Gracie Abrams. Where to begin. I think I came across a snippet of her singing and playing in her bedroom two years ago. I’m not sure if it was her effortless voice that feels like a summer sunset on the PCH, the aesthetic of her ordinary room or her signature glow-in-the-dark rocketship bedspread that has kept me a dedicated fan. Nevertheless, I found solace in her clever words and instantly yearned for more. It’s been two years since my initial introduction to Abrams and it appears a lot has changed for the young singer-songwriter.
She’s now signed under an exclusive license to Interscope records. She has released five singles within the past eight months garnering more than two million monthly Spotify listeners. She attended Barnard for one year. She moved back to LA. She’s been on Spotify’s New Music Friday and Apple Music’s New Music Daily along with the likes of Lady Gaga, Ariana Grande and The Weeknd. Although one might argue that her father and famous American filmmaker, JJ Abrams, may have something to do with her exponential fame, Abrams has truly done the leg work on her own. “It’s been a long time coming,” Abrams sings in her most recent single, “Long Sleeves.”
“Long Sleeves,” is the most ambiguous Abrams song to date as it does not lend itself as overly specific. Rather, it plays with the themes of self-worth, self-love and toxicity within a relationship. The lyric, “I wore long sleeves,” is especially profound as it signifies the scars and pain Abrams has hidden underneath her long sleeves. The outro repeats the phrase, “I’m coming down.” It is these repeating three words that enable the song to reach catharsis. It is the outcry. It is the young girl running in the rain towards a new beginning. It is the tumultuous crying that is finally let out after years of hiding. It is Abrams reclaiming her own faith. It is hope and it is freedom. Layered with beautiful strings arranged by Rob Moose (Bon Iver, Phoebe Bridgers) and tranquil synths, Abrams continues to broaden what it means to be a contemporary artist.
Abrams also uses her platform to share her support for Planned Parenthood, climate change advocate Greta Thunberg, the Time’s Up movement and also encourages her followers to vote. Abrams’ sold-out tour is currently postponed. However, it won’t be long before the songstress makes her way to Coachella, Governor’s Ball and Madison Square Garden. The sky is truly the limit. Be sure to look out for Abrams’ debut EP minor.
Listen to more Gracie Abrams on our Spotify playlist you should be listening to…
Watch the lyric video to “Long Sleeves” below!