British progressive metal musician Grace Hayhurst is gearing up for a milestone moment this spring, announcing her first-ever headline show at London’s iconic Black Heart on March 26th. It’s a well-earned step forward for an artist who has spent the past few years quietly, and fiercely, carving out her own corner of the UK prog scene. We caught up with Grace to find out a bit more about her and the show itself.
Congratulations on the upcoming show. How are you feeling?
I’m feeling good. It’s been a great time getting together with the live band to put together these complex arrangements and bring them onto stage!
Can we expect any surprises?
I’d say this live show is definitely a massive step up from previous support slots I’ve done alongside Kyros, Ihlo, and Fraktions. Being the headliner allows for a number of liberties and exuberance.
Dea Velata have an incredibly unique sound. How did you come to meet them?
I’m buddies with their drummer Ray Hearne (Haken) who became part of Dea Velata over the last year. Gradually I got to know the other members of the band too as we all get on very well as they started rehearsing at Sensible Music, the studio I run. The band had never gigged before, so I threw around the idea of doing a show together one day and now here we are!
What was the last gig you attended that blew you away?
Probably Slayer in Finsbury Park last year! With support slots from Mastodon, Anthrax, and more that led to arguably the greatest metal event of the year for me. Otherwise perhaps Karnivool at ArcTanGent? Cracking times.
You co-run a studio in London. Did I see that you’ve been doing live sessions with bands?
Yes! I run Sensible Music in Kings Cross and we do all sorts of music-y things - everything from recording, production, mixing, mastering, rehearsals, photoshoots, all sorts! There’s a great community around the space, and it’s a real joy to be entrenched in support the creative industry not only locally, but all over the UK with the artists that come through our doors.
“The World Is Dying” was a cracking record. Any news on a follow up?
After this headline show is out the way, I’m going to be cracking on with some more writing. The first record took about 4 years to come together, so I’m hoping to be a little faster this time! We shall see.
What’s inspiring you musically right now?
Gotta be my buddies in Ihlo who released a spiffing record last year. And then perhaps the usual suspects for me, Mastodon, Rammstein, BTBAM, Haken, Leprous - that’s been my taste the last few years down to a tee. Obviously with some ‘dodie’ thrown in for good measure.
Any final words ahead of the show?
This show is only going to happen once. Don’t miss it! And hopefully I’ll see you there :)