ABBEY GRACE
With over 200 originals, 23,700 views and 330 subscribers on YouTube, sixteen-year old Abbey Grace is already achieving so much at such a young age.
During the past two years, Abbey has travelled, performed and worked with industry professionals both in Australia and overseas. In 2012, she was one of approximately 30 performers who journeyed to America on a performance trip. Supported by Vocal Art Studios, the trip consisted of performances and workshops in both Disneyland and Hollywood. “The VAS music trip gave me experience in performing in a group and working as a team. It was also the first time I ever performed outside the studio, school and home.” A highlight of the trip was attending a workshop held by Scotty Grand, American pop, RnB and dance singer, producer and songwriter. “It really opened my eyes as to how hard musicians work in this industry to achieve their goals, but also, how rewarding it can be.”
In late 2012, Abbey began to write and upload her own music onto YouTube. ‘Burn’, the second original she wrote, is dedicated to her friend as well as any past or present victim of bullying. “It was really one of those ‘when words fail, music speaks’ moments and since then, songwriting has become my escape.” It was not long after she uploaded this that fans requested more of her originals which then gave her the confidence to continue on with her online ventures.
In 2013, Abbey was fortunate to have won a national songwriting competition called ‘Music Count Us In’. It was this that she was given the opportunity to write a song with Australia’s own John Foreman and Katie Noonan. She along with The Voice 2013 winner, Harrison Craig and 600,000 students from all over the country performed the song live. “It was a really helpful experience because it showed me all different ways and styles of writing and how to incorporate everyone’s ideas into one song.”
In October, ‘Burn’ was officially released as a single on iTunes along with a video clip which has received over 21,700 views. In 2014, the single placed number 9 on the overall charts on ‘Triple J Unearthed’ as well as number 2 on the ‘Triple J Unearthed Pop Chart.’
Abbey is currently participating in the Talent Development Program at Vocal Art Studios. This involves songwriting sessions, vocal lessons and group talks with industry professionals about the music world. “The TDP has given me a lot more information on the music industry and all the different paths you can take.”She is continuing to build her repertoire of originals as well as wishing to co-write with other artists. Her EP ‘Wonderland’ will be out late 2014.
This young firecracker is definitely one to watch!
FOLLOW ABBEY GRACE ON:
YouTube | Twitter | Facebook | Triple J UnEarthed | iTunes