A passion for music that only intensified as she got older, Sydney-raised, Central Coast-based Meali Grace has today released her debut single, 'Upstream'.
With close to a decade's worth of writing (she has 100-plus originals), alongside busking and performing experience (corporate as well as weddings) that has shaped her artistic expression, 'Upstream' is the first of many songs Meali plans to release in 2024 including her debut EP.Achingly beautiful folk-pop with gorgeously plucked acoustic guitar layered over Meali's rustically delicate yet warm vocals alongside shimmering keys and drums, 'Upstream' lyrically details themes of resilience and perseverance when faced with adversity.
"Music is a space where I can process thoughts and put understanding to my emotions, especially when facing challenges," shares Grace. "'Upstream' reflects life moments that are overwhelming when it feels like there's no way out.
"In my experience, nothing else gives you the same feeling of freedom and relief as crafting a song does," adds Meali.
"Being able to teach and help others put their thoughts and emotions into an arrangement, where they can then understand and communicate these ideas, big or small, brings me immense joy."
Who is Meali Grace... I am a singer-songwriter from Sydney. I have been singing since I was a little girl and started playing gigs and shows from the age of 13.
I kept progressing and falling in love with music as time went on, and at the age of 17 I started writing songs a lot more and chose to really pursue my dream in music.
Since then I have completed my Bachelor of Music and kept performing and playing at corporate events and weddings, etc. I also have recorded my debut EP, which will come out later in 2024.
I sound like... Lizzy McAlpine, Noah Kahan, Olivia Rodrigo, Adele, Norah Jones.
My first gig was... Local markets singing covers.
When did you settle on your artist name, and was it a unanimous decision... Meali has always been a family nickname of mine, and Grace is my middle name.
It's also been my social media handle since I downloaded Instagram at 13. So when it came time to decide on a name sometime in 2021 it just felt right to stick with it 'cause the name already felt like me.
In the studio I usually... Come prepared with lots of ideas and get straight into it, so I have time to experiment with random vocal ideas
If I could tour with anyone... It would be with Lizzy McAlpine or Shawn Mendes.
Social media is... Fun and frustrating.
My favourite app at the moment is... Instagram. I like the way you can have clean, polished content on your main feed but also have some fun with what you post on your stories.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... When I was packing up from a gig when I was about 14, my Grandmother was packing up my guitar and she dropped it. The neck of it snapped in half and I was quite embarrassed as a young girl trying to look super professional.
Life on the road can be... A dream come true.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that our rider contains... Ice cold water, donuts (any kind), hot water with local, raw honey.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... When I was about 12 my sister and I got locked out of our hotel in Perth, and I know we were probably just young but that 45 minutes we couldn't get back in, I genuinely thought we would never make it back to our family.
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson... Chris Hemsworth because he's such an Aussie icon and when he speaks you can't help but listen.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? New York. We use to live in Connecticut when I was little for a few years and we would often visit New York, so it's always been a dream of mine to go back there. I also love the idea of being in the busy, big city for a little while, going to jazz bars and watching Broadway etc.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Jacob Collier because I think his mind for music is amazing and I just want to sit and pick his brain about it.
Billie Eilish because I would love to ask her how she deals with her level of fame and gaining that attention from such a young age. Graham Norton because I think he would have really interesting points of views and thoughts considering how many celebrities and people from different walks of life he has interviewed over the years.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook for us? Grilled salmon and cabbage.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? Lover for sure.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Soju, specifically blueberry and strawberry.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Probably my friends home gym in 2020, but I do run along the waterfront trail most mornings.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Hanging out the laundry.
Do you have any phobias... Claustrophobia. I hate the thought of being trapped in a small, tight space.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? It's not something I have a huge desire to do, but if I did it would have to be 'Wipeout'. The show brings me so much childhood nostalgia, plus I'm super competitive so I love competition shows.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? I love jump scaring people, particularly my dad and best friend Gabrielle.
Best local takeaway joint for a midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Unfortunately there's nothing open past 10pm on the Central Coast besides McDonalds. I am more of a breakfast girl, and I love The Morning Coffee Society. It always leaves me in a food coma.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Katniss from 'The Hunger Games'. She is totally fierce, loyal, competitive and is driven by justice and compassion – and I would like to think I have those qualities too.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Fire Country'. I love a good emergency service show with some unrealistic drama. The action, drama and a little bit of romance always keeps me hooked.
