Jamie Grace
CBN.com Have you ever watched a movie scene where the seasons change in a matter of seconds, progressing the story from the present to the future? There, in one sweeping scene, you can witness the passage of time and its impact on people’s lives.
Put that cinematic montage onto a music recording, what you get is One Song At A Time by Jamie Grace. One Song At A Time picks up where her imaginative debut EP left off, revealing the heart of a unique young woman in progress. Here, this self-taught musician who plays six instruments carves out some unforgettable new music—think Sara Bareilles, Macy Gray and Colbie Calliat—infusing a funky, laid-back vibe as unique as the young woman herself.
“She writes, sings and plays her own music. And she has this style that can’t be put into a typical label box,” says tobyMac, who signed the Atlanta-based Jamie Grace after tracking her clever YouTube videos for more than three years. “When some people sing and play, it’s almost effortless, and their joy is all over them. That’s what grabbed my attention with Jamie Grace. I’ve not been this excited to work with an artist in a long, long time.”
Jamie Grace’s effervescent spirit and contagious joy can only be understood in the context of her story. And her struggle. Diagnosed with Tourette’s Syndrome at age 11, her young life became a series of heartbreak and challenge, a long season of physical exhaustion, emotional stress and spiritual doubt. But at age 13, inspired by the powerful testimony of Tammi Trent, Jamie Grace came to a life-changing conclusion: “I knew, ‘I’ve cried enough. It’s time to accept my joy.’ I still have something to do with my life. I love to sing. I have a story, and I’ve got to share it.”
Produced by Christopher Stevens (Carrie Underwood, tobyMac), Arch Nemesiz (GabeReal and Dave Wyatt of DiverseCity) and David Garcia (Mandisa, Group1Crew) One Song At A Time features 11 distinctive tracks, including the No. 1 Christian AC and No. 1 Christian CHR radio hit "Hold Me" (featuring tobyMac), “You Lead,” “With You,” “Come to Me” and “God Girl.”
“I’ve come a long way spiritually,” says Jamie Grace, who at age 19 is embarking on her senior year at college. “Not that I was lost or bewildered, but God has shown me so much. I’ve gotten rid of some of my insecurities, and I’m learning a lot more about my voice, my point of view and myself. I’m still exploring different genres, but within that I’m discovering that is who I am. And I’ve been inspired by people like tobyMac and Nicole C. Mullen to embrace all those differences. I guess you could say I’ve grown up a bit. One Song At A Time is a perfect title for the record because that’s basically how I’ve been growing, ‘just give me my guitar’ and one song at a time.”
The innocence and honesty of songs like No. 1 hit “Hold Me” and “God Girl” resonate with students, especially young girls who struggle with self-acceptance and the need to belong.
“I wrote ‘God Girl’ as an anthem for all those girls, 16 and under,” Jamie Grace says of the infectious, spirited melody. “The lyrics are what got me through my elementary, middle school and even high school years. Answering the question: ‘Am I gonna look like them or am I gonna be my own person?’ This one is for all my sisters out there, one to sing at the top of their lungs. I’m God’s girl, for the whole world to see.”
Other tracks like “Come To Me,” “With You” and “You Lead,” make it clear that finding purpose and security during craziness of life at any age is rooted in relationship with God.
“I’ve inherited my parents’ (who are both pastors) drive to succeed, to make your life count,” Jamie Grace says. “They’ve always been such great encouragers. After Tourette’s, kids would be bullies and say mean things, and I didn’t know if I could handle it, my Mom would remind me to stay focused on the dreams God had given me, to keep working hard, because God wouldn’t give me these dreams without giving me what I need to fulfill them. ...So many of my songs are about saying ‘God, you lead, and I’m gonna follow. You’re in charge and I’m just rocking the back seat.’”
Like height-marks on the door frame throughout a child’s life, One Song At A Time charts the spiritual awakenings and undeniable talent of a young woman in the most beautiful spring of her life.
“The other day, my brother-in-law said, ‘You know, you’re kind of like a woman now.’ And it struck me as funny, but also true. I’m still that goofy kid that I always was. But know I’m at a new place, stepping into the time God has for my life, really jumping in to what God has for me. And I definitely think I’m ready.”
