Meet Charles Grace: Musician/Songwriter

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

Hi Charles, alright, let’s jump in with a deep one – what’s you’re definition for success?
How do you define success?

My understanding of success is shaped by two metaphors: lighting the long fuse and pushing the ball a little further down the road. Both of these images paint the picture of longevity.
In my life experience, I have often misinterpreted success and fame or instant recognition. The older I become, the more I admire people who develop resilience over a longer period of time. These individuals are battle-tested, and they have learned how to keep moving in the midst of adversity. The common denominator for success has to do with identity and where we choose to place our sense of value and worth. If we place the burden of success on circumstances or accolades, then it will be short-lived. However, if we are able to distinguish who we are from what we do, then that success is more substantial and life-giving.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I have been playing guitar and writing songs since I was thirteen years old. I was in a few bands in high school and then went on to study classical guitar performance at Coastal Carolina University with a minor in Spanish as a second language (always had a fascination with how language works). One way to describe my path would be that of an indie entrepreneur. I would read, watch, listen, and study everything I possibly could about my peers and my heroes. By the time I turned twenty-seven years old, I had written and recorded four full length albums and gone on three regional tours with my band. The more I took risks, the more the opportunities would come into fruition. I had developed this certain stubbornness that I would do everything I possibly could to achieve my dreams of pursuing music professionally as a touring artist and songwriter.

If I could tell my younger self anything, then I would say, “Slow down, and don’t assume that you’re a failure because it didn’t happen overnight.” As I mentioned earlier, I have struggled with my perceived success (or lack thereof) largely because I have often fallen into the destructive pattern of comparing myself to others. This has robbed me of the joy that inspired me to pursue music in the first place. I once read a book where the author said the object at which you aim is what you see. My songwriting process has become the correction to my aim and the ever-growing clarity to my vision.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My best friend and I are both music geeks, so I would most definitely take him to Amoeba Records in Hollywood. If he brought his dog, then we might hit up Griffith Park and explore the hiking trails. Since this would be his first time in LA, then it would be essential to eat at one of the amazing taco trucks. My personal favorite is called Chingon in DTLA. Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There is an old saying that says something like, “it takes a village to raise a child.” This has never been more true for me. My early upbringing was the product of a single mother and countless efforts from the kindness of friends and strangers. I could think of at least 100 names and 100 more faces who played an integral part in my growth. That being said, I would like to dedicate this shout out to my late grandmother, Arlene. She was an absolute constant for my mom, my two brothers, and I until the day she passed. If we needed groceries, she would drop them off. When I needed a car before I started college, she was there. When I played my first concert at House of Blues, she was there… in a wheelchair! Arlene was the first person to recognize that I took an interest in creative writing when I was very young. She is absolutely the reason I became a songwriter in high school. Her influence on me is priceless, and I love her dearly.

Website: https://charlesgrace.bandcamp.com/releases

Instagram: @charlesgracemusic

Youtube: https://youtu.be/4PdXgjzCdNI

Other: Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/charles-grace/1474548899 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4fOoGUdhOBQCDmMrHHDt8d?si=26fKPj3wTT-6ccE4cSE54g

Image Credits
Anthony Ortiz Devon LaRae Samantha Rae