Most of us have those special family memories of summer vacations. There are certain smells, songs and pictures that can take us there in an instant. Singer/songwriter Grace O’Shea takes us to her family vacation spot in Sebago, Maine. She conjures up memories through poetry put to music in her stunning new single. Listen here, and get to know my Local Catch of the Week, Grace O’Shea from Milton, Massachusetts.

Having spent the last 6 years in Nashville, O’Shea has found the inspiration and home she sought when leaving New England. Her friendships, the musicians, producers and the community have lead her through tremendous growth. Her latest release, “Sebago” is a reflective journey that takes us from her roots here all the way to Nashville. We all know change is necessary for growth. For Grace, like all of us, it took leaving to miss what she had. With “Sebago” she can always go back

The song “Sebago” is a slow burn. It takes it’s time unfolding and painting pictures. It isn’t following any other path than to creatively lay out the yearning to go back in time, and the musical evocation of a special place. O’Shea will be releasing her debut EP on November 1, and this gem will be featured on it. She certainly has a gift for drawing emotions and delivering lyrics is a beautiful, soulful way.

Listening to Grace and other local musicians is a great way to support their art. You can also do so by going to see them performing live and getting to know them through internet searches, their social media sites and of course, here.

The Music
Grace relayed that the new single “Sebago” is named after the town of Sebago, Maine. “I grew up visiting there with my family and have fond memories there. I wrote ‘Sebago’ after the first summer I spent down in Nashville. I realized how much I missed being near home at times, which was something I had trouble admitting earlier on. I wrote the last chorus of the song after my grandmother passed aways last year, as a tribute to her.”

Push play to hear “Sebago”
The Story
From: Milton

Now lives in: Nashville

Current single: “Sebago” is the 2nd single off my debut EP Unabashedly

What lead you to music: I loved listening to artists like the Chicks, Kacey Musgraves, and Taylor Swift when I was in middle school, and wanted to be able to write my own songs one day. I started playing when I was 14 and haven’t stope since.

How long have you been performing: I was 15 when I started doing open mic nights around Boston

First country song you learned: “Teardrops On My Guitar” (Taylor Swift)

How would you describe your sound: Country/Americana with some indie folk influence

Who inspires you: Nowadays Brandi Carlile is my biggest inspiration/aspiration. I also love Boygenius.

Dream duet partner: Probably Brandi Carlile

All- time favorite country songs: “If We Were Vampires”-Jason Isbell, “21 Summer”-Brothers Osborne, “The Joke”-Brandi Carlile, anything Taylor Swift

First country concert: Taylor Swift’s Speak Now World Tour at Gillette Stadium in 2011

If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: Something creative still, I hope! I love the audio engineering side of music, so I think I’d work as a producer. But I also love writing, so maybe some sort of TV or film writer

Most proud moment: I got to play a full band show at The Basement in Nashville this year, which has always been on my venue bucketlist. That was a pretty proud moment.

Crazy thing that happened in your music career: I launched a kickstarter campaign this year and was able to fully fund my dream debut EP with it! Asking for help was scary, but watching people actively support the dream was so cool to see, and I’m forever grateful for it. I’ve spent a ton of time since working on the kickstarter rewards for everyone who contributed!

Other things you like to do: I love camping and hiking, and am always searching for new spots to explore. I like going out to friends’ shows, playing soccer and ultimate frisbee, and being outside.

Fun facts: I made my own merch this year by thrifting t-shirts and screen printing my logo/design onto them! I love hats and probably have 20 of them in my closet. I buy pretty much all of my clothes from thrift stores!

Mantra: This year, my mantra has been “do the next right thing.” Sometimes pursuing music as an independent artist can be overwhelming because it feels like there are a million things I need to do. But I’ve found the best way to tackle it is to just do the next right one!
The Shows
November 1: EP Release Show at The Underdog in East Nashville
The Social Network
Keep up with Grace’s music, gigs and more by following her social media pages
Pics and Posts

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@gloshea
This one’s for all the marjorie stans….. #maine #sebago #sebagolake #indieartist #countrymusic #banjo #pedalsteel #taylorswift #marjorie #phoebebridgers #boygenius #singersongwriter #nashville #newmusicfriday #discovernewmusic
♬ original sound - Grace O’Shea
Are YOU A Catch
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: carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com