Today marks a significant milestone in the career of Blackburn singer-songwriter Grace Davies, as she unveils her debut album, ‘The Wrong Side Of 25’—a moment that seemed nearly impossible for years.
Grace discovered her love for songwriting in her early teens and was approached multiple times by producers from The X Factor, urging her to audition. She initially turned them down but eventually agreed in 2017, after being guaranteed the opportunity to perform her own songs each week—a first for the ITV talent show. This decision paid off, as she advanced to the finals and finished as the runner-up, later signing with Simon Cowell’s label, SYCO. However, the abrupt closure of the label in 2020 stifled her dreams of releasing music.
Instead of lingering on this disappointment, she quickly moved forward by working on her EP ‘I Wonder If You Wonder’, which she self-released the following year. As an independent artist, Davies dedicated around a year and a half with producer Paul Whalley to perfect her new project. “It’s a classic thing for artists to say, but this album is very personal,” she tells CLASH during a video call from her home in London. “If anyone listens to it and connects with it, that’s a bonus. But primarily, I wanted to create it for myself.”
“I reflected on the music that brings me joy. Who did I listen to on family road trips? Artists like E.L.O, Roxy Music, ABBA, Robbie Williams, Simply Red, The Lighthouse Family, and The Carpenters. These were the CDs and vinyl my parents played, and they shaped me as the artist and songwriter I am today.” She adds, “So I aimed to incorporate subtle nods to that through songwriting and production, linking to stories and experiences I've had throughout my career. I intended to create something cohesive, with interludes and songs that smoothly transitioned into one another. I wanted it to echo the old-school vibe of the vinyl records I cherished.”
Davies began writing music at 15, eager to enter local competitions in Blackburn requiring original songs. To prepare, she taught herself piano every night, guided by YouTube tutorials. “To me, it was always more of a necessity than a choice. It wasn't until later that I recognized my genuine love for songwriting. Now, I view it as essential for my sanity; it’s like writing a journal entry,” she shares.
“When I review old school reports and talk to my mom about parents’ evenings, all my teachers praised my creative writing skills, which I always brushed off. Now that I'm a full-time songwriter, it all makes sense.”
She elaborates on the main theme of the album. “‘The Wrong Side Of 25’ reflects something I told my mom on my 26th birthday. I've always felt this odd anxiety about time. You know those movies where characters go back in time and alter events? That concept disturbs me because I wish I could do that, but I know it’s not possible!"
She continues, “It’s akin to how X Factor has an ‘Over 25s’ category. Does that mean I now fall into the same group as Wagner? It perfectly illustrates how the music industry places a timeline on your artistry by suggesting that if you’re over 25, you’re too old to be a pop star. It’s disheartening for me to now be classified in that group, especially as someone viewed as an ‘up-and-coming artist.’”
At 28, Davies admits she feels less existential now compared to when she began this project. “I genuinely believe that the album I've created now is far superior to what I could have produced seven years ago. It's not even comparable to my past songs,” she explains. “In some twisted way, my timing for releasing this album is ideal, as I couldn't envision making better music for my debut. I truly love it.”
Reflecting on the eighteen-month creative journey leading to the album, Davies shares, “I wanted to incorporate orchestras and live musicians, exploring avenues I've never tried before. Music has become so easily produced on laptops, and sounds can be easily replicated, but you can't replicate the magic of collaborating with musicians in a room.” She adds, “Ultimately, I thought, I'm going to do this for myself. If this is the first and last project I ever release, it will be exceptional.”
“Having performed with jazz and swing bands since my teens, being in front of a 15-piece orchestra playing my music was essential. I saved every penny for that opportunity. We recorded live drums and brass, finding a producer who fully understood me and my sound, someone without an ego that overshadowed me,” she states.
One of the standout songs on the album is ‘Butterflies’—a heartfelt tribute to her grandparents, both of whom battled Alzheimer’s and dementia. “I didn’t feel it was my story to tell. They are my
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Today signifies a significant milestone in the career of Blackburn singer-songwriter Grace Davies, as she unveils her debut album, ‘The Wrong Side.’