Grace Weber

Grace Weber (born June 28, 1988[1]) is an American R&B singer, songwriter and producer from Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.[5] She is currently based in Los Angeles, California.[6] Over her career, she has written for and collaborated with artists such as Chance the Rapper, Masego, Vic Mensa, Francis and the Lights, Westside Boogie and Towkio, as well as winning a Grammy Award. [7] Weber has performed on national television shows including Showtime at the Apollo and The Oprah Winfrey Show.[2]

Grace Weber
Birth nameGrace Weber
Born (1988-06-28) June 28, 1988[1]
Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)Singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano, guitar
Years active2011–present
Labels
Websitegraceweber.com

After time spent at Capitol Records, Weber independently released her debut album, "A Beautiful Space", on June 11, 2021, which was executive produced by The Social Experiment. The lead single off the album "Feels Like Heaven" was released on February 12, 2021 and the second single "Thru the Fire" featuring American rapper, Chance the Rapper, was released on March 26, 2021. A deluxe version of the album was later released on October 27, 2021 followed by Weber's first ever headlining tour titled, "The Beautiful Space Tour".

Early life

Grace Weber was born on June 28, 1988[1] in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin. Third of four children to Ralph Weber, a lawyer, and Patricia Mueller, a teacher, she grew up in a large and musical family.[8] Her grandfather required each of his 10 children to learn an instrument, so she was exposed to music from a young age from that family heritage.[9]

At 12, she joined the Central City Youth Gospel Choir in Milwaukee and began singing gospel in earnest at churches and revivals around the city, as the choir gave her "instant validation that [her] voice could move people."[10][11][12]

In 2004, at age 16, she performed on the nationally televised Showtime at the Apollo in Harlem, NY.[13][14] That same year, she was asked to perform at soccer icon Mia Hamm and baseball player Nomar Garciaparra's wedding in Santa Barbara, California.[15]

In 2006, she was nominated for and became a Presidential Scholar for the Arts, through her receipt of the Silver Award in Popular Voice from the National Young Arts Foundation in the same year.[16] As a part of the Presidential Scholars, Weber performed at the Kennedy Center shortly after.[17]

Also in 2006, Weber attended New York University's Gallatin School of Individualized Study and created a major in Music Performance and Music Marketing with a minor in Studio Art. Weber graduated from NYU in May 2010.[18]

Music career

Early career + initial projects: 2009–2015

In 2009, in her senior year at NYU, Weber submitted a video of herself singing Aretha Franklin's "Natural Woman" to The Oprah Winfrey Show as part of its Karaoke Challenge.[19][20] As one of the eight semi-finalists chosen from all entries, Weber performed live on the Oprah Show. Hosts included Billy Ray Cyrus, Gladys Knight and Ashford and Simpson.[21]

In 2010, Weber was named a Spotlight Artist to Watch in Billboard.[22][23]

Before the release of her first project, Hope & Heart, in 2011, Weber was asked to perform at the official commemoration of the 10th anniversary of 9/11 in Paris, where she performed her original song, "Leave the Light On".[24][25] Hope & Heart was released on September 13, 2011 and produced by Michael Mangini.[26] Throughout 2012, Weber received more press for her first project, including being an NBC "First Look" in February 2012[27] and Huffington Post’s A-sides with Jon Chattman performing "Hitchhiker".[28]

In 2013, Weber began production on her second project, The Refinery. Notable singles from the project include the pop ballad "Till I Hurt You," which was the third single from the project and premiered on Conan O’Brian’s Team Coco.[29] The Refinery and its songs received coverage from major outlets including USA Today,[30] Lucky,[31] Soundcheck,[32] NPR Music,[33] Access Hollywood,[34] Good Day New York, Blackbook,[35] Relix,[36] Entertainment Weekly,[37] Audio Tree,[38] and Kick Kick Snare.[39]

In 2014, Weber was featured as one of BuzzFeed's "11 Independent Musicians Who Are Making a Name for Themselves," described as "old soul with new boogie shoes."[40] She also showcased at SXSW 2014[41] and was featured as one of Maxim's "Hot 10".[42]

In 2015, Grace was named one of New Music Seminars' "Artists on the Verge" along with artists like Wild Adriatic, Twin Peaks and Perfect Pussy. This development was covered by Billboard.[43] Also in 2015, Weber was given the prestigious honor of performing for the National Music Publishers Association's annual event in Washington, D.C. opening for Lady A.[44]

GRAMMY® win and Capitol Records signing and A Beautiful Space: 2016-present

In 2016, Weber penned "All We Got" (feat. Kanye West and Chicago Children's Choir) for Chance the Rapper's mixtape, Coloring Book, which went on to win Best Rap Album at the 2017 GRAMMY® Awards and earn Weber her first GRAMMY® from The Recording Academy.[45] During that time, she featured and wrote on Westside Boogie's song "Prideful" from his mixtape, Thirst 48 Part II.[46]

In 2017, she performed at the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles, CA, alongside Francis and the Lights and Chance the Rapper.[47] That same year she wrote on a remix of Francis and the Lights' "May I Have This Dance" featuring Chance.[48]

