Eighteen-year-old singer-songwriter Grace Humphries, who calls the Hill Country around Austin, Texas, home, released her new single, “For Years,” not long ago. “For Years” captures the lonely feelings Christmas can evoke.
Originally from California, when Grace was eight years old, she lost her older brother, Liam, who was ten years old, to cancer. Grace coped with her feelings through music. She hears melodies in her head. After winning a series of awards for her musical gifts, in 2024, Grace traveled to England, where she recorded at Abbey Road Studios.
With songs like “Good Enough,” “Why’d You Give Up,” and “I Couldn’t,” Grace reveals an innate talent for crafting wonderfully evocative country/Americana songs with tints of pop occasionally filtering through.
Intrigued by someone so young and so talented, Guitar Girl Magazine spoke with Grace Humphries to find out more about “For Years.”
What three things can’t you live without?
Jesus, music, and mom.
What inspired your new song, “For Years?”
‘For Years’ is an amalgamation of feelings. It is mainly about the holiday blues but is also about experiencing Christmas after losing someone dear. For me, that someone was my brother, whom I lost to brain cancer when I was eight (he was ten). No matter how much time passes, grief has its way of bubbling up to the surface unexpectedly, especially during the holidays.
How did you get started in music?
I have been singing and making up little jingles ever since I can remember. When I was eight, I started taking formal vocal lessons. Then at eleven, I started playing the piano. Soon after, when I was thirteen, I picked up the guitar. The guitar then inspired me to start writing my own songs. After a couple of years writing originals, I recorded my first demos at fifteen. These demos helped me start my music journey into the industry.
Where are you from?
I am from Austin, Texas, but I was born in San Diego, California. I lived in California for the first eight years of my life. Now eighteen, I have lived in Texas longer and would say I am more of a Texan than a Californian. Even though I am moving to Nashville in January, Texas will always be home to me. I am going to miss it dearly.
Did your hometown impact your sound?
When I moved from California to Texas, I was immediately introduced to legends like George Strait and Randy Travis. When my brother passed away, I would play George Strait to get me through. Even though there is pop in my sound, the traditional country sound, and ‘80s / ‘90s country sound have always been a huge influence when writing my originals.
Which singers/musicians influenced your sound?
There are so many artists that have influenced me, country and all. Johnny Cash, George Strait, Randy Travis, Shania Twain, Joni Mitchell, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, and Dolly Parton have inspired me greatly. Some newer acts like the Rascal Flatts, Dan and Shay, Lady A, The Chicks, Carrie Underwood, Lainey Wilson, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, Lizzy McAlpine, Charlie Puth, Adele, and Emily Ann Roberts have also had an impact on me.
Did your sound evolve naturally, or did you deliberately push it in a certain direction?
My sound evolved (and continues to evolve) naturally. I have always written country/folk/americana music with hints of pop/rock. There are songs I have that sound ‘80s / ’90s country, and songs I have that sound pop-country. I never know what I am going to write next or how my sound will evolve in the years to come.
What kind of guitar do you play?
I have a few different types of guitars, but my favorite is my magenta SJ-200 Gibson.
What is your definition of tone? And has your tone changed over time?
I would define tone as the color or timbre of someone’s voice. Someone may have a warm tone, a bright tone, or both. I would say, at the beginning of my journey, my tone was very bright. Now it has settled between bright and warm.
What inspires your writing? Do you draw inspiration from poems, music, or other media?
I do draw inspiration from poems, music, books, and other media; I’ll draw it from just about anything. I also like drawing from the experiences of those close to me (family/friends).
What can you share about your writing process?
It is really different every time I write a song. Sometimes I start with the melody, and sometimes I start with lyrics/a poem. I’ll often also come up with the lyrics and melody at the same time.
What’s next for Grace Humphries?
I will be attending Belmont University starting in January of 2026 and will be majoring in Commercial Music with an emphasis in voice. In addition to school, I will continue to put out singles and hopefully start touring.
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