Gracie Schram

You could walk right by Gracie Schram at a crowded party and not notice her. And that’s partly by design. “I’m a wallflower,” the youthful brunette proudly belts, “you might miss me if you’re not looking.” That humble but ironic statement comes on track 2 of I Am Me, Gracie’s stunning new album of disarming and rustic indie-pop songs of yearning, hope, and self-discovery, releasing later this year.

Though she’s a proud outsider to the core, Gracie won’t be a bystander for long. A mere 17 years old, she already possesses all the songwriting brilliance and vocal prowess needed to earn fast fans among critics and casual listeners alike.

Gracie proves her mettle again and again on I Am Me -- on songs like the shimmering slow-burner “Different,” co-written with indie luminary Jason Reeves (Colbie Caillat, Lenka), with its outcast-anthem chorus, “I’m in love with being lonely, and I’m awkward when you hold me.” And also on the bluegrass-infused ode to a not-yet-existent love, “Breakup,” which showcases not only Gracie’s impressively gritty vocal range but her knack for smart storytelling.

Though Gracie alone with a guitar could probably stop a noisy party in its tracks, I Am Me is driven by expert production from Nashville tunesmith Charlie Peacock, best known for his work with contemporary folk acts including The Civil Wars, The Lone Bellow, and Brett Dennen. Peacock’s backporch wizardry is on full display throughout this 11-song jewel box of sparkling, country-flavored tunes rich with emotional nuance, heartstring-plucking acoustics, and tightly woven harmonies. A seasoned vet and an inspired upstart, Peacock and Schram collaborate to form a sweet and potent chemistry.

I Am Me marks Gracie’s first time working with a full-fledged producer, but, surprisingly, it’s not her first album. At the tender age of 10, she recorded and self-released a six-song CD to benefit underprivileged children in Haiti and Africa. The impressively polished Showers from God went on to raise more than $30,000 for The Global Orphan Project,  and the follow-up 7-song release, Different, also benefitted charity.

Giving back is at the heart of Gracie’s passion as a songwriter, and it drives her pursuit of a career in music. “That’s the reason I got into music at all,” she says. “And as I started to perform more and more, it was great to see people inspired by my music and connecting to my songs.”

Gracie intends to donate a portion of her proceeds from each album to charity. She hopes that her songs will empower listeners to make positive change. “I want people who hear my music to know that when you are your own true self, you can make a difference,” Gracie says.

Whether she’s writing songs to build orphanages in Haiti or simply to comfort lonely souls in need of musical solace, Gracie Schram is as true as they come.