GRACE. shines through with her debut album, Hourglass Plea. On the release, she notes, “‘Hourglass’ is for anyone holding on to something they weren’t ready to lose but had to let go. If you’ve ever known the heartbreak of moments that won’t return, I hope Hourglass Plea reminds you that it’s okay to feel it all — to miss, to remember, to grieve. And if you still have your people beside you, I hope it reminds you to hold them a little tighter.”
What was the biggest challenge you faced during the production of Hourglass Plea?
I think the biggest challenge came more from the strategy and execution side — figuring out the distribution plan, deciding which songs to release first, and shaping the rollout as an independent artist. That part can feel overwhelming because you’re making so many decisions on your own. But I’m really thankful for my music distributor; they were incredibly supportive and helped guide me through the process. We aligned on a release plan together, and that made everything feel much more manageable.
Who were your biggest musical influences while creating this album, and how did they shape your sound?
For this album specifically, I would say my biggest influences were Clairo, Raveena, Cleo Sol, Laufey, Bruno Major, and Adrienne Lenker. Clairo inspired me with her soft, feminine touch — the intimate vocal delivery and delicate indie production that feels both simple and emotional. Cleo Sol and Raveena shaped a lot of the chill R&B/Soul groove in the album. I love how their music is warm, understated, and deeply intimate, and that definitely influenced the way I approached the mood and composition of these songs. Bruno Major also played a big part with his heartfelt melodies and his chill R&B–jazz touch, which I naturally gravitate toward. Laufey inspired me with her modern, dreamy, whimsical jazz-tinged world — there’s something so cinematic yet gentle about her sound. And Adrienne Lenker influenced the more indie-folk moments on the album, especially songs like “something ended before it even started,” where I leaned into that raw, storytelling style.
Which track was the most difficult to write and why?
I’d say “Stay By My Side”, mainly because it took the longest to come together. My producer Glenn is based in Sydney while I’m in Singapore, and although we usually work virtually where I finish the song first and send him a super raw voice-memo demo, this one needed more time and space to complete. I found myself feeling a bit stuck with the songwriting. It wasn’t one of those songs that arrived fully formed in a voice memo, it actually started with just the hook that you now hear as the chorus. We continued writing it together when I visited Sydney in November 2024, where Glenn helped me shape the verse and bridge during an in-studio session. That time together was what finally allowed me to finish the song once I returned to Singapore.
Did you face any creative blocks while making Hourglass Plea? How did you overcome them?
Yes, for sure. Creative blocks are completely normal. When they happen, I don’t force anything. I usually step away, go for a walk, work out, or just do something else entirely. Most of the time, the ideas come back on their own in the most random moments — when I’m watching a movie, listening to music, or simply going about my day. My process is quite sporadic, so I’ve learned to trust it and follow inspiration whenever it naturally shows up.
How do you approach connecting with fans on social media without compromising your personal boundaries?
Social media is something I’m still figuring out, to be honest. In the past, I kept very strong personal boundaries, but now I’m learning how to connect more — mainly through public comments, meaningful DMs that feel safe, and sharing a bit more of my stories. I love engaging with listeners, but I try to be intentional about what I share. I show up honestly through my music and creative process, while keeping the more personal details of my life private. That balance helps me stay authentic without feeling overwhelmed.
Do you have a favorite track on the album? Why does it stand out to you?
This is honestly the hardest question because it’s so hard to pick just one. But if I had to choose based on what I’m feeling right now, I’d say “Unspoken” and “not today, but maybe someday.” “Unspoken” feels a little underrated to me, but I love its soft, dreamy, slightly old-soul, retro-leaning production, which carries such a quiet tenderness. And “not today, but maybe someday.” holds a special place in my heart because it reflects this constant loop of quiet hope and fragility that I feel in life. That “maybe someday” feeling — the idea that something you’re holding onto could still happen — still rings true for me. That’s why I chose to place it at the very end of the album, to leave it on a note of quiet, open-ended hope.
If you could sum up the emotional journey of Hourglass Plea in one word, what would it be?
Vulnerability.
How do you hope listeners feel after experiencing the album from start to finish?
I hope listeners feel understood, seen, and represented. And I hope that by allowing themselves to fully acknowledge, feel, and process these emotions, they can eventually find healing.
What do you hope the music industry takes notice of about your debut?
I hope the industry notices that there’s also space for soft, dreamy music in the scene — music that doesn’t have to be loud, overly poppy, or trend-driven to still be felt, heard, and meaningful. With this album, I wanted to lean fully into that gentle R&B/soul, jazz-tinged indie space. My sound will continue to evolve, and I may explore more upbeat and playful energy in the future, but for this debut, I really wanted to honor this softer world and show that it deserves its place too.
How has your personal journey influenced your vision for your music career going forward?
It’s really exciting to realise that my music will keep evolving as my life does. I used to worry about running out of ideas, but the more I experience life and fall in love with it, the more I realise how rich and inspiring it truly is. If that’s how I feel about life, then my music naturally becomes a reflection of that too: always evolving, honest, full of feeling, and growing as I grow.
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