How Grace Carter Explored the Power of Letting Go in Her New Single, ‘Dark Matter’

British singer-songwriter Grace Carter was quiet for most of 2021, but now that she's released her first single of the year, "Dark Matter," it's clear the wait was well worth it.

The single, which came out last month, is one of her deepest and most personal yet, exploring loss, as well as learning to let go of her absent father. Grace held on to the song for many years before finally feeling ready to release it into the universe, and we got the chance to chat with Grace about what it means to her, and how it feels to finally share it.

What was the songwriting process of "Dark Matter" like? Was it difficult to dig into that subject matter and share that vulnerability in your music?

Grace Carter: I wrote "Dark Matter" in 2017. I had gone away to Spain for two weeks to work with two of my closest collaborators and this was a song I needed to write. The whole process of writing this song was cathartic. I've always seen it as the letter I wrote but was too scared to send, and I guess I've come to a point in my life recently where I felt ready and strong enough to send it (release it). Everything I do comes from a place of vulnerability as emotion was the main reason I started writing in the first place. I felt a lot as a child, and music was the one way I could overcome my emotions and experiences.

 

SH: Has performing and releasing the song felt freeing at all?

GC: 100%. It's been sitting in a folder for four years so it definitely feels like a weight's been lifted having it out in the world!

 

SH: Do you have any advice for letting go of someone, especially someone who was never really there for you in the first place?

GC: It takes time! I spent 20 years seeking approval from someone who was incapable of giving it to me. Be kind to yourself and don't be afraid of change. Change is what leads to growth.

 

SH: What kinds of emotions and insights do you hope that the song provokes in your audience?

GC: The song is so honest and comes straight from my heart onto the page. I hope people can feel that.

 

SH: What's your favorite lyric from the song? Why?

GC: "I've never been religious, never thought I'd need a father, most of me is just my mother, the rest is dark matter," because it's the truth!

 

SH: How is this song different from what you've released in the past? Do you feel like your music is moving in a new direction?

GC: This song definitely feels different, but it's still me and my story. I wouldn't say I'm necessarily going in a different direction, I'm just more open to trying new things. This song isn't a big power ballad like I've done before, but the message is still there.

 

SH: What can we expect from you next?

GC: More music! It's been a turbulent couple of years, but I'm excited for what's next. I found myself putting loads of pressure on myself to release music quickly, but unless the music is right there is no point. I want to have an impact.

 

SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?

GC: Stream "Dark Matter"! Haha.

 

Love discovering amazing new music? Click HERE to read our interview with CALLA on her powerful new single, "Too Nice."