Diandra Interviews Robert Grace: Everything Is “Fake Fine”
Robert Grace is making music with a purpose, which is why his Tik Tok single, “Fake Fine” became a massive hit during quarantine. Enough for him to get signed, and reap the reward of over 10 years in trying to rise in this business. Frankly, even he acknowledges his story is about how life can change in an instant, with the people you love and love you back becoming your constancy. In our interview, we discuss his new collab with gnash for his “Fake Fine” remix, and how family will always be his #1.
Fake Fine
Diandra: What was is your favorite memory from your collab with gnash?
Robert Grace: Probably the first FaceTime chat we had! I’ve always been a fan of gnash & his music so it was a bit of a surreal moment finding out that he was also a fan of mine.
Diandra: “Fake Fine” sings to how we can veil our sadness. How has music helped you confront your own sadness and what has it made clear to you about feeling down?
Robert Grace: I’ve always found it difficult to talk about how I feel, but for some reason writing/singing about it came naturally. It really helps you declutter your mind and see things with a little more clarity. It’s so important to let people know how your feeling. Gnash has a great saying, it’s something like “if we feel together, we’ll feel better.”
Diandra: What is your favorite childhood memory with music? What is your favorite memory with music and your child?
Robert Grace: My favourite childhood memory is probably sitting in a stroller playing the bodhran while my Dad & his band played some traditional Irish music. My favourite memory with my son is probably the first time I heard him sing/hum along to one of my songs. I’d say he wasn’t even 2 at the time.
Robert Grace – Fake Fine (Official Video)
Diandra: What is one book or tv/film you think would be a great concept album, and one album you think would become a great film? Why this choice?
Robert Grace: Scott Pilgrim Vs The World would make a killer concept album!! It basically is an album. One of the best soundtracks ever. I think Welcome To The Black Parade by My chemical Romance would make a great film or book; just because each song is like a chapter in the story of the album.
Diandra: What are the places/ destinations you love to write? What is the most random or beautiful spot for inspiration and why?
Robert Grace: I have a really cool studio. I love writing there mostly. There’s also a village near my hometown called “Inistioge”. My mother grew up there. It’s beautiful. I like writing there sometimes.
Diandra: From “Fake Fine” to “The Good Place,” your songs sing to finding positivity and relearning joy. How do you define happiness?
Robert Grace: It’s different for everyone. Someone else’s happiness could be my misery. It’s very personal. And what’s funny is that love doesn’t necessarily mean happiness. That’s one of the things that makes songwriting so interesting.
Robert Grace – ‘Fake Fine’ | The Late Late Show | RTÉ One
Diandra: Your life seemingly changed in a second, getting signed during this pandemic. How has that moment changed your life and what did it teach you about life, itself?
Robert Grace: It changed everything. All the sacrifices I made finally paid off. I’ve given music 100% for 10 years. Never worked a normal job. Lived off very little money. It taught me that money isn’t everything but I appreciate it way more now than I would have if I was younger. It also made me believe that hard work and dedication really does pay off.
Diandra: If could hold a conversation with anyone in the world, through time and space, who would it be, about what, where, and why?
Robert Grace: I would talk with my grandmother (Nelly) who past away earlier in the year, and just thank her for all the good fortune she’s brought my way and let her know how much we all miss her.
Diandra: How did your dad’s performances in Drop The Penny inspire you, and what has been his advice on performing?
Robert Grace: There’s no better feeling than performing. For me once I saw it I just wanted to do it. My dad would always tell me to enjoy it. If you’re not enjoying it then what’s the point!
Diandra: How do you know when a song is “yours” versus one to give to another artist? What makes you keep it?
Robert Grace: When a song is deeply personal I have to keep it. Other times I just click with a song, fall in love, and can’t let it go!!
Diandra: In honor of your Tik Tok success, whom are the Tik Tokers you feel more people should follow?
Robert Grace: There’s this guy called Stephen Stanley who’s got a real imagine dragons vibe. SUPER talented. Also, one of my good friends Ryan Mack is an extremely talented writer, great voice, and just an all round gent!
Robert Grace – Feel Good Songs (TikTok Compilation) 🎶 🙌
Diandra: If you dedicate a song to your family, which would it be and why? What lyric do you feel most embodies how you love them?
Robert Grace: If it was one of my own songs then “the good place”. It’s all about falling in love with my wife and remembering the first time we kissed. My son also loves the song. Always sings along to the chorus. The line would be “I feel it all when I am with you”. Basically there’s no limit to how much happiness you bring to my life when I’m with you.
Diandra: What is the kindest act someone did for you that you would make into a song? Why choose that one?
Robert Grace: I feel like when my wife lets me have a lie in some mornings that’s a pretty kind act, and I’d gladly make it into a song if it got me another one (he laughs)
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