On Beat!

By Pilar Bradley

An interview with Gracie Kahn 

When you find a song or artist you resonate with, it can create an indescribable feeling. Music is a way of life, and for some, it’s the only way. When you set your sights on finding a new melody, it can be pretty hard to stay on beat.

Music is subjective. What may sound like an entire orchestra to you, may sound like an unrehearsed middle-school band performance to someone else. Think about your favorite artists: have they always been well-respected? When it comes to our favorite music icons, there's a shared character trait amongst each of them: they’re all revolutionary. If you like to listen to Stevie Nicks’ melodic voice, or Willow Smith’s new-age punk pop, icons like David Bowie understand that we’re ‘Under Pressure’  to find our beat. 

Music allows for an escape into another world. It’s a way we can let loose, savor a feeling, or identify how we feel through sound. There shouldn't be any pressure to stay on beat. Whatever music soothes your soul, listen to that. Harmonize with it. Become the beat. 

I asked Gracie Kahn, music curator extraordinaire, how she stays on beat. 

Describe the feeling of discovering a new song and/or artist. 

Gracie: It’s an out of body experience. Sometimes it takes a second, or sometimes you have to wait for the build up. You should really take the time to hear the music, not just listen. It becomes personal. When you build a relationship with that song or artist, it becomes much more intimate and healing. You start to understand the music, but you also start to understand yourself. 

What’s your relationship to music? How deep does it run?

Gracie: Music is everything to me. It’s saved me way too many times. It’s a form of support I run to, and I know it’ll always be there for me. It’s such a huge part of who I am. If you know me, you know this is something I love deeply. I’m always looking to build my relationship with music, whether that be through discovering new artists or songs. I’m always looking to strengthen that relationship. 

How deeply have the musicians of our past impacted music now?

Gracie: Without them, what would music be? I think this applies to any form of art. Specifically when I think of Hip Hop. Without Lauryn Hill, A Tribe Called Quest, Notorious B.I.G., The Pharcyde, and the Digable Planets, creating a new culture of music in the nineties, today's genre of Hip Hop wouldn’t be what it is. 

Take us through your thought-process. How much effort and care does it take to curate a successful playlist? 

Gracie: Sometimes it can be a little stressful when I'm trying to achieve a specific mood. There’s usually an intention behind every playlist I make. I’ve even stayed up until 6 a.m. making sure that everything sounds cohesive. Again, it really depends on your intentions. There’s so much thought behind every lyric, chord, and melody. Creating playlists is fun! What I love about making them, is finding new artists and songs to widen my library. 

Any recommendations?

Gracie: Omar Apollo’s latest album Ivory. A must listen. Not The Same Anymore- The Strokes. Love- Keyshia Cole. SAD GIRLZ LUV MONEY Remix- Amarae (feat. Kali Uchis and Moliy). Taken Mine- Heather B. Only in My Dreams- The Marías. Stargirl interlude- The Weeknd, Lana Del Rey. Trust Nobody- Ama Lou, Pool- Still Woozy & Remi Wolf, Envy-Ogi. Anything from my recent playlists! 

What does staying on beat mean for you:

Gracie: In a grove! Being able to get to the next task. Going with the flow for sure, but it gives me a sense of grounding. Finding your own rhythm and being comfortable with yourself.

Advice for those who are struggling to find their rhythm: How should they find the beat? 

Gracie: Focus on you. Figure out what you like, what you don’t like, and what suits you. Setting your boundaries is always key. Get creative! If you’ve been thinking about doing something, do it. 💌

Want to hear more from Gracie?

As our music curator, Gracie is constantly adding good tunes to our playlists on Spotify. Be sure to take a listen. In addition to Primadonna, Check out Sonic Chaos! A radio segment that serves as a platform for her love of music and sharing it with you. 

Spotify: gkahn35

@sonicchaoswfit

💌

Photographer: Pilar Bradley

Models: Mia Hope Bertot, Nova Krasner, Cooper Sudderth

Stylist: Pilar Bradley

Hair: Chris Guidry, Tiffany Miller

Makeup: Nova Krasner, Pilar Bradley