The return of Perth-born, Melbourne-based songwriter and performer Grace Woodroofe, is one in a long journey of reclamation and empowerment. With her first single in eight years, fittingly titled ‘Beginning’, Woodroofe presents herself in her purest form: open, honest and ready to thrive.
‘Beginning’, while serving as an introduction to some, is a beautiful reintroduction to a talented songwriter and musician, who listeners will be hearing much more of as 2023 continues to roll out.
Recorded in Sydney with ARIA-nominated producer Xavier Dunn (Jack River, Peking Duk), Woodroofe used the pain and trauma experienced throughout the course of a long-term relationship to inform her art and ultimately, start a phase of healing that would lead her back to her original love for music.
‘Beginning’, the first single to come from Woodroofe’s forthcoming sophomore studio album, charts the beginning of the end stage of this relationship; the ways in which the reality of an abusive relationship can be overlooked because, simply, the love itself is so crushing.
She explained, “I had written many resentment songs when I first began the process of writing this album. They were the easiest to write about and sit with. When I sat down to write ‘Beginning’, I knew it was time to depict the stages that came before the anger. The bargaining, denial and desperation I had to keep things going was an important phase in the story, and a key part in grief. Holding onto key memories, moments and feelings, in order to divert the pain.”
What results in ‘Beginning’ is an intimate portrait of Woodroofe’s thoughts and feelings as she revisits a painful time of her life – personally and creatively. The relationship, so intrinsically linked to her artistry and career at the time, brought Woodroofe to some of her lowest points.
And so it is with ‘Beginning’ and this forthcoming record, that she demonstrates her journey in finding herself again. The project has been one of fulfillment for Woodroofe, who today re-emerges as a strong individual; her music hopes to provide solace and inspiration for women and people who may be in similar situations – there is a way out and light to embrace.
A seasoned musician both under her own name, as well as indie-electronic moniker R.W. Grace, Woodroofe has attracted national and international attention for her music. Her touring experience has seen her support the likes of Cat Power, alt-j, Glass Animals and Matt Corby, while also impressing on stages at festivals, including SXSW, CMJ New York, Byron Bay Blues & Roots Festival and Southbound.
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