Gracie Abrams is embracing a “curious and sensitive” mindset towards her life, music, and goals

In her feature as The Hollywood Reporter’s newest “Person of Interest,” the singer openly discusses leveraging her platform for impactful change, particularly in relation to the upcoming election. She also shares her enthusiasm for the songwriting process and her appreciation for finding joy in quiet moments.

In her feature as The Hollywood Reporter’s newest “Person of Interest,” the singer openly discusses leveraging her platform for impactful change, particularly in relation to the upcoming election. She also shares her enthusiasm for the songwriting process and her appreciation for finding joy in quiet moments.

Gracie Abrams has had a whirlwind few years, but she’s savoring every moment, particularly all the “firsts” that keep coming her way. Despite her busy schedule performing at sold-out venues on her headlining tour, which began earlier this month, Abrams recently took time to chat with The Hollywood Reporter via Zoom about her life, music, and aspirations. Who wouldn’t enjoy a deep conversation on a Monday morning?

The “Close To You” singer-songwriter and daughter of filmmaker J.J. Abrams offered a glimpse into her life, which has been filled with exciting milestones. From releasing her debut album, Good Riddance, last year and her sophomore album, The Secret of Us, in June, to opening for Taylor Swift on her Eras Tour in 2022 (with a return planned when Swift comes back to the U.S. later this year), and now her Secret of Us Tour. At 25, Abrams is navigating a lot in a short span of time, but she’s embracing the journey, letting the fun lead the way.

Reflecting on the year so far, Abrams shared that the album-making process was unexpectedly swift and spontaneous. “I didn’t expect to dive into a new album so soon after Good Riddance,” she says. “The process was more reactive and frantic, which I loved. The surprise of it all and the joy of touring afterwards have been guiding me.”

Abrams views each album as a new chapter, aiming to make each one distinct. “Songs are like little time capsules,” she explains. “Every album feels like a chapter, and it’s amusing to think about what gets preserved and performed over time. I’m learning a lot in real-time, absorbing everything as I go.”

Your music has resonated deeply with many fans, but how has it personally impacted you?

I’ve always turned to music as my go-to for processing emotions and supporting my personal experiences. Music from inspiring artists has been a refuge for me, providing comfort and understanding through my headphones. It’s a common experience, but it’s my sanctuary. For me, music is intertwined with my most significant memories and moments—like recalling a breakup through a song that helped me cope, or associating a particular track with moving into college or navigating the subway for the first time. Music has always been there to ground me.

Do these personal experiences influence your own music?

Absolutely. Writing is my greatest passion, and my experiences inevitably seep into my songs, whether they’re positive or challenging. Regarding the title of your album, The Secret of Us, does it hold a deeper meaning, or is it meant to be a mystery?

I enjoy letting listeners interpret the title for themselves. To me, the title felt like it could be a book name—it evoked a sense of curiosity and excitement. While my lyrics are often direct, I was thrilled when the title came to me. It captured an electric, butterfly-like feeling, which is why it felt right. Which song from the album is the most personal to you?

Every song holds personal significance, but one that stands out is “Free Now.” Writing this album with my best friend Audrey Hobert, who had never written music before, was a joy. Our collaboration felt natural, and we drew from our shared experiences and relationships. Our creative process, filled with laughter and tears, allowed us to weave our stories into the songs. Although every track is personal, “Free Now” stands out for its deep connection to our experiences.

With your busy tour schedule, how do you find time to relax and recharge?

I often take periods of silence, sometimes going an entire day without speaking if possible. It’s interesting because vocal rest is crucial during a tour to prevent strain and exhaustion, but I’ve found that staying quiet also helps me mentally unwind. Sometimes, I’ll remain completely silent for days (laughs). I also keep a lot of poetry on my tour bus and in my bags, which I find very grounding. Reading poetry while on the road is soothing for me. Additionally, I enjoy going on hikes whenever possible. For example, while we were in Portland, I took a beautiful hike. Being in nature, rather than just attending a workout class, helps me feel refreshed. I cherish the chance to explore different landscapes and ecosystems during the tour, appreciating the outdoors and connecting with nature amidst the routine of dark venues and tour buses.

Can you share a significant challenge you’ve overcome to reach where you are today?

Everyone faces their own struggles in private, which may not always be visible to others. Growing up involves continuous self-discovery and constant change. Personally, learning to navigate the world while pursuing something you love, and handling the public’s perceptions of you, has been a journey. It’s a challenge to balance the need for thick skin with the vulnerability required in writing and artistry. Managing this duality has been surprisingly tough, and it’s an ongoing learning process. While not necessarily the biggest challenge, it’s one of the notable aspects of my journey that I’m constantly working to balance.

You’ve mentioned that you’re enjoying your current phase, but have you thought about where you’d like to be in five years?

I have thought about it, and my vision changes frequently, which I find exciting. Right now, I’m open to whatever the universe has in store. I tend to pursue whatever emotions or inspirations guide me to create my most exciting work. I hope that in five years, people will still be interested in what I’m doing, that I’ll be on tour, and that I’ll be passionate about my music, whatever form it takes. Additionally, I have personal goals outside of music that are just as important to me. So, the future is wide open and full of possibilities.

If someone were to ask what defines Gracie Abrams, how would you describe yourself?

Every day, I feel both curious and sensitive. That’s my essence—curious and sensitive, as of September 9th.