Janelle Grace shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Janelle , a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: What are you being called to do now, that you may have been afraid of before?
Balancing a college education with a music career is extremely challenging. As a result of having to support myself financially, I have had to secure full-time employment due to the cumulative costs of living. One must prioritize financial stability while nurturing their passion as an independent artist. I feel an overwhelming urge to immerse myself in the music community, as my demanding dental career has hindered my ability to devote time to music, which truly resonates with my heart and soul.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
With a professional background spanning 14 years in Nashville, I have established myself as a reputable inspirational country artist, dedicated to crafting songs that transform pain into purpose, reframe negative experiences with a positive outlook, and seek the silver lining in life’s challenges. My personal story serves as a testament to resilience, and I am compelled to inspire others through my music and testimony, offering uplifting messages during life’s setbacks and transformative experiences, serving as a beacon of hope for those navigating adversity. Having overcome personal struggles, I am now poised to impact lives through my music and testimony. I am excited to announce the release of my new single, “In This Heart of Mine,” written by Randy Davis and Aron Rosing, produced by Bob McGilpin of McMusic Sound and co-produced by Wynne Adams of Wynne Productions Inc. and released on Wynnesong Records. This inspirational song is for anyone who has lost a loved one or is missing someone and is a poignant tribute to my mother’s memory, exploring the complexities of grief and the quest for peace. It has a little Christmas in it too as the season is right around the corner. For more information, please visit my website at JanelleGraceMusic.com, which showcases my music, backstory, and artistic vision.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who taught you the most about work?
The person who has taught me the most about the importance of hard work was my dad. He consistently showed persistence and regularly checked in with me to ensure I completed my school studies, homework, and making sure I practiced my guitar. He also taught me gardening skills, highlighting the hard work necessary to maintain a garden. His words of encouragement, advising me to never give up on my dreams and emphasizing the link between hard work and success, have stayed with me since I was a little girl. His hard work ethic was a huge influence growing up.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were multiple instances where I felt compelled to abandon my journey in Nashville. To the extent that I initiated planning to undertake all necessary actions to facilitate my relocation back home to Nebraska. Certain experiences were profoundly debilitating, impacting my physical, mental, and emotional well-being, while others were heart-wrenchingly devastating, traumatizing to the point of hitting rock bottom. I genuinely felt as though I was losing complete control over my life and the purpose that drove me to relocate in pursuit of my music passion and dreams.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I consider it a lifestyle choice rather than a belief. Sharing my insecurities and being vulnerable is a daunting task. Nonetheless, the passage of time and healing has brought me clarity. Losing my father at a young age resulted in a loss of identity and a part of my soul. I was daddy’s little girl, the youngest of three boys. As I entered adulthood, I turned to alcohol to cope with the emotional pain and void left by my father’s passing. This coping mechanism eventually turned into a regular lifestyle on the weekends of attending social gatherings, parties, and bars to escape my emotional pain. Fortunately, I have been redeemed for the past four years and have broken free from consistent alcohol use and I have never felt more content and at peace with my increasingly sober lifestyle. I can think clearer and living a more faith driven life. Looking back I was wrong for turning to alcohol to help as a band aid of the void I was feeling and I felt farther away from my faith. What I needed was a stronger faith and better coping mechanisms. Which is why I say this, sometimes you have to get through the bad to get to the good. And then you will find renewed hope in time and overcome. I have overcome alcohol abuse. I was once in the dark, now the light. Whatever you may be going through “You Can Overcome” too! Which is the name of my true story album and my anthem song released in 2017 also available on all digital platforms.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What do you understand deeply that most people don’t?
Having experienced a multitude of challenges during my 14-year tenure in Nashville, I can empathize deeply with others who confide in me about their struggles. This capacity for empathy allows me to form meaningful connections with individuals navigating difficult periods in their lives. I firmly believe that every season has a purpose and that silver linings exist, which requires enduring hardships to ultimately attain a more positive perspective and be stronger than before!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://janellegracemusic.com/
- Instagram: @Jdgrace26. Janelle Grace
- Facebook: Janelle Grace
- Youtube: @janellegrace788
- Other: https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=mEDWI8AVIu4&si=jtzbAMtIumqnHOHl https://open.spotify.com/artist/5OhyLyeqqv1xjRztrGSokE?si=zcpnZpCrTymSNXoDeJc41Q. All digital platforms.
Image Credits
Eric Ahlgrim Photography. Moments by Moser Photography Justin Mayotte Photography
