Equipped with pink sparkly dresses, platform white heels and an enviable vocal range, Molly Grace is a woman to watch for in the music landscape. Since the 2021 release of her debut EP “Everybody Wants to Know Molly,” the 23-year-old singer’s pop and funk-influenced tracks have paved the road for the eventual viral success of her newest single, “F.E.M.M.E.”, on TikTok. Her “But I’m A Pop Star!” tour kicked off in the Mercury Lounge on Feb. 20, and the artist spoke to WSN about her musical journey and why queer pop is now more important than ever.
This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.
WSN: To those who aren’t familiar with you and your work, how would you describe yourself? Why should we listen to Molly Grace?
Grace: Something I’ve always said is, if I can get someone in the room for a concert, I can make them a fan. I think that my music is empowering in the crowds. Big or small, it always feels intimate –– it always feels like a kiki! If you want to have a good time, a Molly Grace concert sounds like the place to be.
WSN: You’ve worked hard at promoting your work online and creating the viral moments that helped form your fanbase. How does it feel to be back on tour with so many fans excited to sing your songs?
Grace: It’s honestly crazy. Obviously, videos go viral, but I didn’t know if it would mean people would come to the shows. We went to these cities last year around this time and are now playing in venues that are double or triple the size and selling out, which is really exciting. I think performing live is what I do best, so I’m just excited that people are gonna be here.
WSN: There’s so much joy expressing sexuality and freedom associated with your music, can you talk about your tour’s partnership with LIFEBEAT?
Grace: LIFEBEAT is a program affiliated with the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation. In addition to being a style icon, Taylor was a huge advocate and raised millions of dollars for HIV research. LIFEBEAT specifically partners with them through music events. I look up to her so much from a style perspective, and obviously working with the queer community has just been wonderful. They’re here giving out sexual health resources or resources for PrEP. It just feels really important, now more than ever.
WSN: Speaking of LGBTQ+ representation, you’ve said some of your major inspirations are Chappell Roan, Reneé Rapp and Remi Wolf. What has it been like being a part of this queer, lesbian pop moment?
Grace: My girls! Honestly, it just feels serendipitous. I came out as bisexual only a couple of years ago, and it was really only within the past year that I stepped into my identity as a lesbian. As I’m coming to terms with who I am in my sexuality, it also happens to be right at the same time when all these other lesbian pop stars are having their moment. Obviously, this current pop renaissance is based on decades of lesbian artists trying to break through into the media, so it makes me so happy to see so many finally get their mainstream success.
WSN: What was it like making the song “F.E.M.M.E.”? Did you have a feeling it would resonate with a lot of people?
Grace: I always loved the song. I thought it was really catchy, but I wasn’t sure if people were gonna get it. We performed it live a few times in the summer, and people did enjoy it. While writing the bridge and going through the recording process, we really dialed in on the message and the sounds, so I’m really glad that other people like it too. I feel like the best part has been seeing all the femme lesbians who’ve been loving it, but also, everyone in the queer community can take a little something from it.
WSN: You started releasing music in college, and many people at NYU are in similar positions, juggling being a student and trying to become an artist. Do you have any advice you would give to these aspiring artists or even something you would tell your younger self?
Grace: I started releasing things during my freshman year, and looking back, I cringe. There are so many things I would change, but putting yourself out there is how you really grow. Starting early in college got me ready to hit the ground running. By the time I graduated, I had a much better sense of who I was. College is such a safe space to figure yourself out and try new things, especially in a creative place like New York or in Nashville.
Contact Amelia Knust at [email protected].