Gracie Mauk invites listeners to embrace the pensive nostalgia of winter with her debut EP (Vol. 1), which is is a reflective journey through live instrumentals, sweetly raw vocals, and deeply thoughtful lyrics.

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Gracie about the new music, dream collabs, AI, and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

This AI thing is getting way out of control. I have students using ChatGPT to write death metal songs about country music…and country songs about being sad. You can feed some Ais a text prompt and create a Hollywood-quality short film. How do you feel about this new wave of technological innovation?

It makes me sad. Technology is great for modern conveniences, but not for making art. I am not a great person to ask though because I wish I had grown up in the 1970s.   

What’s your favorite song and/or favorite artist of all time?

Favorites artists – The Beatles, Carole King, Kate Bush, Led Zeppelin, Wilco

Favorite song – Make Me Smile by Chicago

Congratulations on the release of “Vol 1.” What are you hoping to accomplish with this release?

I am hoping to book some more original gigs.

What drives you to create? What keeps you going, especially on the bad days?

Music keeps me going. Victor Wooten teaches about “The gift of music.”  I feel we owe to ‘music’ to keep creating, exploring, and sharing.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why?

I would love to write a song with Jeff Tweedy.  He makes songwriting look so easy. Although I have read his songwriting books, I would love to see his process in action.

Where is the best place to stay connected with you?

Instragam. @graciemauk

I appreciate Your time. Want to say anything else before we sign off?

I had a lot of fun working on these songs. I have wanted to record an album live with a band for a long time! I hope the listeners feel the warmth, love and thoughtfulness in the tracks. Thanks for your time!