The next chapter for Hannah Rose Graves: Music as ‘Medicine,’ rewiring negative thoughts

The mainstay Grand Rapids singer and songwriter recently released her long-awaited new studio album, ‘Medicine.’ She chatted about her new music and her philosophy with Local Spins writer Enrique Olmos.

 

SCROLL DOWN FOR A VIDEO AND TO LISTEN TO TRACKS FROM THE NEW ALBUM

There aren’t many spots around town where Hannah Rose Graves hasn’t performed.

As a seasoned performer who appears comfortably at home on stage, she’s become a mainstay of the West Michigan music community. She wears a lot of hats, like the tasseled cowboy hat she sports on the cover of her new record, “Medicine.”

She’s also the host of Wednesday night’s “open stage” shows at Tip Top Deluxe Bar & Grill in Grand Rapids.

That new album — ranging from rock to country to blues to pop and funk — was recorded between Kalamazoo’s La Luna Recording & Sound with Ian Gorman and Grand Rapids’ Local Legend Recording with Josh Kaufman. Collaborators on the project included Andy Travis, Zach Dubay, Austin Benzing, Dutcher Snedeker and a plethora of other Michigan musicians.

In a detailed Q&A, Graves discusses her various roles in the community, the new album and her ever-evolving artistry.

Local Spins: So you’ve been facilitating the open stage at Tip Top for a little while now. In what ways does that role enrich your artistry?
Hannah Rose Graves: We are approaching our two-year anniversary of my open stage series on Wednesdays at Tip Top, now a ‘Talent Show’ (same open stage format) and Artisans Market. It’s been an honor to host every week. I love nothing more than giving a creative person the space to be themselves and be inspired by other artists. Wednesdays have played a critical role in many people’s mental health improvement, including my own. Big thanks to Ted Smith and staff for keeping the music spirit alive.

Local Spins: Congrats on the new record. What was the most challenging thing about making it?
Graves: The solo section on “The Rog.” Ha-ha. Josh Kaufman, our lead producer/engineer, would agree. I think we had four different people attempt this solo. I needed it to be perfect as “Rog” is my late grandfather who passed away a few years back and this song is his legacy. This project has had many challenges. Some of the most difficult being simply keeping the engine running and the wheels on the tracks. It took three years to complete and we had a challenge to overcome monthly, sometimes weekly, sometimes daily. Therefore, perseverance is a close second for the greatest challenge.

VIDEO: Hannah Rose Graves, “Addictions” (Local Legend Recording)

Local Spins: I saw an Instagram post of yours where you mention “rewiring negative thoughts.” What practices have you found helpful in that regard?
Graves: Every artist is their own worst critic. You have all these comparisons in your face on social media and in real life. The music industry can be super cut-throat. As can life. I have dealt with depression and anxiety most of my life. I am an advocate for mental health awareness and I see a therapist. She helps me implement practices to re-wire negative thoughts, mostly by expressing and naming them and then redirecting them or finding positive thoughts to replace them. It’s a constant practice. I also meditate regularly. The most important thing about negative thoughts is not to feed them. Our brain believes what we tell it.

Local Spins: What’s the best thing about being a dog mom?
Graves: Rylo is the best thing, period. I’ve had dogs my whole life. They are the sweetest-natured creatures and so soulful. Rylo is my therapy dog, and I am his therapy mama. We help each other stay calm and his cuddles are healing. He is also a major goofball so he keeps me laughing.

Local Spins: What types of art (music, film, books) have been inspiring you lately?
Graves: Music. So difficult to narrow this down. Every day, it’s different. Different music for different moods or stages of life. I try to challenge myself and listen to music outside of my comfort zone or my go-to genres. This week it’s been Nicki Manaj. Last week was Chris Stapleton’s newest album. I’ve also been digging in the old archives and listening to Red Hot Chili Peppers this week. I try to learn from other majorly successful artists.

I love to read lyrics as well and learn other styles of writing. If I had to choose a favorite writer it would be Bob Dylan. Currently I’ve been reading “The Miracle Morning.” It’s an insightful book on changing your life, habits, routines and mindset. Implementing healthy habits. Overcoming resistance. I’ve been learning piano and reading music lately too. I’ve been taking lessons with Hannah Laine of Earth Radio. I’d say I find the most inspiration from live concerts. My friends and local artists are always blowing my mind. Nathan Walton & The Remedy to name one band. I’m also a painter and am influenced by other painters. Watching them and what they do and learning and applying that to my own unique style.

Local Spins: How have you evolved as an artist/person since you first started performing?
Graves: It’s funny to look back and reflect on that. I started on stages in school and church. Singing sour notes for National Anthems. Ha-ha. The most pivotal moment of my music career was definitely during my senior year in high school. My best friend Jay (RIP) sat me down at a piano and started playing random chords. He told me to sing from my heart. This experience was the start of me finding my own sound, my own voice, words. It was the beginning of improvising as a writing form to stay closer to the heart.

I’d say what has evolved the most about me as an artist/person has been professionalism, drive and authenticity. I’ve come a long way. I work a lot harder now with more focus and direction. More realness. The one common thread has always been my love for music and strong desire to help people. Music is medicine for sure.

LISTEN: Hannah Rose Graves, “Medicine”

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