Meet Gracie Hays | Audio Engineer, Producer & Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gracie Hays and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gracie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
Back in 2018 when I moved to Nashville, I became a full-time freelancer in the music industry here. Between doing audio engineering, post-production work, and gigging as an artist, I knew I had to create my own brand and business as a creative. Now that I’m about to release my debut album, all of that groundwork I laid down over the past few years has really come in handy. People are aware of me as an industry professional, and are excited to see me share new music of my own!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I brand myself as a “sad girl” singer songwriter. Think Phoebe Bridgers, Lucy Dacus, Dodie, etc. Music has always been a very cathartic outlet for me to express my emotions and get closure where I previously had none. I really do bare it all in my music, and it’s very intimate and personal.

However, it took me a LONG time to get to where I am now. I’ve self-produced and recorded my two EPs I have out on streaming platforms, and those were two really difficult projects for me to complete. I did 100% of the work, and had to wear the hats of artist, producer, engineer, mixer, mastering all at the same time, all the while trying to be non-partial to my wants/needs as an artist. I learned through these experiences what I’m capable of, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. Another thing I learned is that you can’t always do everything yourself. Being an adult and having more responsibilities these days, I knew I had to delegate some things for my debut album in order to make it the quality I wanted it to be. So, I hired a co-producer who takes the lead with mixing and is always open to my thoughts as an artist. He was willing and open to playing and experimenting in the studio to find what sounded best and felt the most like me as an artist.

The result of all of this work has been SO worth it, as I really feel like I’ve found my true sound in this debut record. People don’t tell you that it takes a couple of EPs, singles, etc to find your sound, but for me it definitely did. I wouldn’t trade those experiences for anything.

I’m so thrilled to release my album Hindsight on December 9th, after a calendar year of hard work recording!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
What a great question! I have a bunch of cool spots in Nashville that I love to hang out at. I think I would start out at Tennessee Brew Works, on a Monday night of course, when I host the Open Mic Monday there. Most of my buddies are also musicians, so I’d get them on that stage for sure! Afterwards possibly a night cap out at the Inglewood Lounge or Pearl Diver. The next day I would absolutely take them to Mitchell Deli, the best sandwich place in town. Then maybe a tour of some dives/smaller spots like Dino’s, Duke’s, and my favorite dive, Batter’s Box. Tuesday night, there’s only one place to be: Honky Tonk Tuesday at the American Legion! After that we’d probably be ready for a break day so I’d show them Percy Preist Lake, do a little cliff diving, and just be lazy in the sun. After all of those other places, I think the last stop on my list would be Robert’s Western World downtown! It’s my one and only favorite bar on lower broadway. The last of the true Honky Tonks.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to dedicate this shoutout to my dad, Rick. He has been supportive of my musical journey from *literally* day one. He’s given me tough love when I deserved it, and encouragement when I needed it. I truly believe he’s my #1 fan, and always has been.

Website: www.graciehaysmusic.com

Instagram: @graciehays

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/graciehaysmusic

Image Credits
Photos by Libby Danforth