It has been nearly three years since we've heard any new music from singer-songwriter Jamie Grace. And in that time, the "Do Life Big" singer has lived a lot of life. From leaving her longtime label, to wondering if she might retire from music altogether, to a viral tidal wave that hit when she was called onstage to sing with Adele.

Jamie Grace has been working on new music these days, and as she's prepping her new album--likely to drop in the first half of next year--she wanted to give her fans a little something to tide them over. That little something is a brand new single produced by Superchick's Matt Dally, "Party Like A Princess"--a song that captures Jamie Grace's relentless energy while venturing into some as-of-yet new territory musically for the "Hold Me" artist.

The song--whose lyric video will premiere on NRT Friday, Nov. 18 and will go to preorder the same day--hits digital outlets Friday, Nov. 25.

With the announcement of new music, Jamie Grace took some time to tell NewReleaseToday about the last few years, her turning point, the new music, and what's next.
 

 

This is the first release of totally new music for you, pretty much, in three years! How does it feel?

It's the greatest feeling ever, ha! Singing is literally my favorite thing to do, and the fact that I get to share songs with others will forever blow me away. My songs are sneak peeks into how I'm feeling at certain moments in my life, so it almost feels like I've had big news that I've had to keep from a good friend for a long time. I can't wait to finally spill it and share my heart!

Tell us about the song, "Party Like A Princess." Why is this the one you chose to come back with?

We knew this song would be a part of the album and had no plans of releasing it before everything else. But once we got the first mix of it back from Matt Dally, my producer, there was a unanimous decision to share this one first. The message is really important to me and the sound is something I've wanted to do for a while.

Ever since I was a little girl I've prayed for God to bless me with a Godly marriage, and I truly believe that He will. Even so, we should always celebrate the seasons that we are in. "Party Like A Princess" is an anthem for all girls, young or old, who are waiting on their prince. When that season of life begins, it will be wonderful. But right here, this season of waiting, is one worth celebrating too. So all the girls out there, get ready to party like a princess.

How has life changed since you had that special moment with Adele?

There was a time, quite recently, when I thought I may never release another Jamie Grace album again. I felt as though my voice, my words, didn't matter and my crazy traveling and singing dream was just that: crazy. I've been doing this since I was 17 and truly couldn't ask for the dream to get any better. So I talked to my parents about wanting to retire fairly soon and started preparing for that transition. I became the full-time worship leader at my church and started working toward becoming a foster parent, which included moving out of my parents' house.

I was so blessed to have the voices of my family, close friends and my team constantly telling me to never give up. My incredible community of friends on social media shared their prayers and encouragement, and I was so grateful. Yet brokenness doesn't always heal overnight and I had a hard time accepting their words that that Lord wasn't finished with me yet.
 

Fast forward to August: the Adele show. Right around that time, my sister Morgan (Harper Nichols) and I were approached and signed by Jeff Roberts, a booking agent who became like family to us and our parents/manager. Also in August I started working with The YouTube Space in L.A. as I hit over 100,000 subscribers. Thank you!

In a matter of weeks, these crazy, big, random moments happened and completely rocked my world. I cried like a baby a ton as I was overwhelmed with joy in realizing that maybe, just maybe, God still wanted to use me. The broken girl with broken dreams in desperate need of grace; He wasn't finished with me yet.

I'm glad that I have been able to lead worship at my home church again as well as work with an incredible foster/adoption agency and help to bring awareness toward some amazing kids. Even so, God has used some of the most unlikely experiences to remind me that we ALL have a voice that can be used to lift up His kingdom. Even me. And I should never stop using it.

Also, it's not too bad when friends introduce me as "the girl that sang with Adele." Ha! Coolest party story I'll ever have.

What have you learned over the last three years since Ready to Fly released? How are you a different artist?

The heart and message that is "Jamie Grace"... nothing's changed. I'm still madly in love with Jesus and want to tell the whole world. His grace, joy, peace and love have changed my life for the better and I want nothing more than to write songs that tell the story.

As far as style and production, this is the most fun I have had working on project. Which, hopefully, that's normal for every album experience to get better and better! Every writing, co-writing and production session felt like a day to make fun, happy, raw, real music. I forgot I was at work half of the time and experienced a peace each time I stepped into the studio, presented a song to management or listened to a new mix on my phone.

Ultimately, I think that stems from confidence, and I know that it comes only from the Lord. From the words we've written to the melodies we've crafted to the guitar parts we've tracked and the beats that drop I know that God's grace has been extended to this project and that allows me to hold my head high. Not because of how I sing, write or play but instead because of a God who has so graciously given us different gifts and this project is a way to use those gifts to reach His people.

So... I'm still me. Crazy, loud, silly and quirky. But I guess I'm saying I grew up or something like that!

"Party Like A Princess" is a way different sound than what people first experienced with "Hold Me." Talk about the sound you're trying to craft.

"Hold Me" is every ounce of who I am. I wrote it on the floor of my dorm and it represents the easy breezy style of music I love to listen to and write. However, I also grew up listening to my dad play T-Bone in the house, unless we were driving when he wanted to play smooth jazz. My mom was more of a Mahalia Jackson listener herself, while she also enjoyed listening to Bill Gaither. Having a wide variety of art that I truly enjoy has essentially become a part of the art that I create. When I was 17 and did a tour and TV show called iShine, my EP was pop/hip-hop. I've always loved different genres and I'm really excited to keep sharing different elements of my style.

What's next for you?

I'm especially excited about my birthday concert this coming November! I'm turning 25 on the 25th and on the 26th, I'm inviting YOU to celebrate with me in Minnesota! It will be the FIRST time I play "Party Like A Princess" live and I'm sure I'll sneak some other new songs in there too. After that I'll continue touring, release the new album and of course, will always be sharing "The Jamie Grace Show" Wednesdays at 9 p.m. Eastern on my YouTube channel.