A CHAT WITH MOLLY GRACE
BY LIAM GILLINMolly Grace, a rising star in Nashville's pop-funk scene, swiftly emerges with a genre-blending sound inspired by Bruno Mars, Chappell Roan, and Remi Wolf. Her meteoric rise began with a standout performance in a college showcase series, catapulting her into the limelight and amassing a dedicated following she affectionately calls her "lovers," now totaling over 100 thousand fans across platforms.
Molly Grace stands out as a beacon of hope and representation. As a queer, plus-size woman, Molly’s journey is not just about making music—it's about breaking barriers, advocating for marginalized voices, and embracing her identity with unapologetic passion. With her unique blend of personal storytelling and vibrant melodies, Molly is quickly becoming a powerful voice in the renaissance of queer musicians. In this interview, she opens up about her experiences, the challenges she faces, and her unwavering commitment to creating music that resonates with people from all walks of life.
MOLLY GRACE | COURTESY OF BELLA SGARLATA
Embracing Identity and Advocacy
Molly Grace's presence in the music scene is not just about her talent but also her commitment to visibility and advocacy. “Existing as a queer, plus-size woman is my way of speaking out and showing out. I try to support every part of the queer community, especially those who need it most, like queer people of color, and just listen to the people around me. It’s important to ensure that my advocacy includes every intersection, making sure that the voices of the most marginalized are heard and amplified. I want my music and platform to reflect that inclusivity.”
A Renaissance of Queer Musicians
Reflecting on the current state on the rise of queer representation in the music industry, Molly is very optimistic. “We’re in such a renaissance right now of queer musicians. It’s cool to be part of that and see everything happening, breaking boundaries, showing that everyone can enjoy queer music and queer culture. In the past, queer musicians were often put in a box, but queer artists are breaking those boundaries. It’s showing that queer music and culture can be profitable and enjoyed by everyone. It’s about breaking free from those niche labels and reaching a wider audience.”
She highlights Chappell Roan as a prime example. “In the past, queer musicians have been huge stars within the queer community, but artists like Chappell Roan are showing that queer music can have mainstream appeal. It’s not just about being popular within the community; it’s about everyone enjoying and celebrating queer music and culture. It’s a powerful shift that’s happening, and it’s amazing to be a part of it.”
Personal Experiences and Musical Inspiration
Molly’s music is often drawing from her own life experiences. She shares a specific inspiration behind one of her songs. “It’s funny how those past experiences, even the confusing and challenging ones, can turn into something creative and meaningful. Music has always been a way for me to process and express my journey.”
Discovering her queerness was a journey in itself. “It took me a while to discover my queerness because I never let my mind explore there. I had the blinders on, but sexuality is a total spectrum, and many people experience that. It wasn’t even that I didn’t want to be queer; my mind just never went there. Coming to terms with that was a process, but it’s a journey I’m grateful for because it’s such a big part of who I am today.”
Balancing a Day Job with Musical Ambitions
Like many emerging artists, Molly balances a day job with her burgeoning music career. She works as a deli clerk, a job she approaches with both gratitude and resilience. “My deli clerk job can be fun and grounding. It provides a steady income and keeps me connected to the everyday world. The belief that if I keep working and making good music, I can one day make a living solely from my art, keeps me motivated. It’s a challenge balancing a day job with my music career, especially after the high of performing at places like Bonnaroo and Times Square, but I see it as a necessary step to achieve my dreams.”
She elaborates, “Transitioning from an incredible performance to clocking in at the deli can be a unique experience, but it reinforces my dedication. I hold onto the faith that if I keep pushing and creating, I will eventually be able to sustain myself entirely through my music. For now, it’s about working hard, saving money, and investing in my future. This phase is temporary, and it’s all part of the journey. Each step, no matter how small, brings me closer to my ultimate goal.”
Molly also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a work-life balance, despite the challenges. “Balancing a day job with my music career is tough, but it's all about finding the right work-life balance. I make sure to set aside time for my music and my personal life. It's important to take breaks and recharge, even if it means sacrificing some sleep or social time. It’s all about prioritizing and making the most of the time I have. Sometimes, it's overwhelming, but I try to remind myself why I started this journey in the first place.”
Path to Success: From Belmont University to Bonnaroo
Molly’s journey took a significant turn at Belmont University in Nashville. “I graduated from Belmont University, where I won the pop showcase. An agent from Bonnaroo's booking team picked me to play there. They weren't allowed to look at our following or streams, so it was all about our performance and vibe. That was a huge milestone for me because it showed that talent and presence could shine through without the crutch of social media metrics.”
She explains the process further. “At Belmont, they do this showcase series where students audition for different genres. Winning the pop showcase was a big deal, but then being picked for Bonnaroo was surreal. They came to our best-of-the-best showcase and chose one act to perform at Bonnaroo, and they picked me. Knowing they went in blind, focusing solely on our performance, was incredibly validating.”
MOLLY GRACE PERFORMS AT BONAROO 2024 | COURTESY OF JOLEEN HUBBARDAdvice for Aspiring Artists
Molly offers valuable advice for those looking to break into the music industry. “Get in with one person, and then it's word of mouth. My concert photographer came recommended by a friend. It's all about connections and building from there. Building a network is crucial, and sometimes it starts with one good connection that leads to another. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and support from those around you.”
She adds, “Even my concert photographer and videographer were recommendations from friends. It’s about finding people who believe in you and your vision. Networking can seem daunting, but it’s really about forming genuine relationships and supporting each other’s dreams.”
Manifesting Success
Throughout the interview, Molly's optimism and determination shine through. “I'm manifesting all the good things. Just keep working and putting yourself out there, and it will come together. There are days when it feels impossible, but holding onto that vision and belief in yourself is so important. It’s about staying true to your art and knowing that every step, no matter how small, is part of the journey.”
Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and a deep commitment to both her art and her community. As Molly Grace continues to carve out her place in the music world, her journey serves as an inspiring example for aspiring artists everywhere. “I’m excited for what’s to come and grateful for every opportunity. This is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where the music takes me.”