Grace Marr exudes freedom and youthful nostalgia on her new single “Twenty-Two Again” writes SHIFTER’s Olivia Barrett.
She emerged on the scene marching to the beat of her own drum. Grace Marr recently released her newest single “Twenty-Two Again” in her distinct “alternative inspirational” style, a multi-genre blend of pop, R&B, gospel and contemporary Christian music influences. Reminiscing about the carefree nature of being in your twenties, Marr’s single weaves nostalgia with a sense of optimism to create the captivating chorus: “na na na, it’ll be fun.”
Marr explained that this song was inspired by a phone call with her best friend where they reflected on the things they wished they had done before adulthood came at them in full effect. Specifically, before her friend was suffering with a chronic illness. The song “spilled out simultaneously over the next 42 minutes,” Marr said.
An ode to trading responsibilities for recklessness, “Twenty-Two Again” reflects on the lost experiences from her early twenties and wishing she knew less than she does now. This song provides a glimpse into the paradox of “chasin’ after time when time’s been chasin’ you”, the race against time that comes with balancing growing up too quickly, and longing for the opportunity to be young and free again.
Marr explained that the song offers listeners an escape from the worries of everyday life and the future. It helps them “to live presently in a youthful nostalgia,” she added.
To emphasize that living freely has no age limit, Marr said, “you’ll never be as young again as you are today.”
The Toronto-based singer-songwriter released her debut single, “Upside,” in 2020, followed by two more released in 2022. By blending together R&B and Gospel, Marr’s music bridges the gap between her spirituality and identity as a queer artist, with much of her inspiration stemming from her faith. This intersection of her identity offers a degree of authenticity in her music that is unmistakable. To achieve her signature fusion of R&B, pop, Christian contemporary music and gospel genres, Marr incorporates a raw, soulful sound with her dynamic “powerhouse vocals.”
Despite being a newer artist on the scene, Marr has no shortage of experience. In 2019, she won the Slaight Music Studio Prize and was a part of the Honey Jam Canada emerging artist program. Over the past few years, Marr has worked with industry icons like Rodney ‘DarkChild’ Jenkins and Reach Records, and even collaborated with Maverick City Music’s TRIBL Anthologies to write “Where Would I Be.”
As her latest single continues to inspire listeners to embrace their youthful nostalgia, Marr is just getting started. Recently, she has been working on and recording new songs for her debut album Saving Grace, which is set to release in late 2024.
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