Weber also released her critically acclaimed single "More Than Friends" in 2017, which received support from John Mayer[49] and was deemed a "shining" single by UPROXX.[50] Produced by Nate Fox and Nico Segal of The Social Experiment, "More Than Friends" further cemented their ongoing collaborative relationship (along with the group's Peter Cottontale) to craft Weber's debut album.[51] Weber's single "Elated" followed shortly after, hailed by Billboard as a "euphoric delight."[52]

Weber signed a major label deal with Capitol Records in 2018.[53] She subsequently dropped a string of successful singles under the label including highlight "Mercy" featuring Vic Mensa.[54] Weber was also featured on Towkio's song "2 Da Moon" alongside Teddy Jackson around this time.[55] Later in 2018, she toured with Chance the Rapper as part of Lollapalooza and more noteworthy acts including Thirdstory and PJ Morton on his "More Gumbo" North American Fall 2018 Tour.[56] In June 2018, she made her first appearance on NPR Music's Tiny Desk Concert alongside GoldLink.

2019 saw the R&B prodigy embark on a new journey as an independent artist, starting with the single "Young Love Games."[57] In the summer of 2020, Weber released her debut EP "How Did We Get Here," which featured standout tracks like "Crazy to Hope" featuring Masego. The EP was praised as "a master class in moving production, radiant vocals and engrossing lyrics" by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.[58]

The lead single off her highly-anticipated debut album "Feels Like Heaven" "celebrates newfound artistic freedom," according to American Songwriter.[59] The album's follow-up single "Thru the Fire" features Chance the Rapper and was released on March 26, 2021. COMPLEX called it "powerful," noting that it puts "her voice on full display."[60] On June 11, 2021, she announced her debut album, titled "A Beautiful Space" executive produced by The Social Experiment.

Grace Weber's Music Lab

Started by Weber in 2016,[61] The Music Lab is a free monthly music and arts education program and talent accelerator for Milwaukee high school students hosted by musician and DJ, B-Free. At The Music Lab, students have the opportunity to learn about the music and entertainment industries through featured guests. They are also given the opportunity to collaborate, perform, and build relationships with their peers.[62]

Currently, Grace Weber's Music Lab is one of four grantees nation-wide to receive funding from the U.S. Presidential Scholars Foundation.[63]

Musical influences

In terms of her singing, Weber has noted influences including "strong women": Eva Cassidy, Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and India Arie, whereas her songwriting is inspired by poets including Joni Mitchell, Thom Yorke and Patty Griffin.[64][65]

Discography

Projects

  • Hope & Heart (2011)[42]
  • The Refinery (2014)[42]

EPs

  • How Did We Get Here (2020)[66]

Albums

  • A Beautiful Space (2021)
  • A Beautiful Space (Deluxe) (2021)

