redefined in some real, soul-shaking ways. It is about the messy, beautiful process of letting one part of myself go so that I could discover who I was becoming through my faith in Jesus.
How was the recording and writing process?
I read often and write reflections. Journaling and songwriting pretty much go hand in hand for me. We started tracking demos in December 2018 and wrapped in March 2020. This was the longest stretch I had ever done in the studio, but well worth it in my humble opinion.
What was it like to work with The Sonic Writers and how did that relationship develop?
I met Matt and Shaun (The Sonic Writers) through our mutual friend, Sylvia Bosco (a wonderful artist around town). Matt was playing keys for her at a gig in DTLA. We connected instantly over our love of pro wrestling and music. He told me he and his partner Shaun were producers…and the rest is history!
How much did they get to influence the album?
Working with Matt and Shaun was absolutely seamless. They really went above and beyond to best serve the songs and me as the artist. We struck a great balance between respecting my original vision while still being open to sharing ideas. Shaun’s influence on the album definitely shines with the drum production. His attention to detail is off the charts. Matt became my band mate and vocal coach during our sessions. We arranged most of the instrumental interludes on the spot. It was exciting to share that with another musician of his caliber.
What role does LA play in your music?
This entire album was made between Alhambra and Canoga Park. I met everybody who contributed to this album through playing gigs in LA. The city is a breeding ground for creativity and ridiculously talented people. I have been constantly starstruck by the amazing talent I’ve had the pleasure of working with since I moved out here.
Where did you find the inspiration for the songs and lyrics?
Musically, I was definitely drawing upon my classical guitar influence and my love of fingerstyle guitar playing. The book, The Artisan Soul by Erwin McManus, had a huge impact on me during my writing process.
What else is happening next in Charles Grace’s world?
Whenever live performances resume in LA, I will definitely be hopping back up on that stage again. I thrive off of real human interaction. Since performing isn’t an option, my primary focus has shifted to songwriting during this time. I have already started writing new songs! The plan is to track some demos here at home and then get back into the studio. I have also started co-writing and collaborating with more songwriter friends in the LA area. With the increase in demand for streaming services, I would really like to pursue a sync license and have my songs placed in television and film.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4fOoGUdhOBQCDmMrHHDt8d?si=UXNEDGPqT7qcK-Mcbj080g
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Charles.E.Grace.Music
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlesgracemusic/
