Demi Grace is a new modeling sensation, slash, EDM star, and an entrepreneurial extraordinaire who has a lot going on as a self-made business woman. She is currently one of the newest faces of Sephora’s ‘makeup forever’ lipstick ad campaign and recently dropped her lasted single titled Afraid from her impending EP, Queendom. Above Average Hip Hop recently had the privilege to speak with this amazing star and listen to her new single “Afraid” which reveals a personal experience of emotional growth and self-reflection.
Grace’s style is heavily influenced by Afrobeat music, which she combines with EDM, Reggae, and Hip Hop. Now Demi Grace is on a mission, and she has an agenda in mind. “I’m all about helping darker skinned women in the black community feel better about themselves or feel more confident in their skin tone.” She has used her modeling as a platform to gain access and insight into both the fashion and music industry. “From the start, I was always interested in music! When I started modeling, I always knew that there would be opportunities to meet people and connect with individuals in the fashion industry that also dabble in the music industry!” Even fusing the two by becoming the official theme music vocalist for the Dark & Lovely Fade Resist national commercial.
Above Average Hip Hop was quick to notice that Demi Grace wasn’t to lack poise or charm, but what intrigued us the most is her compelling insight into the industry. Our discussion revealed some tips on how to be a successful entrepreneur, but most importantly, Demi Grace expressed how having vision and belief in yourself is an essential component. She also told us a few hits on her playlist and finished a mix with an Atlanta producer which includes artists such as, T-Pain, Trina, Flo Rida and TI.
So you were born in London and moved to California then Atlanta, and now you live in New York! Has living in all those places had an effect on your music?
I would say that it has given me a lot of versatility as an artist; as well, It’s helped my understanding other types of music.
How long have you been singing?
I have been singing all my life! I have been writing poetry since I’ve been about 10 or 12 years old, and I used to sing in church! In high school, I used to do talent shows and sing at like a local fish shop every Friday. I started recording at 17.
One thing I love about your music is how you fuse it with Reggae or Pop! Where did you get that idea?
Well, I’m Nigerian, so West African music is very drum heavy with busy Afro beats or Afro-pop as they are calling it now! When I moved to Atlanta, I was in the mind frame of – alright well, what do I like? What do I want to listen to? I’m also a writer, so I will write in a radio format as opposed to writing something that I’m really into! So when I moved to Atlanta, I was like, you know, what do I want to listen to? What are my ideas for myself? So I thought to myself, I’m going to fuse EDM and Afro beats because I’m really good at both of the sounds! The way the drums are. It goes well together!
Do you think that diversity has any influence on you as an EDM artist as opposed to a Hip hop or an R&B artist?
Definitely, and to be honest, in those different states, there is a different take on Hip Hop! West coast hip-hop is different than east coast, and both of those are different than Atlanta hip-hop!
You just dropped you latest single “Afraid” from your forthcoming EP Queendom! What can you tell me about it?
Afraid! I loved that record because the lyrics came from a real place; a broken relationship. It was my way of expressing how I felt throughout that situation. I love that song for the lyrics! I love the production because it’s reminiscent of that whole Timberland era! You know that “Cry me a River” feel! It has that Pop, RnB kind of mix. I like it! It is a little different than my past records, and I like different!
So you are also a fashion model and one of newest faces of Sephora’s ‘makeup forever’ lipstick ad campaign—which just launched this month! What can you tell me about that?
My agent sent me out for a casting! When I came across the email, and they called me to go to the audition for that – I love my lips, so I was just like, “I have this in the bag!” So I went in there with the best energy possible! I mean everyone wants to work with someone they like, and I ended up booking the job with a few other models. I represent the lipstick shades for the bare skin tones, which I’m extremely proud of because I’m all about helping darker skinned women in the black community feel better about themselves or feel more confident in their skin tone. I’m excited about that!
So you have used your modeling career as a platform to become a singer?
Definitely! From the start, I was always interested in music! When I started modeling, I always knew that there would be opportunities to meet people and connect with people in the fashion industry that also dabble in the music industry! I think being able to do just more than music, at least for me, is a big plus. So that is something I definitely thought would help my career in music!
What advice do you have for anyone wanting to be a model or a singer?
For the fashion industry in the modeling world, a lot of younger girls, especially some of my younger cousins would ask me – how can I become a model? I would say to them; you have to decide what kind of model you want to be because there are so many different types now! Are you a pinup? Don’t people know what that means? The lines are so blurred! Now we are even getting into social media! That is becoming a thing now!
So my advice! Make sure that you know what kind of model that you want to be and then research that! There is power in research! Research exactly what you want to do or what you want to be and gain knowledge and knowledge are power! Research what kind of model you want to be and then prepare your photos so you can build a portfolio! Also reach out to representation, because teamwork also makes your dream come true! It will be a lot easier to get stuff done as a young model if you have representation.
As for the music industry, I’m still learning a lot myself, but I’d say, belief in your talent. You have to believe that your product is good, and you have to keep learning about your craft! That is what will keep you afloat! If you are an artist that wants to get signed, just to say that you are signed, your career will be over before you know it! But if you are always learning and constantly adapting and believing in yourself, then you can get extremely far! That is what I believe!
Where can we follow you Demi?
IamDemiGrace everywhere with the exception of YouTube which is Demi Grace TV.
