BAKER GRACE TALKS STATE OF MIND

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

‘State of Mind’ very clearly is a very personal song. It very much feels written as your own thoughts put down on paper. What was it that made you look inwards and discover this song?

I struggled with depression and anxiety my whole life and was very ashamed of it. I always felt guilty for my sadness and pushed it down. Eventually, I realized that I needed to have compassion for myself to heal and be happy. I realized that I can be grateful for my life and still give myself credit for the pain I experience, and that realization created 'State of Mind'.

Just ignoring feelings is kind of like leaving them on read, there won’t be any actual progress from that point if you don't take another look and reply. Even though ignored, the message will still be there. Is songwriting like a place for you where you allow yourself to feel all the feelings and take control of them, even the “bad” ones we might not want to look at at first?

This is such a beautifully put question and you really hit the nail on the head. Writing songs has always been a way for me to come back to myself and allow myself the freedom to feel whatever I’m feeling. Music, to me at least, is a world free of judgement where I can face my fear and sadness and write my way out of it.

Of course, while music might be cathartic, that doesn’t mean it doesn't hurt sometimes. I would think diving deep into a negative thought or feeling also increases the chance of taking you closer to the ocean floor?

I think I make a conscious choice to write music that looks for the silver lining in every situation. When I am in a dark place, I avoid writing because I know it will bring me down further. I focus on taking care of myself and being around people I love until I feel strong enough to face the thoughts and feelings.

What do you do to maintain at surface level, where your songwriting can be a part of the process but also not be the one and only outlet for inner life. What state of mind do you have to be in to be able to be at your best both personally and creatively?

Meditation and exercise are two ways I stay in a healthy state of mind. Surrounding myself with people who bring out the best in me is also insanely important. I’m also mindful about what media I consume and get off my phone as much as possible. I think it is important to have multiple ways to center yourself, music is my favorite way though.

You were only fourteen years old when you together with your dad recorded your first album in your basement. Fair to say, things got out of there quite a bit, since?

Yes, I have come a long way since then. But I am incredibly grateful for that because it got me signed to my first label at sixteen, it was also a special experience to share with my dad.

I think that is a really good blueprint for what music and songwriting should be. You approached everything in a very raw and direct way, a way which the industry does not always allow for, when artists feel the need to chase trends and playlists. Was it easy for you to maintain that uncomplicated approach in the years after?

Songwriting always came very naturally to me, and I like to just get into a flow state and write in a stream of consciousness type way. When I was first put into sessions with other producers and writers, I realized that pop-writing is more formulaic. I was often the youngest one in the room and therefore had to swallow my tongue at times but I was happy to be a student and learn from people who had success. I feel like song structure is now ingrained in my brain to the point where I don’t even have to think about it, and I can just let myself be free again.

Are you in a good place creatively now?

I am in the best place creatively that I have ever been. I don’t put any pressure on myself to be creative but my focus on mindfulness and meditation has helped me access inspiration like never before. I also just stopped caring what other people think, and that helps me be more vulnerable and freer when I’m writing.

Your songs are part of so many people's lives, but you can probably feel far removed from that notion in your own everyday life. What importance does other people hold for you to not feel isolated in the space you are in?

I think it’s incredibly important to surround yourself with people that light you up. One of my favorite parts of doing music is working with other creatives that share a similar vision. I also love that I can connect with fans and have a positive impact on others through my music. My whole life I have felt like an outsider, I’m shy and socially awkward, and music has always been my way of connecting to people.

Will all of the songs on your upcoming EP be as introspective and unyielding?

You can expect more introspective music, as well as some really uplifting, feel-good, music. The EP is about falling in love with yourself again after a breakup and coming into my power through compassion and vulnerability.