At the age of 16, Grace Bawden has done more than many of us achieve in a lifetime. She made it to the finals of Australia’s Got Talent, she was a soloist at World Youth Day, and on September 18, her debut album Gifts of Grace will hit stores. I caught up with this talented teen to chat about the CD, her upcoming tour, and how music has changed her life.
You’ve been performing professionally since your early teens. Did you ever imagine doing anything else but singing?
Actually, I wanted to be a pharmacist, but singing is something I have always wanted to do. But I didn’t take it seriously until I was about 11 when I started winning competitions and getting solo roles in choirs.
You were a part of Australia’s Got Talent last year. What was it like to be part of that show?
It was awesome. I had the best time. There was a lot of pressure and hard work now when I look back on it, but it was exciting at the same time because I wanted to prove myself and show people a side of me that they hadn’t seen before. I was never able to sing opera or classical in public like that before and then I was given that wonderful opportunity. I really will never forget the fun or the show and having my family together. I was also great meeting so many other wonderfully talented contestants. I’m still good friends with quite a few of them and we support each others careers. I really hope I get to perform with them again one day.
How important was the exposure that program gave you?
Extremely important, even though in Australia the exposure is minimal compared with, say, the US or UK, but without a major label behind you, that kind of exposure is almost impossible to get for any artist. Because I only got one go at it, we had to put a lot of thought into choosing the right songs to make the right impact with the audience. The grand final song really let me find my more creative side I hadn’t been able to explore, but I’ve been writing more songs since.
You’re about to release your debut album Gifts of Grace. How exciting is that?
I’m still pinching myself and can’t believe it’s real. But I have many wonderful people around me making it all happen and wanting to be a part of the project. It really is overwhelming and I just want to show people they haven’t seen the best of me yet. My producer, Audius Mtawirira, his business partner, Jamie Huber, and our investors have really given me this big break and I am deeply grateful for all their hard work and faith in my talent. It’s hard for a young girl from Adelaide to get that kind of opportunity or recognition and none of this would be happening if it wasn’t for the tremendous people around me offering their own time, help and advice. I really feel blessed.
There’s a mix of classical and contemporary covers on the album. How did you choose which songs to include?
It was a team effort. The studio made suggestions and so did our investors. We started with a list of 20 songs and then whittled that down to 10 and then during recording we switched one song based on what we all agreed worked for the feeling and mood we were looking for. I was really excited that we were able to include a track I wrote with Los Angeles animation and film score composer, Gregory Hinde.
Ultimately, Audius is the genius behind the artistic flavour of the album because he put a huge amount of thought and work into it. His idea was to do something that hasn’t been done before in Australian music and create an original sound that would set me apart from all other sopranos, not just in Australia but overseas. I love his take on the tracks and I know from the feedback in the US and UK that we’ve achieved just that.
Your single release is the Icehouse classic “Man of Colours” by Iva Davies. Why did you choose that as your debut single and what does Iva think of your interpretation of the song?
Well, we wanted to do an Australian song to start with because the whole album was meant to create an audience that would welcome Australian classical-crossover music. Iva was one of the Australia’s original classical-crossover artists and we wanted to honour his gift to the genre. I hoped he would like it, but he wrote back saying he loved it and was honoured by my rendition of it, so I am really thrilled that he approves.
One of the highlights of the CD for me is “Cold Outside,” which you performed with the Soweto Gospel Choir. What was it like to work with them?
UNBELIEVEABLE! There is no word to describe it. I only wish I could have done a whole album with them. One track is not enough. I couldn’t believe I was in the same room with them all. As soon as they started singing, they gave me goosebumps and it was amazing to see them in action, putting together the lyrics and harmonies on the spot in the studio. They are inspirational and I hope to meet them again in person one day soon to thank them all individually.
You’re touring this album around the country. What do you love most about performing?
Watching people’s reactions. The looks of surprise and occasionally when I make people cry. People tell me that I lift their spirits when I sing and that is really what I want to be able to keep doing.
Classical crossover seems to be so popular right now, with acts like Paul Potts, Mark Vincent, and Il Divo all topping the charts. Why do you think that is?
Because it moves people, it inspires, it relaxes the senses, and it heals in ways people can relate. It is accessible to everyone – kids and adults. Unfortunately, it is also a genre that has had no real media attention in Australia, but overseas in the UK, New Zealand and increasingly in Europe it’s phenomenal.
You’ve achieved so much at such a young age. What keeps you grounded?
My family; my Mum and my little brother, especially. When I’m home I’m not a celebrity or star, just a girl from the northern suburbs of Adelaide. ] I still have to clean my room and wash the dishes.
What do you hope to achieve next?
Of course, I am really wanting to tour and perform in concerts. But besides that, I want to lean more about music production, composition and lyric writing. In fact, I just want to learn more about the industry by working within it and around other gifted people, like Audius and Gregory. I have lots of projects I am working on concurrently. At the moment I am also in the process of recording a gorgeous original song by classical composer and Broadway musical director, Jeffrey Silverman (Los Angeles) and lyricist, Francesca Leardini, but I won’t spoil that surprise. In the New Year, my next big goal is to write and record a few original songs with writer/producer Keith Thomas (Levosia) in the US. Keith has written and produced for Charlotte Church, Amy Grant and countless other big name artists.
Image used with permission from AAA Entertainment