IN CONVERSATION WITH GRACE VANDERWAAL
interview by JANA LETONJA
Internationally acclaimed artist and actress Grace VanderWaal released her highly anticipated sophomore studio album ‘Childstar’ on 4th April. Besides the album, Grace also announced going on a six city North American Tour, marking her first tour since 2019. ‘Childstar – On Tour’ kicks off on 4th May in Chicago, and includes dates in Toronto, Washington, DC, New York City, and Los Angeles, before concluding on 21st May in San Francisco.
coat REMAIN
shirt, bow tie, briefs ROMEO HUNTE
tights FALKE
shoes BLACK SUEDE STUDIO
earrings KAT KIM
ring ALI WEISS
‘CHILDSTAR’ is described as your most personal body of work to date. What inspired you to take this deeply introspective approach?
‘CHILDSTAR’ and my songwriting in general revolve around unapologetic honesty. That was important to me because it's almost like a form of healing for my inner child.
Your new song ‘Proud’ features a haunting yet uplifting message. Can you share the story behind the lyrics?
‘Proud’ explores the dangerous combination of toxic positive reinforcement and a child's deep need for validation. It tells the story of a kid slowly abandoning themselves in order to do anything to make someone proud.
The transition from ‘Just the Beginning’ to ‘CHILDSTAR’ feels like an evolution. How do you think your songwriting has grown over the years?
I've been writing for about eight or nine years now, and my songwriting is really just a reflection of who I am as a person. My lyrics are more thoughtful, mature, and intentional. I have more life experience, more emotions to draw from, and I can articulate myself better than before.
coat REMAIN
shirt, bow tie, briefs ROMEO HUNTE
tights FALKE
shoes BLACK SUEDE STUDIO
earrings KAT KIM
ring ALI WEISS
bra and brief CONTESSA MILLS
coat ROTATE
tights CALZEDONIA
shoes LARROUDE X ALTUZARRA
earrings HOWL
sunglasses JPLUS
How has regaining your independence as an artist in 2024 impacted your creative process?
I wouldn’t say I’ve "regained" independence. I think it's just a natural progression. You grow, you learn lessons, and then you're ready to apply them. I’ve loved everyone I’ve worked with throughout my career, and I love who I’m working with now. The difference is that I feel like I now have the experience and tools to confidently bring my ideas to life in a way I couldn’t before.
The music industry has changed a lot since your debut. What challenges or advantages did you find while creating this album?
I've been fortunate to have a really supportive environment around me from day one of writing 'CHILDSTAR'. My team really believed in my vision and my "crazy" ideas.
shirt, tie, and skirt THE FRANKIE SHOP
coat REMAIN
shoes GEDEBE
earrings MELISSA KAYE
rings MOCIUN
You’ll also be going on tour, which will mark your first tour since 2019. What are you most excited about bringing to the stage?
I’m most excited about exploring another realm of expression and creativity. With this album, I’ve already pushed myself into new areas like dance, film, and poetry. I see this tour as another opportunity to expand the world of 'CHILDSTAR' and create something truly unique and special.
top and skirt GIAMBATTISTA VALLI
shoes TAMARA MELLON
ear cuff MELISSA KAYE
ring GROWN BRILLIANCE
Can fans expect any surprises in the setlist or stage production for ‘CHILDSTAR – On Tour’?
Absolutely, 100%. I really want to shatter the traditional concert experience. It’s going to be very theatrical and abstract, staying true to the story and aesthetic of 'CHILDSTAR'.
You recently also starred in ‘Megalopolis’ by Francis Ford Coppola. How did that experience compare to your music career?
Acting is incredibly challenging. I have so much respect for actors. But it was also an inspiring experience. Francis Ford Coppola is amazing, and I love him so much.
bra, jacket, and pants NENSI DOJAKA X CALVIN KLEIN
shoes MAISON ERNEST
earrings KAT KIM
rings JADE RUZZO, VANESSA FERNANDEZ
bra and jacket NENSI DOJAKA X CALVIN KLEIN
earrings KAT KIM
rings JADE RUZZO, VANESSA FERNANDEZ
Do you see yourself pursuing more acting roles in the future, or do you feel more at home in music?
If the right project came along, I'd consider it. I love working with creative people and being part of something that feels authentic. But at the end of the day, music is my true passion, and my fans know that.
You’ve been in the public eye since winning ‘America’s Got Talent’ at 12. How has growing up in the spotlight shaped your perspective on fame?
I think it’s been a positive experience overall. Being around incredibly talented and experienced people from such a young age helped me grow. As a kid, I adapted quickly. It was the only environment I knew, so it never felt foreign to me.
hat and dress VALENTINO
shoesJIMMY CHOO
rings MELISSA KAYE
What does success look like for you now compared to when you first started?
Success has always meant the same thing to me, being able to make a living doing what I love, creating music and making work that I’m truly proud of. I hope that definition stays the same when I’m 30, 60, or even 80.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent GRACE VANDERWAAL
photography KOLBY KNIGHT at KRAMER+KRAMER
art direction INGA ODETTE RØD
styling SARAH SLUTSKY TOOLEY at FORWARD ARTISTS
makeup ROBERT SESNEK using PAT MCGRATH COSMETICS
hair VALISSA YOE at SEE MANAGEMENT using ORIBE
DOP KYRRE KRISTOFFERSEN at CLM US
photography assistant BEKA MAGLAKELIDZE
1AC ISABEL PADILLA
video editor SHANNON MESERVE
styling assistants CARLEE PRINCELL, GALI FLORES & TABI MCBEAN
copywriter JENNIE MASON
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial direction and interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN
