by mariah estran
Los Angeles singer/songwriter Grace Kay has released another uplifting single. The illuminating tune titled “Open” serves as an empowering ode to accepting life’s opportunities while never forgetting your own power.
Kay was inspired by encouraging a close friend to try new things. She sings over glimmery synths, reminding us to keep our chins up and to follow the light, even when it seems daunting. A consoling array of pop sounds encapsulates that feeling of a much-needed chat with your bestie. The hug and push that’s essential at times. It’s felt through the three minutes of dance-in-your-room vibrations, complete with a grand guitar solo.
Collaborating with producer Austin Foley (Jynjo), the singer shares the experience that started during Twitch livestreams. “We finished the first draft in April of 2021. My producer, Austin Foley, would livestream making beats on Twitch. I’d be writing vocal patches and sending them to him midstream,” the singer says. “I wanted the song to feel as open and free as it could as well, so the song begins with this beautiful pad constructed from my vocals, consisting of open 4ths and 5ths. Austin created them from my vocal stems!”
Even with the track's inspiring nature, there was a time when Kay had lost faith in the song’s creation. But with help from Tre Ulseth on guitar, the track came together.
The singer gifts a reminder: there’s always more the universe can offer.