Assuming you haven’t been living under a rock for the past twelve months, you’ve likely heard the name ‘Gracie Jet’, either in passing or on the marquee of a venue. The Owen Sound local has been passionate about song writing since she was a child, but has recently allowed herself to indulge in her passion, entering the creative space to express herself musically.
While most working musicians manage to push out one or two singles a year, Jet has proved her dedication to the craft by producing and releasing four original, heartfelt songs in the past 10 months. No small feat for anyone, let alone someone working countless hours in the Ontario medical service sector.
She released her first single Sister in January of 2023. The song is a clear homage to the bond that can only exist between those who have spent a lifetime together. Family has a special way of getting under our skin, affecting us intensely and ultimately being one of the more important sources of support in the entire world. She sings “I see your pain and I know it’s hard, but don’t break my heart” in this achingly personal account of sisterly love. The song is a sincere depiction of what it feels like to want the best for someone you care so deeply about, that at times it hurts.
In February, she released the song Bicycle, a relatable tale for anyone who has moved away from home to find a new start. With beat-driven pop production, the song dances between moments of inspirational lifts and vulnerable admissions. With lyrics like “I am your biggest fan, the boy you never had” it is once again evident that familial support and love runs deep in this artist’s emotional vocabulary.
Be Like Us is an upbeat-pop departure from the somber themes that carry throughout her previous tracks. It elicits feelings of empowerment, a sense of confidence and a strong pull to embrace these notions on the dance floor. Sway is also an upbeat, guitar-driven tune about having music in your soul from a young age.
As a full-time nurse, Gracie is no stranger to hard work, with often little to no reward or validation. It’s this kind of spirit, work ethic, and tenacity that forms an impenetrably strong foundation for someone with a dream of a life in the arts. She speaks to the complicatedness of the medical field in her poignant release Nightingale. The song reads like a journal, shared amongst those whose profession requires them to spend time in the face of some of humanity’s darkest moments. At times agonizingly eye-opening, the song manages, ultimately, to feel like an outstretched hand to those in need, as she says “put the weight on me.”
Working with some of the area’s best, Gracie Jet shows no signs of slowing her roll, and you can catch her performing locally at almost anytime of the year. With her band, she has performed in acclaimed venues such as The Monarch Tavern and Heartwood Concert Hall. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming releases and find her music at graciejet.com.
Photos by Madeline Torrie