Gen-Z Pop Star Shines a Light for World Mental Health Day

Recently featured in Rolling Stone, Billboard, WWD, TODAY SHOW and seen in their massive viral success with famous fans Mick Jagger & Lady Gaga, non-binary singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Grace Gaustad (@GraceGaustad) is making worldwide headlines for their massive Gen Z audience and music that explores mental health on all levels. While most people wouldn’t dream of reliving the bullying they endured as teenagers, Grace does just that through their music in hopes of helping others who may be struggling. This World Mental Health Day (October 10th), Grace would like to shine a light on all of those who may be dealing with issues affecting their mental health from gender and sexual identity, body image, self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and beyond. Grace is also using their platform to build awareness about the importance of mental health and break down the stigma of seeking treatment through their BLKBX PROJECT, a safe place for teens to access resources and support. 

Recently invited to join the Recording Academy in their member class of 2022, Grace is known for a string of passionate covers including a heartfelt rendition of Hozier’s Take Me to Church which has garnered over 25 million views. Grace’s most recent jaw-dropping music video installment for their new song “Old Ways,” was just released last month, and their music has received over 21.7 million views on YouTube and 160 million streams across DSPs.

Old Ways Music Video Link The trailblazing success of Grace’s self-released BLKBX: wht r u hding? has successfully carved a niche with a singular perspective that has garnered a global fan base built on a foundation of inclusivity and acceptance. Grace has a knack for allowing fans to feel seen with their sophomore album, PILLBX: whts ur fantasy? This album zooms out on a fantasy world with Gaustad traveling through the adventures of Grace’s own imagination. Grace’s new video project creates a long-form connected world where their album is a new ‘season’ & each track a new ‘episode’ of a mind-bending television series.

“There aren’t too many 19-year-olds with the vocal firmness of Grace Gaustad” – BILLBOARD

Whereas other artists release music with the “here and now” perspective of their career, this 20-year-old independent Los Angeles-based artist has already envisioned their entire trajectory and magnifies their message onscreen and beyond through their full-length, multi-faceted, and multi-dimensional world where all are welcome. Grace’s sparkling discography hascaptivated fans worldwide thanks to an undeniable penchant for unflinching lyrics and a raw ability to convey the joy and pain of the human experience, solidifying Grace as the voice of Gen Z in the modern age.

“When you can’t change the unchangeable, what do you do?” is the question Grace poses on the 13-track PILLBX which Grace wrote and recorded from their home with close collaborator Scott Effman, along with corresponding music videos courtesy of 2021 MTV VMA Award-winning director Van Alpert.

Grace began singing and writing at the tender age of five, steadily refining their craft with eloquence as they battled a tumultuous youth, ultimately yielding a rich point-of-view that continues to influence Grace’s artistic output into adulthood. The result is a vulnerable and raw catalogue that includes songs focusing on topics ranging from anxiety to trauma, sexuality and depression. One standout is the LGBTQIA+ anthem “Red”, a romantic rumination on coming to terms with one’s identity. Emphasizing Grace’s commitment to the cause, Gaustad’s complimentary venture BLKBX Project offers free mental health services to fans.