Bustle Exclusive
The singer-songwriter chats with Bustle backstage from her coziest show of the year.
In April 2023, Gracie Abrams first took the stage as an opening act for Taylor SwiftsEras Tour.
1 in the UK, kickstarting a 25-country world tour.
She performed with her collaborator Aaron Dessner,The National band memberwho produced SwiftsFolkloreandEvermore.
Anytime he and I are able to play together, theres just something inherently comforting about that.
She even spotted a new fan in the audience.
Did I just hear a baby crying earlier?
she asked the crowd.
(Indeed, there was.)
Youve had such a huge year, even before Thats So True took off.
What felt special about that song?
Well, I couldnt have anticipated it having the life that its had.
Audrey and I had the greatest time making it.
Whats been your favorite song to perform live on this tour?
I love playing I Love You, Im Sorry.
That bridge, when we wrote it, was instantly something I could see being on tour.
This week marks the two-year anniversary of The Eras Tour.
Now that youve had time to reflect on that journey, whats been your biggest takeaway?
I miss it as much as everyone else does.
Do you have a favorite memory or behind-the-scenes moment?
Every time [Taylor and I] would play music backstage.
But at the end of the day, singing music with your friend is the best feeling.
Your collaboration with Selena Gomez and Benny Blanco is so fun.
How did you connect with them?
Benny reached out and saidhe had a song, and it was an easy yes for me.
I wrote my verse on the plane so I could voice memo it to him as soon as possible.
It was sweet to get to know her through this process and watch them roll out this project.
I just heard it a couple of hours ago.
There are some really good songs.
F*ck yeah.
Whats the fastest youve ever written a song?
Free Now comes to mind.
It can feel surprising when songs just appear, but sometimes songs take f*cking ages.
I dont think about the way a song might be received until I get into the production process.
Writing has been a personal outlet since forever, and luckily, thats remained true.
You said youstarted writing new musicthe same week thatThe Secret of Uscame out.
Can you tease the direction youre heading in?
I cant because I cant even put a label on it myself.
Im just making more and more, and I think it will reveal itself as that continues.
The period between albums can sometimes feel uncomfortable because youre like, Oh gosh, whats next?
But Im inspired by the things weve started experimenting with, and thats a feeling I intend to chase.
As youve been on tour, which artists or new music have inspired you?
Shes already cemented herself as a once-in-a-generation talent, and every time she does anything, its full-body excitement.
I love seeing you two next to each other on the Lollapalooza poster.
I might pee my pants.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
