Catch Of The Week: Grace O’Shea
Meet Grace O’Shea from Milton, MA
I’m excited to share Grace’s music and story with you, not only because of her obvious talent, but because she if the first artist to represent my town, Milton, in the 6 years I’ve been spotlighting local singer/songwriters in this feature. Now, on to her artistry. O’Shea’s voice, I can only describe as a sparkly sky on a dark summer night. There is so much light illuminating in her vocals, but there is also a darkness. Perhaps in the melody, more than the message. Not a scary darkness, but a warm darkness; as if she has come to terms with her pain and ready to move on.
There is definitely an indie air to Grace’s sound, but pop sensibilities can’t be overlooked. She was influenced early on by Taylor Swift. However, Brandi Carlile has assuredly crept in, as life and sound experiences continue to shape this artist. The result is fabulously unique, and undoubtedly worth a few minutes of your time and ears.
Amazing Grace
“Blinked”
Grace wrote “Blinked” a couple of years ago and she shared the message she wanted to convey: “Itss really about not realizing how you feel about a person until you’re already in deep. The song is about being a little afraid of feeling something so big. The ending of the song is ambiguous, a love not quite gained but perhaps not quite lost, either. I’m really proud of how the production turned out thanks to my good friend RaeAnna VanDemark, especially the string parts in the bridge of the song! We worked with several talented musicians on the project who made it sound amazing.”
Push play to hear “Blinked”
O’Shea What Do You Say
- Grew up in: Milton, MA
- Now lives in: Nashville, TN
- Current single, and or EP or Album: I have 2 songs out, “Blinked” and “Consumed”, and more singles and an EP on the way in 2022.
- What lead you to music: My Nana had a beautiful singing voice, so I grew up surrounded by wonderful music. She and my parents have always encouraged me to follow my dreams in pursuing music. I was a big fan of Taylor Swift growing up and wanted to write my own songs like she did. Her Fearless album was hugely influential, and a few years later “Same Trailer Different Park” by Kacey Musgraves inspired me to delve into songwriting even further. Her clever lyricism pushed me to write better lyrics and really work on my craft.
- How old when you started: I started writing songs at the same time I started playing guitar, when I was 14 years old.
- Instruments played: Guitar mainly, and some ukulele.
- How would you describe your sound: Indie Folk/Country—Think Brandi Carlile meets Kacey Musgraves.
- Who inspires you: My songwriting inspirations include greats like Lori McKenna, Joni Mitchell, Brandi Carlile, Taylor Swift, and Kacey Musgraves. Personally, my Nana was a huge inspiration to me in terms of working hard, resiliency, and being grateful for what you’ve been given. I’m also really inspired by my fellow musicians who work so hard every day in Nashville, and can’t wait to see them reach success.
- Dream duet partner: Dolly Parton!
- All- time favorite country songs: Follow Your Arrow (Kacey Musgraves), “Jolene” (Dolly Parton), “If We Were Vampires” (Jason Isbell), “Cowboy Take Me Away” (The Chicks).
- First country concert: Taylor Swift Speak Now Tour at Gillette Stadium in 2011
- What songs do you like now on Country 1025: I’m a huge Miranda fan, so I’m a big fan of “If I Was A Cowboy” right now.
- If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: I can’t imagine not playing music; it’s the way I process everything that happens to me! That being said, I imagine I would still be creative in some vein. I love writing in general, so I think I would still write poetry even if I didn’t end up putting it to music. When I was younger, I wanted to be a professional athlete for a time, though I don’t think I had the skillset for that dream to come true! Maybe something in video editing/marketing.
- Day Job: When I’m not out playing, I run the marketing department for a recruiting company in Nashville called SHR Talent.
- Most proud moment: The proudest moment I’ve ever had was the first time that I played a full band show, back in 2019. I was so proud to play my music with other musicians who liked my sound and made my songs sound incredible. We had great comradery and hearing the songs in fuller-form than their typical acoustic performance was such an important moment for me. It’s still special every time I get the privilege to play with a full band backing!
- Crazy thing that happened in your music career: Honestly, putting out music in and of itself has felt like a crazy experience. It’s been a long time coming, and I’m so proud to finally have music out so people can listen to it. It’s an amazing experience having people playing on my songs and working to get them heard. I’m looking forward to the exciting things to come in the future!
- Other things you like to do: I love hiking and going outdoors, playing sports like soccer when I can, and spending time with my friends exploring what Nashville has to offer. One of my favorite pastimes when I’m not out playing are going to see other people’s shows and attending concerts! I also enjoy spending time with my dog, Mickey when I’m in Boston, and with my roommate’s cat Chili when I’m in Nashville.
- Fun facts: I’m incredibly good at making chocolate chip cookies. I played sports all through high school, and when I got to college ended up playing club ultimate frisbee! I have a dog (Mickey) who’s been blind since he was 2 years old, so I’ve been his seeing eye person over the years (though my dad’s taken over now that I’m in Nashville)!
- Mantra: Your dreams don’t work unless you do, and consistency is key for keeping things moving in the right direction! Also: if your dreams don’t scare you, they’re not big enough 🙂
Get More Grace
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.
Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing Kruser at [email protected]