References
  1. "Grace Weber - Overview". AllMusic. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  2. Collar, Matt. "Grace Weber - Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  3. "Grace Weber & Binta Brown Unplugged". University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee. November 30, 2018. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  4. Levy, Piet (November 30, 2018). "Milwaukee native Grace Weber signs to Capitol Records, releases song 'Mercy' with Vic Mensa". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved March 3, 2019.
  5. "Grace Weber On Mountain Stage". NPR. January 9, 2013. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  6. "Grace Weber Celebrates Newfound Artistic Freedom With "Feels Like Heaven" « American Songwriter". American Songwriter. 2021-02-24. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  7. "Indie Spotlight: Grace Webber". BMI.com. 2018-02-26. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  8. "Gass Weber Mullins - Classic Trial Lawyers". gasswebermullins.com.
  9. "Grace Weber". notmuch.com. Archived from the original on 2014-10-25.
  10. "Grace Weber". theswervemagazine.com.
  11. "Grace's gospel". www.gmtoday.com.
  12. "amfm". amfm-mag.com.
  13. "Grace Weber Covers Warren Zevon's "Reconsider Me" - American Songwriter". American Songwriter.
  14. "Grace Weber On Mountain Stage". NPR.org. 9 January 2013.
  15. "Vox Magazine - Spring Preview 2012: Music". voxmagazine.com.
  16. Kinetz, Erika (26 April 2006). "Fostering Young Artists: Start Spreading the News". The New York Times.
  17. "Young Arts: Fall 2006". idigitaledition.com.
  18. "Grace Weber + Robin Bacior + Merrily and the Poison Orchard and more". Time Out New York. 5 November 2012.
  19. "What Did Grace Weber Learn from Performing on Oprah?". PEOPLE.com.
  20. Grace Weber - Natural Woman (Aretha Franklin Cover) - Official Oprah Karaoke Challenge Submission. YouTube. 27 October 2009.
  21. "Oprah's Karaoke Challenge". Oprah.com.
  22. "Grace Weber". Rock Lobby.
  23. "An Evening of Music with Grace Weber, Shannon Curtis & Jeanna Salzar". allevents.in.
  24. "Good Cop Public Relations: BILLBOARD'S 'ARTIST TO WATCH', GRACE WEBER TO PLAY HOTEL CAFE IN CELEBRATION OF HER DEBUT RELEASE, 'HOPE & HEART'". Good Cop Public Relations.
  25. "Road Work: Schedule Of Tours". Billboard.
  26. "Grace Weber- Hope & Heart". The Front Row Report. 10 October 2011.
  27. "1st Look Loves: Indie Soul Songstress Grace Weber". NBC 7 San Diego. 8 February 2012.
  28. "A-Sides With Jon Chattman: Eve to Adam, Anna Rose, and Grace Weber Go It Acoustic". The Huffington Post. 24 October 2011.
  29. "Grace Weber "Till I Hurt You" - Video Premiere". teamcoco.com.
  30. Brian Mansfield, Special for USA TODAY (14 July 2014). "Playlist: What's Brian Mansfield been listening to?". USA TODAY.
  31. "13 of the Coolest New Musicians". shorefire.com.
  32. "Gig Alert: Grace Weber".
  33. "The Austin 100: A SXSW 2014 Mix". NPR.org. 3 March 2014.
  34. "Grace Weber Talks 'The Refinery' Smash Success". Access Hollywood.
  35. "Premiere: Grace Weber Sings Her Way From Her Gospel Choir to Deep Water Oil Spills". www.bbook.com/.
  36. "ON THE VERGE Grace Weber". www.relix.com/. 27 March 2015.
  37. "Grace Weber tells us her New York City playlist". Entertainment Weekly's EW.com.
  38. "Grace Weber Audio Tree Live". Audiotree.tv. 13 April 2023.
  39. "Grace Weber: Till I Hurt You". kickkicksnare.com/.
  40. "11 Independent Musicians Who Are Making A Name For Themselves". BuzzFeed. 29 September 2014.
  41. Levy, Piet. "South by Southwest 2014 - SXSW 2014 Reviews: Rico Love, Yellow Ostrich, Youngblood Brass Band, Anna Vogelzang, Grace Weber". jsonline.com.
  42. Lyons, Alexa (October 21, 2014). "The Hot 10: Grace Weber". Maxim. Retrieved February 27, 2018.
  43. "John Fullbright, Twin Peaks on New Music Seminar's 'Artist on the Verge' Class of 2015". Billboard.
  44. "LADY ANTEBELLUM to Headline NMPA Spring Songwriter Showcase". www.nmpa.org. Archived from the original on 2015-04-15.
  45. "Indie Spotlight: Grace Webber". BMI.com. 2018-02-26. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  46. Madden, Sidney (October 4, 2016). "Boogie Reveals 'Thirst 48 Part 2' Mixtape Tracklist, Release Date". XXL Mag. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  47. May I Have This Dance - Francis and the Lights w/ Grace Weber & Chance the Rapper Live!, retrieved 2021-04-06
  48. "Francis & The Lights and Chance the Rapper team up on remix of 'May I Have This Dance'". diymag.com. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  49. Twitter https://twitter.com/graceweber/status/926942617316839424. Retrieved 2021-04-06. {{cite web}}: Missing or empty |title= (help)
  50. "Chance The Rapper Collaborator Grace Weber's Debut Single Is Here". UPROXX. 2017-11-03. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  51. Chesman, Donna-Claire (12 February 2018). "How Grace Weber & The Social Experiment Created Some "Special Universe Shit"". DJBooth. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  52. "Grace Weber Details Upcoming Album With The Social Experiment, Shares New Single 'Elated': Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  53. "Milwaukee's Grace Weber inks deal with iconic Capitol Records". OnMilwaukee. 2018-11-27. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  54. Weber, Grace (6 December 2018). "The Perspective of Mercy: A Guest Editorial by Grace Weber". DJBooth. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  55. "Lyrical Lemonade". www.lyricallemonade.com. 12 February 2018. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  56. "PJ Morton Announces 'More Gumbo' Fall 2018 Tour". Rated R&B. 2018-09-05. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  57. "Interview: Grace Weber". Koss Blog. 2020-01-01. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  58. Levy, Piet. "8 Milwaukee albums and songs you have to hear in June, from Grace Weber, Space Raft, Klassik and more". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  59. "Grace Weber Celebrates Newfound Artistic Freedom With "Feels Like Heaven" « American Songwriter". American Songwriter. 2021-02-24. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  60. "Premiere: Grace Weber Enlists Chance the Rapper for Gospel-Inspired New Track "Thru the Fire"". Complex. Retrieved 2021-04-06.
  61. Fox, Ian (26 March 2018). "In Milwaukee, a station's music education program shows power of community partnerships". Current. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  62. "about the lab". Grace Weber's Music Lab. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  63. "PRESS". Grace Weber's Music Lab. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
  64. "Grace Weber — The Soul Singer Straight Out Of Brooklyn". Refinery29.
  65. "The Attic Sessions: Grace Weber". tpac.org.
  66. Levy, Piet. "8 Milwaukee albums and songs you have to hear in June, from Grace Weber, Space Raft, Klassik and more". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Retrieved 2021-03-24.
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