Backstage at All Things Go D.C., Molly Grace is still buzzing from her afternoon performance on the Pavilion stage – and rightfully so. Nashville’s rising pop powerhouse just released her long-awaited debut album, Blush, the day before and kicked off her first-ever North American headlining tour. Despite the whirlwind week, she radiates excitement.
“I am on cloud nine about it,” she says, beaming. “It’s just so surreal to be playing this festival. It’s such a bucket list for me! And the crowd had the best energy, and I got to play it with my best friends on stage. So, it was a real treat.”
Her on-stage friends aren’t just part of the show; they’re also the heart of the crew traveling with her for a 29-stop North American tour. “My backup singers and dancers also happen to be really close friends of mine,” she shares. “And my team is all people I’ve been working with for a long time. So, I feel like I really have the emotional support in my team and the people that are on tour with me.” Despite all of the support, she’s candid about the uncertainty of life on the road. “We’re gonna find out,” she laughs when asked how she stays grounded with such a busy schedule. “Lots of vocal rest, tea, and breath work,” she adds.
The Blush era – both the album and the tour – marks a significant milestone for Molly Grace, who burst onto the scene in late 2023, sparkling and full of infectious energy. Since then, she has captivated fans with her witty crowd work, undeniable stage presence, and powerful vocals. Whether you’ve seen a full set or just a snippet online, it’s clear she is a melodic force.
During her All Things Go performance, she played several Blush tracks live for the first time – a moment she says helped her learn which songs really resonate with the audience. “I’m very excited for ‘Lemonade,’ just ’cause it’s really challenging vocally, but there’s a great payoff. I feel like it’s such a powerful song,” she explains. “I love ‘Soprano’ because I love to dance and it’s just such a fun track. And I’m excited for ‘Lemme’!”
@allthingsgofestival well, yes! @molly grace 🫶
With Blush, Molly delivers a glammed-up, emotionally resonant pop record that captures what she calls “the highs and lows of the human experience.” It’s cheeky, vulnerable, flirty, and fiery all at once, much like the artist herself. “You could be embarrassed, you could be flirty, you could be hot and bothered – it encapsulates all those feelings,” she says of the album’s title. That energy is not only in the lyrics; it’s also reflected in the glittering, cabaret-inspired visual aesthetic she has created.
“I love disco!” she mentions when asked about her musical inspirations. “I love like Donna Summer. I was really inspired by Michael Jackson on this record… specifically like the Off the Wall era.” She also draws inspiration from vocal powerhouses like Whitney Houston and modern pop rule-breakers like Sabrina Carpenter and Remi Wolf – a blend that creates a sound both nostalgic and fresh.
Her songwriting process mirrors that same free-spirited energy. “I would say, honestly, I’m more spontaneous. I feel like I am a melody-first girl – a music-first girl – and then I kind of let the music guide me into what the song will be about,” she explains. “Usually when I’m in the studio, I like to get like a chord progression going or a beat going. And then from there, write the song or, you know, think about what it’s reminding me of in my own life.”
And while Blush wasn’t written as a concept album, a theme emerged naturally. “I just wrote for a year,” she says. “And then kind of found what the little string, the through-line was within the songs that I wrote to make the album.”
As she continues to carve her place in the pop landscape, Molly offers this advice to her younger self – and to other young artists just starting out: “Do not shrink yourself,” she says. “It’s amazing and crucial to be humble and gracious, but that doesn’t mean that you have to play down your accomplishments to make anybody else more comfortable. Or you have to pretend like you don’t know what you’re good at. Advocate for yourself because if you don’t, then who else will?”
Of course, no tour is complete without snacks, and Molly doesn’t hesitate when asked what’s stocked on her bus. “Chompsticks,” she replies instantly, laughing at her own enthusiasm. “Diet Coke – specifically a fountain Diet Coke, like a big gulp, you know what I’m saying? And I always also have some tea up in there, some Throat Coat.”
When asked about her dream venue, she replies, “Fenway Park all the way!” A grin spreads across her face. “I’m from Boston, so… gotta go for the hometown!” This choice is a fitting tribute to her roots and a stage worthy of her big, sparkly sound.
What’s been on her playlist lately? “So much Eli,” she responds. “I’m always listening to Ariana Grande – specifically, I’ve been a Sweetener girl the last couple of weeks. And ‘Man’s Best Friend,’ by Sabrina Carpenter.”
Like the artists she admires, Molly Grace is the embodiment of a fire sign: playful, passionate, and ready to set the world alight, one glittery stage at a time. From her breakout moment at Bonnaroo to her sold-out London kickoff of the Blush tour, she’s made it clear: she’s just getting started.
If you haven’t yet – throw on something sparkly, queue up Blush, and join in on the disco fun! You won’t want to miss Molly Grace on her North American tour this fall.
Portraits and interview by Sarah Peter
Festival photos courtesy of Respective Collective/John Cotter
Keep up with Molly Grace: Website // Instagram // TikTok // Facebook // YouTube
