As a fan of Grace, I’m truly fascinated by her journey from child prodigy to mature artist. It’s not every day that you encounter someone who can take the experiences of a lifetime and transform them into art that resonates with so many people.
12-year-old Grace VanderWaal charmed America on America’s Got Talent with her ukulele skills. Now, at 20 years old, she is a singer and actress gearing up for a new album after releasing two singles in the past couple of months. Additionally, she will be appearing in the upcoming Francis Ford Coppola film Megalopolis.
One day prior to its theater release, VanderWaal shared insights about her film experience, musical growth, and current passions with The Hollywood Reporter, during a Zoom conversation.
After first appearing in Disney’s “Stargirl” at age 20, she hasn’t closed the door on future projects but appears to be concentrating on her upcoming album. Known as VanderWaal, who has spent much of her youth under public scrutiny, describes her next album as “heavy”, providing a genuine reflection of her current experiences.
She explains to THR that the album doesn’t have an ending since it represents her current mental state at this moment. She believes this unresolved quality makes it powerful and authentic as it mirrors the raw, sometimes bleak nature of real life, which doesn’t come with a solution.
Below, VanderWaal gets candid about her career, along with her life outside of music and acting.
Could you share with me your personal account of working on the project Megalopolis? To start, how did you feel as you embarked on this journey, and now that its release is imminent, could you describe your current emotions?
Working on set was incredibly creative and collaborative; it felt like I had free rein to shape my contribution. To be honest, during the process, I didn’t really absorb much – it was almost as if it wasn’t real yet. This might have been beneficial because it prevented me from getting too anxious. I just dived in headfirst. Now that I’ve seen the movie a few times and it’s about to be released, I’m thrilled! I’m proud of what I contributed to the project, even though I’m such a tiny part of this grand production. It left me awestruck, and I’m just grateful to be a tiny finger on this massive creation – a mere pinky of the monster, if you will.
Had you been acquainted with Francis Ford Coppola and his body of work prior to joining this project? Given that most of his films were released before you were born, what initially drew you to him?
Despite being slightly before our era, his films have undeniably left an indelible mark on cinematic history; they’re simply ageless. His creations are destined to endure for countless generations. I must admit, not only was I familiar with his movies but also his persona. It’s become quite a cultural phenomenon… the Coppola name. You can find references to it even in cartoons, and you can always recognize that as his work. (Laughs) Yes, those are definitely his films. I had no doubt about who he was, and of course, The Godfather and all his iconic pieces of work.
In the setting of Megalopolis, your character is a young woman who finds herself entangled between two powerful individuals vying for control. What was it about this specific plot point that made you want to be part of this project?
What captivated me about Vesta was not just its premise, but rather the intricate details that hinted at Coppola’s artistic prowess. I rarely engage in projects without a purpose. What struck me was how each element seemed capable of spinning off into its own storyline, making it feel almost like a character in itself, whether major or minor.
Do you see yourself continuing to act in the future?
This experience truly motivated me and sparked my desire to participate in more extraordinary opportunities. However, I often feel that such opportunities are scarce and demand patience. If, by chance, an exceptional opportunity lands on my desk, I would seize it without hesitation and wholeheartedly contribute to it.
In your latest song “Call it What You Want,” released in August, there seemed to be a bridge connecting the music you were producing earlier and your more recent release “What’s Left of Me.” The latter seems to introduce a new side of you as an artist. Was this transition a deliberate move?
As a devoted fan, I can certainly empathize with the artist’s approach when they presented their album, world, and concept to Pulse Records. The intention was clear: to guide listeners seamlessly into this unique experience in a manner that felt natural and secure. Shock value or discreditation wasn’t the goal; instead, there was a deliberate plan to subtly introduce the new project amidst the familiar tunes and their signature style. This gradual integration ensured a harmonious blend of the old and the new, maintaining the essence of what we love while introducing something fresh and exciting.
Have you felt that you’ve been put into a box musically because of where you got your start?
Indeed, I’m the one responsible for this task. It’s my belief that we often impose limitations on ourselves, perhaps even more so than others might. Consequently, I did feel pressured and confined, but mainly due to the self-imposed narrative I had spun around the situation.
At the age of twenty, looking back, can you see your time on America’s Got Talent in a fresh perspective?
I’m feeling great! I’m overjoyed with how everything turned out. America’s Got Talent was just a well-oiled machine; it’s almost like you’re simply going through the motions, and it’s made to make that easy. It’s nice in a way because of the readjustment needed afterwards. The hardest part about this industry is that there’s no clear roadmap or standard routine. Many people can feel quite lost as they have to find their own way. It’s unique for each person, which can be odd, but I believe everything happened as it should, and I’m content with where I am in my music career.
Have there been any musicians that have either been there for you or mentored you over the years?
To be honest, while there might be some occasional interaction, there’s absolutely no close relationship or mentorship whatsoever. It’s quite amusing because people often ask if I have well-known acquaintances or industry connections, but the truth is, I barely have friends in my personal life, let alone famous ones.
How would I present Grace in the current context, given that she has grown up since her days on television at age 12? What are some aspects of her character and experiences that I’d like people to be aware of as she navigates adulthood, rather than the preconceived notions they might have based on their memories of her childhood portrayal?
I enjoy crafting and sharing work that resonates with my own tastes. This confidence in my creations stems from the fact that I am a lover of music and appreciate artists who push boundaries. Quality, creativity, and art are values close to my heart, and if these aspects appeal to you or spark your curiosity, I might be able to contribute to your interests in the coming days.
What are you doing when you’re not working on music?
I enjoy watching both movies and TV shows, and I have a strong passion for home decoration, absolutely. This pastime of mine involves constantly searching for unique items to make my home even more eccentric. When I’m not working, I usually spend time with my cat.
What are you passionate about these days?
Through my experiences and personal journey, I’ve been privy to a great deal. The internet, in particular, has provided a unique vantage point, almost like observing a real-life sociological experiment. I witnessed the world transform a young girl who enjoyed singing into someone subjected to intense scrutiny, which remains a struggle for me even today. This powerful influence initially sparked revulsion, but eventually morphed into fascination as I became compelled to understand its origins.
In what ways did you manage to serve as a role model for young women during their growth, even as you were learning and growing yourself?
As a young teenager, I didn’t feel the need to be a role model because I was primarily concerned with protecting myself. However, my actions may have inadvertently made me appear as one due to my adherence to rules and responsibilities. It’s important to note that I wasn’t just some random 13-year-old who suddenly appeared; my mother was always watching over me. In interviews, I wouldn’t reveal secrets about what my friends and I did privately because she was always there. Currently, I don’t aspire to be a role model, but I also haven’t intentionally distanced myself from that role. I’m still working through many personal feelings and emotions.
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2024-09-27 17:55