Journal
In the Studio with Audrey McGraw
For singer-songwriter Audrey McGraw, music has surrounded her for as long as she can remember—she began playing her own songs on the piano at age four. Now, she’s making her own foray into the industry with her first album debuting later this year. We spent the afternoon with Audrey at Henson Recording Studio, where she played us her new single, “I Am…I Said” on the piano and chatted with us about her upcoming tour (her first!), her personal style both on and off the stage, and where she finds inspiration when she feels stuck creatively.
Audrey wears the Lilaia Dress (coming with a future chapter of Summer!)
You’ve just finished recording your first album–congratulations!—what has that experience been like?
We just finished in April! The album was recorded in Woodstock. And honestly, it was amazing. Being in the studio with everyone is my favorite place to be. David, the producer, has created a family up there with the musicians, so when we’re there, it feels like a big reunion. It's really special to see the songs I've written come to life, and work out some covers that we're doing, and just kind of see everything build up over time, with everyone’s help. It’s been so fun. I want to live in the studio.
What wisdom have your parents passed down to you?
Their wisdom is never-ending. I've learned so much from them about the industry, and I'll always continue to learn more from them and hold the lessons that they teach very tightly. On the other hand, there's so many experiences of my own that I’ve learned from as well. Everything in life, you can't truly learn unless you walk the line yourself. The industry is forever changing. Everyone is still learning. What my parents are really good at is giving my sisters and me advice, while still leaving us room to grow. The truth is, you have to forge your own path in anything. No matter how prepared you are, you have to be okay with trying and failing every once in a while. My parents were very good at giving my sisters and me the space to flourish and find our own way.
What themes do you find yourself drawn to in your own music and the songs you cover?
I’ve always loved melancholy sounds. But, it's really about the feeling in the moment. There's always new inspirations and random things that come to my mind. For me, the answer to this question is ever-changing. But, that's the beauty of music—it’s free, open. The artist is free to explore, and the audience is open to interpret that exploration. In a way, the work creates its own themes. For me—right now, at least—nothing is intentional. It just is what it is.
How does your personal style influence your style on stage, if at all? What kind of pieces are you most drawn to when you’re performing?
My style on stage and my personal style are one and the same. I love to dress up, and I like to feel comfortable in what I'm wearing. Sometimes that's jeans, or sometimes a fluid dress, sometimes a sexy backless gown. I’m always going to wear a pair of heels. I love heels, I love my platform boots. They make me feel very strong. I think my style is pretty simple, but it’s always whatever makes me feel confident and sexy in the moment.
“You have to forge your own path in anything…My parents were very good at giving my sisters and me the space to flourish and find our own way.”
- Audrey McGraw
Audrey wears the Hilda Top, Truitt Top, and DÔEN Heirloom Allura Skirt
When do you feel most yourself, most at ease?
There's so many different instances where I feel most like myself—so many beautiful passing moments that I couldn’t really pinpoint just one. When I sit outside with a glass of wine, have a really good cup of coffee, or randomly get the confidence to go out and dance…I feel most myself in little moments, where I feel very content and happy, and that can be in anything.
When you’re feeling stuck creatively, how do you get out of that rut?
I’ll take a break, and go for a walk. Get up and go see things, people watch, explore. I love to travel and see new people in places, which I find very inspiring. I like to stay up late, too, as I find I get a lot of inspiration and energy at night.
Who are the people that make up your inner circle, whom you go to for support and guidance?
My family: my mom, dad, and two sisters. My friends, my partner. I always go to them. I have a very small circle of people that I’ve known for a while, and I trust them—they’re weird, and inspiring, and talented, and just good people.
What’s on the horizon for you?
I’m about to go on tour for the first time, opening for Brandi Carlile. We’re touring in Europe, and I’m excited to get to visit all these places I love. My guitarist and I start rehearsals in June to make sure all the songs are ready to go. I think when it starts, it’s going to fly by. I’ve never done anything like this on my own, so I’m excited. I’m an independent artist right now [without a record label] so there’s been a lot of prep work—it’s a lot, but it’s fun.
Audrey wears the Ilaria Top (coming with a future chapter of Summer!) and Lula Short
“Everything in life, you can't truly learn unless you walk the line yourself.”
- Audrey McGraw
A Soundtrack by Audrey
Audrey curated a playlist for us, with a handful of her favorite songs. Listen Here.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
