In Conversation: Grace Newton-Wordsworth

Melbourne alt pop-rock outfit Joan & The Giants are rapidly emerging as one of Australia’s most exciting breakthrough acts. Fronted by queer songwriter Grace Newton-Wordsworth, the four-piece blend raw vulnerability with soaring hooks and anthemic energy. Ahead of the UK release of their powerful new single, Mamma Don’t Cry, the band continue an impressive rise that has included supporting P!NK, performing at SXSW, and earning widespread acclaim for their emotionally charged songwriting and unforgettable live shows.

For those who haven't heard you yet, what one song should they listen to first?

My favourite song right now of ours is Still Breathing - it’s a nice pairing of our rock sound with catchy, soaring hooks and lyrics that I think tell a story of strength. It’s not our biggest song, but it’s my personal favourite.

And what is your key ambition?

My key ambition in music is to tell my story and be honest / authentic about what I’m going through. I think for me music is therapy, and when that connects with someone who has gone through a similar feeling or experience, that is the most impactful and beautiful thing about making music. It’s entirely about connecting.

We want to get to know a little more about your musical taste. Tell us a song (and a reason) that makes you …

Smile - Sue Me by Audrey Hobert. This song makes me smile and wanna party every time I hear it. I love her wit, charisma, and honesty – she's just the best!

Cry - Fix You by Coldplay every single TIME! This song got me through my teens and kept me alive, and it’s incredibly special to me.

Laugh - Covered in Chrome by Violent Soho. This is such a hectic, heavy Aussie punk, rock, scream-o banger, and I often listen to it in the most peaceful places or on a tram going somewhere, and I love the juxtaposition between people going about their day peacefully and me listening to the most heavy, rogue song. I’m obsessed with this, and it always makes me laugh.

Feel nostalgic - What a Wonderful World, Louis Armstrong. This song makes me nostalgic for my childhood. It was the song I used to sing a lot for my grandma, and she’d always cry which would make me cry and it’s a song I will treasure and hold close until I die.

Dance in the kitchen - To Love Somebody by Holly Humberstone. I’m literally obsessed with every song Holly makes, and this one always gets me dancing and moving wherever I go.

Sing in the shower - Good Luck Babe, Chappell Roan. I was in the top 0.001% of listeners for this song. I think I played it 700+ times in the first two weeks of hearing it and I’m still obsessed, and I still sing it in the shower most days.

Message a friend immediately - When She Loved Me from Toy Story 2. This song makes me want to message all my friends to tell them I will always love them and I’m here anytime.



What was the best gig you have ever been to?

Before I knew who Raye was, she was playing a festival in Perth, where I am from, and she decided to put on a little tiny show at the Ellington Jazz Club for about 100 people. My friend managed to get two tickets and invited me along, and it was the most incredible, breathtaking show I have EVER SEEN! Raye was just so chill on stage, drinking wine and taking suggestions for songs the audience wanted to hear. It felt like she was in my lounge room, and it was just fkn phenomenal, and I became a die-hard fan after that.

https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/1OBroKeyQMXJH3O1vzDc2o?utm_source=generator

What is the best show you have ever done?

The second night we supported Pink at Optus Stadium was maybe the best night of my entire existence. I always dreamt of a moment like this, and night 1 was scary af, and I didn’t do a good job, but night 2 was everything I wanted it to be and more. Little Grace who grew up on a farm and used to sing in a paddock pretending the cows were an audience, would be screaming and pinching herself.

What stage have you not performed on that you dream of?

I’d love to play the Royal Albert Hall in London – this is a huge dream for me. This venue is so beautiful and iconic, and so many of my favourite artists have performed such special shows here.

Lastly, you can achieve one thing by the end of the year. What is it?

I’d really like to sell out our own show in Melbourne this year. We moved here a year ago, and I’d love to see our audience grow in our new home.