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

Hi Lucy, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I think risk is a necessary step for growth. If we never do anything that scares us, we will always stay in our comfort zones and never excel. I’d say the biggest risks, or opportunities I’ve taken have led me to do some of the most amazing things in my life! I risked my comfort many times by saying yes to situations that I knew could help me grow and get closer to the things I wanted to do in life. I moved across the world at 18 from my home in New Zealand to Boston to go to college. Petrifying, not only because it was all brand new, but also the weather in Boston is brutal in winter! LOL I then moved to LA, not really knowing anyone, because I got given an opportunity to be in rooms writing and performing with incredible people. Honestly, I didn’t always know if i could do it, but i believed that it was better to give it a try then pass it up and possibly have regrets later. All of this took me to touring the world with some of the biggest artists in the industry and really gave me the push to finally take another risk and step back from touring to focus on my own artistry and writing for TV and film. I really believe that risk taking (smart risk taking lol, don’t be putting yourself in danger or nothin) is essential to our growth as humans.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I grew up in the New Zealand rainforest and was surrounded by creativity. Since the age of 2 years old, I was always singing, or attempting to play the piano and making up songs. Once I got to high school i realized that music was my calling. It not only was my passion, but I could reach and touch people all around the world with my creations. After playing at the Monterey Jazz Festival with my high school jazz band at 16 years old, I decided i was going to move from New Zealand and attend the Berklee College of Music, focusing on writing and production. Moving across the world at 18 to follow my dreams was scaaarrrry! But i believe that without that initial risk, i would never have had the courage to step out and accomplish everything I’ve done in life so far. After college many things happened in life. I moved to LA, wrote for TV, moved back to New Zealand, met some writers and producers from LA who then took me under their wing, moved back to LA, was writing for artists, got asked to go on tour and play keyboards for CeeLo Green, toured the world, got asked to tour and play keyboards and sing for the Black Eyed Peas, kept writing and producing……then after 6 years of doing that….i took another big leap. I decided to step back from touring and follow my own artistry and dreams of writing songs/music for TV/film and animation. The past 2 years have been amazing, hard, stressful, but so fulfilling! I have finally started releasing my own music and am working on multiple projects that feed my soul! Despite any challenges i’ve faced (and trust me, there have been many…..including covid LOL) I wouldn’t change my journey for anything. Every challenge, opportunity, and lesson i’ve learned has helped me realize who i am and what I want. People always like to try and tell creatives/music artists that they have to find “their sound” or be categorized by a genre. With my time touring, writing for other artists and for tv and film, I now know that’s bull, and I’m really excited and proud to say that I create MUSIC. I grew up listening to all kinds of music, and now i create all kinds of music, and the thing that defines my sound is ME 🙂 I’m looking forward to the unknown future. I have 5 projects getting ready to be released over the next 6 months. I will hopefully be writing all the songs for an animated film in the near future (just putting that dream out there LOL). And my music continues to be licensed for TV and film which is extremely exciting to be part of!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
well this question is hard now considering travel, hanging out and going to restaurants etc is basically out of the question LOL But, if covid wasn’t a thing……some things I would do with a friend who was new to the city are: * get electric scooters and ride the beltline to Piedmont Park….adventure through the park and then go through all the backstreets. * go to little 5 points and experience the eclectic-ness * walk up stone mountain in the evening to watch the sunset from the top * attend an outdoor music festival * Check out the botanical gardens and the High museum * literally eat our way through the city….SOOOOO many good restaurants in ATL! * basically explore the city as if I didn’t live here. (to be honest i’ve only lived in ATL for 2 years, so I still get excited to experience and find new and fun things to do)

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My shoutout HAS to be to my parents. They have given me constant love and support, no matter my choices in life. I’m an only child, and I know it was hard for them when i decided to move across the world to further my career in music, but they always had my back – even if i made some questionable decisions LOL, they would always believe in me knowing i’d learn from my mistakes. They have been my number 1 fans from day 1 and I literally couldn’t have done what i’ve done in life without them. Their unconditional love and support has given me the confidence to believe in myself, even when I’m scared or uncertain.

Website: www.lucygraves.com
Instagram: @lucygraves
Linkedin: lucygraves
Twitter: @lucygraves
Facebook: www.facebook.com/lucygraves
Youtube: youtube.com/lucygraves

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