Grandson & the Modern Dilemma: Art, Life, and Creativity
Learning Not To Miss
"A Day In Grand Central Park with Grandson: Discussing Art, Activism, and the Future of Creativity"
Grandson isn't just a musician; he’s a conduit. His music is honest, unflinching and unafraid to dive into the complexities of mental health, activism, and self-discovery, which resonated deeply with a generation grappling with similar struggles. We caught up with him In Central Park in NYC after the release of his deeply personal album, Don’t Miss, for an intimate conversation about vulnerability, connection, and the ever-evolving landscape for artists.
How’s everything? What are you up to"?
On my way to, Central Park for a little fan meet up, hang, play some people the new album, sing a couple songs acoustic. Should be fun.
Your music has always felt incredibly conversational, almost like a shared secret. Where does that impulse to connect so openly come from?
I think it stems from a deep need to understand myself and the world around me. Even as a kid, listening to music felt like eavesdropping on a conversation, a dialogue happening within the songs. I wanted to create that same space for others, a place where they could feel seen and heard.
Don’t Miss feels particularly vulnerable, tackling themes of mental health and loss with striking honesty. What inspired this shift towards such a personal narrative?
It's a reflection of where I am in my life. I've always explored challenging topics in my music, but this time, I wanted to connect those themes to my own experiences, my family, my upbringing. It felt like the right time to pull back the curtain and share a more intimate glimpse into what shaped me as an artist. I find the topic of mental health very, very relevant to the work that I'm doing currently. As early as I can remember when I would listen to great songwriting, I would feel an impulse. I would feel that music was conversational even before I understood what that meant.
Yeah, this life ain't fair
It's more fun to be unaware
For tomorrow I'm not prepared
For tomorrow I'm not prepared
No, I don't learn
Repeat the habit, it just don't work
Trust the feeling and I still get burned
Trust the feeling and I still get burned
So I run
I can't face that I've come undone
I'll be back with the setting sun
- Half My Heart
You mentioned the song "Heather," a tribute to a fan you lost to suicide. That must have been incredibly difficult to write.
It was. It's a song born from grief, but also from a deep sense of responsibility. I've struggled with my own mental health, including suicidal ideation, and I know how important it is to have resources and support. Losing someone like that… it reinforces the urgency of these conversations.
You’re a vocal advocate for mental health awareness. What message do you hope to convey to your fans, especially young people?
That they're not alone. That it's okay to not be okay. And that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. We live in a world that often glorifies the highlight reel, the finished product. But life, and especially art, is a work in progress. It's about embracing the journey, the messy bits, the imperfections.
How has your relationship with your fans evolved over the years?
It's the most important thing to me. Connecting with fans, creating a sense of community – that's why I do this. It gives my music purpose. And it's a constant source of inspiration. The platforms we use to connect might change, the music industry might shift, but the core of that connection, that authenticity, that's what endures.
What's next for you?
More music, more connection, more conversations. I'm constantly evolving, both as an artist and as a person. And I'm excited to see where this journey takes me, and who I get to share it with along the way.
Vulnerability is their strength. ‘Don’t Miss’ is more than just an album; it’s an invitation to connect, to heal, and to embrace the messy, beautiful journey of being human. And in a world that often feels isolating, that invitation is more valuable than ever.
