Nashville Welcomes 18-Year-Old Guitar Prodigy Grace Bowers
In the vibrant city of Nashville, a new star is rising in the music scene. Grace Bowers, an 18-year-old guitar prodigy, is capturing hearts and stages with her soulful music and undeniable talent. Known for her powerful debut album, Wine on Venus, Grace is steadily making her mark in one of the world’s most famous music hubs.
An Unexpected Move to Nashville
Grace grew up in a small town in Northern California. Her big move to Nashville came at the end of COVID, when she and her family decided to visit friends in the area. Just six weeks later, they were packing their bags and heading to Tennessee. “It wasn’t necessarily for music, but it was a better environment for my brothers and me, and we all just loved it out here,” Grace explained.
A Passion Ignited by Inspiration
The seed for Grace’s musical journey was planted when she was just nine years old. After seeing a video of Slash, the legendary guitarist from Guns N’ Roses, she was compelled to pick up a guitar for the first time. While her initial motivation was to look cool, it wasn’t until she heard the music of BB King at age 13 that she discovered her true passion for playing the instrument.
Debut Album: Wine on Venus
In honor of her late grandmother, Grace titled her debut album, Wine on Venus. “The name comes from something my Nana said before she passed away at 100,” she shared. Grace’s family reflected on her grandmother’s words during their first Christmas without her. “She told my uncle she’d be drinking wine on Venus because it’s the brightest star. That phrase stuck with me, and we wrote a song about it.” The album explores themes of youth, empowerment, and what it means to grow up.
Upcoming Shows and Festivals
This summer, Grace has been busy at music festivals, with several more shows lined up, including Bourbon & Beyond in Louisville, Pilgrimage Festival in Franklin, Tennessee, and Riverfront Revival in North Charleston, South Carolina. One of her favorite festival performances so far was at Bottlerock in Napa Valley. “I also got to meet Slash recently, which was amazing!” Grace excitedly said.
Finding Relaxation
When she takes a break from music, Grace enjoys exploring the rural areas surrounding Nashville in her Jeep, often accompanied by her two dogs. “I love to find abandoned buildings and take pictures of them,” she mentioned, highlighting her love for photography.
Challenges as a Young Female Musician
Being an 18-year-old female musician presents unique challenges for Grace. “I get underestimated a lot, and people sometimes don’t take me seriously,” she admitted. However, she recognizes that her age and gender also help her stand out in a crowded music scene.
A Hidden Talent in the Family
Surprisingly, Grace is the first person in her family to play an instrument. “No one else in my family plays music,” she revealed, showcasing her uniqueness within her family dynamic.
Passion for Community and Advocacy
Grace is not just a musician; she is also passionate about giving back and being involved in her community. She is an advocate for safer gun laws and became vocal after the Covenant School shooting in Tennessee. “I wanted to help and use my voice to make a difference,” she said. Grace’s charitable spirit is evident through performances for local causes, including a recent prom she played for a local high school.
Life Outside of Music
Apart from her music and community endeavors, Grace finds comfort in simple pleasures. “I can’t live without my dogs, frozen yogurt, and my Jeep,” she stated, conveying the importance of these items in her life.
Lightning Round Fun
During a lightning round of questions, Grace shared some of her favorite things. She loves a Dino’s cheeseburger from a local restaurant and enjoys snacking on Mike and Ike’s while on the road. As a good luck charm, she wears a necklace with a little middle finger on it, which adds a touch of personality.
Looking to the Future
With an impressive start to her music career, Grace Bowers is someone to keep an eye on as she continues to rise in the music world. Her powerful voice, relatable lyrics, and strong character make her not just a musician but a role model for many young people. Grace’s journey in Nashville has just begun, and it will be exciting to see where her path leads next!