In the aftermath of the pandemic, the rise of sad music that you can dance to (GRXCE’s own tagline) has taken residency in the ears of the Australian public and beyond. The perfectly curated blend of toe-tapping melodies and gut-wrenching lyricism has always had a pull over our hearts and now, following on from their kick-ass debut and sold out launch show, Eora/Sydney four piece, GRXCE, prove their place as the newest up and comer to watch with their sophomore single Family Traditions. The track boasts the same all-star team, featuring production and mixing by Fletcher Matthews (The Buoys, CLEWS, Stumps) and mastering by George Georgiadis (Adam Newling, The Vanns).
Family Traditions delves into the complexities of familial relationships and the ways they shape our worldview into adulthood. Stemming from lead singer Jamila Grace’s own family experiences, the track nestles the poetic bluntness of Jamila’s lyrics alongside anthemic, driving guitar that inspires you to scream at the top of your lungs. The dynamic structure of the track illustrates a dense emotional tapestry that weaves in and out of moments of vulnerability. Echoing the lyrical finesse of the likes of Julia Jacklin, Lucy Dacus and Holly Humberstone with the indie rock groove that could sit alongside some of Australia’s most beloved bands; Spacey Jane or The Buoys, GRXCE celebrates the never ending rollercoaster of family difficulties with a curious ear and a heartfelt angst that fights to be heard.
“This song helped me battle the ‘white picket fence’ fantasy I had in my head growing up, deciphering why I felt destined to be alone and why I was so concerned with watching and picking apart family structures around me†– Jamila Grace (lead singer)
For this release, GRXCE has gone beyond the music with all visuals and artwork being designed and created within the band (video editing by drummer, Alex Berger and artwork designed by bassist, Emily Elvish). The homemade aspect of the visuals compliments the central theme of family in the track, designed to mimic old VHS-style family videos that represent the ‘out of place’ sensation one can have within their own household.
Vocalist Jamila Grace discusses the themes of the track: “‘Family Traditions’ was one of the first tracks I wrote that was so personal I almost didn’t even pitch it to the band. I grew up in a split household so shifting between two different realities felt normal to me but the rest of the world made me feel alone in that experience. I never understood what it meant to settle in one spot and I think even now in my twenties that shows in how restlessly I want more and more from myself, the world and the people around me; it is equally my strongest and weakest trait. Writing this song was an ode to my parents, to let them know I appreciate and love them for who they shaped me into but also to try and get them to understand and acknowledge that how I grew up gave me a very lonely perspective of life and love.”
GRXCE has burst into existence since their debut release, gaining audiences in almost 30 countries and receiving airplay across community radio interstate and internationally. After selling out their debut single launch at Factory Theatre, GRXCE will be venturing across the East Coast as they embark on a regional tour, ‘GRXCE Goes Home: The Family Traditions Tour’ to support their sophomore release. The tour centers around each band member’s hometown (Newcastle, Coffs Harbour, South Sydney, North West Sydney), following the motif of family and giving the band a chance to showcase their electric live performances to more new audiences than ever before.
TOUR DATES:
FRIDAY 17TH FEBRUARY – HOUSE OF MUSIC & BOOZE, SYDNEY NSW
FRIDAY 24TH FEBRUARY – KELLY’S ON KING, SYDNEY NSW
FRIDAY 17TH MARCH – BUCKETTY’S BREWERY, BROOKVALE NSW
FRIDAY 24TH MARCH – TOWRADGI BEACH HOTEL, TOWRADGI NSW
SATURDAY 25TH MARCH – CRONULLA RSL, CRONULLA NSW
SUNDAY 26TH MARCH – STAG & HUNTER, NEWCASTLE NSW
FRIDAY 31ST MARCH – THE FRONT, CANBERRA ACT
SATURDAY 1ST APRIL – GLENORIE RSL, GLENORIE NSW
SUNDAY 2ND APRIL – THE BURDEKIN, SYDNEY NSW
SATURDAY 8TH APRIL – HOEY MOEY, COFFS HARBOUR NSW
FRIDAY 14TH APRIL – BEACH ROAD HOTEL, BONDI NSW
SUNDAY 16TH APRIL – TOMCAT, BRISBANE QLD
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