Life & Work with Grace Smiles of Nashville

Today we’d like to introduce you to Grace Smiles

Hi Grace, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up I loved performing on stage and being creative in general. I got my start in musical theater in 1st grade, however, I didn’t start playing guitar and writing songs until I was 18. I decided I wanted to go to Belmont University for theater directing in 2018, but upon arriving abruptly decided I would try out for Belmont’s songwriting program and landed on that with a minor in music business. I felt fairly new to the whole world of the music industry so this was a great time for me to learn, meet people, and develop my craft. As time went on I kept writing and developing my sound into what it is now. In the last couple of years, I’ve recorded some projects and eventually put together a band to start performing live which has been a dream of mine. I released an EP called “Just A Dream” last April that I’m super proud of and encaptures me as an artist. Currently, I’m performing indie rock/ pop with my band and working on a full-length album.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It’s never a smooth road! I struggled a great deal in my college years with my physical and mental health. I had to take a year off of school/ life to take care of my health which was tough when I had so many things I wanted to accomplish. All that to say it taught me a lot, especially the value and importance of health/ wellbeing. Some struggles I had music-wise was self-doubt which so many songwriters/ artists struggle with especially somewhere like Nashville. I struggled with wanting to fit in or make music other people would like rather than who I was. The best choice I made was straying from the crowd and making music that I loved and was authentic to me even if it isn’t the most popular here.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a young independent artist, I do my band, recording, and artist stuff as a side gig for now as I plan to develop it as a full time career. I have an interest in music business as well as writing for other people, but I’m still finding my path/ way in the world. I am a server at a music venue currently as well. I am most proud of my persistence and growth as an artist. I have overcome struggles that I never thought I would. I honestly didn’t know if I would ever be onstage doing what I loved again after some health issues. I’m proud of following that dream despite everything and my dedication to being authentic as well as always working hard to improve. I think what sets me apart is my drive and my appreciation for art/ creativity in general in all forms. I think I like to challenge myself in writing different genres and exposing myself to all types of music.

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
I define success in many ways. I think many of us seek it in validation from outside sources and our achievements. I fall into this as well, but I think it’s important to redefine this over and over. I think success is being happy with yourself and your life. I’ve learned success doesn’t have to be something so grand all of the time, but the little personal successes keep me going. When I build on this I start to reach even more things I set my mind to. All that to say I think gratitude and reflecting are super important along the way as my idea of success seems to be everchanging.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/gracesmiles
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gracesmiles/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Grace-Smiless/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC37B3nBnGNYL-mRAEmhDdTg