Every Thursday night on Facebook Live, The Chronicle/NCClinked will be featuring students who are interested in showcasing their talents. Whether it’s singing, dancing or even reciting a poem, students are welcome. Grace Blackford and Ricardo Morales, seniors at North Central majoring in global studies and jazz studies, respectively, have been performing together for the past couple of years. Before the Mic Drop event, we were able to catch up with Grace.
Alexis Heinitz: How long have you two known each other, and how long have you been performing together?
Photo courtesy of Grace Blackford
Grace Blackford: We met at the very beginning of freshman year, so over three years now. We started performing together shortly after we began dating in January. I think our first actual “gig” was that following spring, March or April 2014. We played a graduation party together, just the two of us. Then because of our circle of musician friends, we ended up playing in other groups together as well.
AH: When did you find your passion for music and performing?
GB: At a very young age, because of my family. I come from a musical background. I grew up hearing my dad sing and play piano, and eventually I started to write my own songs. At first, though, I actually hated singing because my family kind of forced it upon me. I was comfortable singing alone in my bedroom and that was it. Eventually, my mom signed me up for voice lessons and though I was terrified, I ended up loving it and I gained confidence from that. I realized that I loved to perform in middle school, and after that I began to take it much more seriously.
AH: Who or what is your biggest inspiration when it comes to creating music?
GB: There are many artists I admire, one of the most inspirational being Regina Spektor. My music is nothing like hers, but that isn’t the point. I love her spirit and her creativity. I would have to say, however, that I am currently most inspired by my peers; the people I’m creating music with, such as Ricky and members of my other bands. I learn so much from them. I am introverted and I love to do everything by myself, but when it comes to music, I am incredibly empowered by working with others to make something beautiful.
AH: Do you have any upcoming projects, whether it be as a duo or with Radioactive Geese?
GB: Ricky and I are actually part of another band called Get Good, and we have our first gig at Northbar in Wicker Park this Saturday at 9:30 p.m.! It’s going to be so fun. Then, on Feb. 26, Ricky and I are both doing our jazz senior projects at 2 p.m. in Madden Theatre. That will be two separate concerts, first Ricky’s project and mine will follow. Radioactive Geese is currently trying to set up a gig at Frankie’s Blue Room in downtown Naperville, but we don’t have a date for that yet. Be looking out for it!
AH: What can we look forward to seeing during the Mic Drop Session?
GB: We will be playing two original songs. One of them is really exciting because it’s the first one we really wrote together. I wrote the melody and lyrics, and had an idea for a groove––Ricky wrote the chords, and then summer break. I performed it with Radioactive Geese at the Union, but this will obviously be a stripped down version with just Ricky and me.
Be sure to check out Ricky and Grace on Facebook Live Thursday, Jan. 26 at 8 p.m.
