L.Alien Presents: Joey Grace
**Line of work / Job title(s) (paid or unpaid) :
I’m a full time special education teacher in South Central LA, a singer, and an actor.
**Where are you from and what brought you to L.A.?
I grew up in Rochester, NY. The cloudiness and long winters in New York really bummed me out. Ever since I was a kid, I wanted to live in California to experience the sunshine and warm weather. I visited LA a few times before moving here, and I loved it every time.
How has being in L.A. changed your life?
Los Angeles has changed my life in SO many positive ways. First off, and most importantly, I have met amazing people here. My friends have become family to me. They are supportive and really want me to be successful. I believe that human connection is what creates happiness in our lives… not money or fancy cars or fame. Los Angeles has also changed my life for the better because there’s so much opportunity here. Whatever I want, and whatever I need, Los Angeles has it! Whether it’s getting out into nature, booking a singing gig, or eating great food… LA has everything.
How has being in L.A. helped you achieve your dreams?
Being in LA has helped me achieve goals, and I am still working toward reaching a bunch more! One of my goals was to sing the National Anthem at a pro sporting event at a big venue. Well, I got to sing the National Anthem at an LA Sparks basketball game at Staples Center! That was HUGE for me. I swear, it was a surreal experience. If I wasn’t living in LA and working hard here, I probably would never have had that opportunity.
What is/are your favorite thing(s) about living in L.A.?
My absolute favorite thing about LA is the thing most people often complain about: That’s it’s “too big” and “too spread out”. I actually really like that! I like wide open space. Being someone who’s claustrophobic, I wouldn’t want to be crowded all day. I love driving on the freeway here, up and over a tall bridge, and seeing Hollywood out one window, downtown LA out another window, and the ocean and mountains all around. I love the fact that LA has so much diversity and culture. There’s really something for everyone! It’s like, “Ok, what do I feel like today? A quiet secluded beach in Malibu? Or the energy of the Santa Monica pier? Do I want to walk the Venice canals at sunset, or rollerskate along the beach path in Long Beach?” Every area of LA is different and unique, and there’s something to fit your every mood and whim.
What thing(s) did you do this week to bring you closer to where you want to be?
Being a full time special education teacher AND a full time musician is really tough… but I am going for it, because I love singing and performing SO much! This week I have done a lot to bring me closer to where I want to be: I have promoted on my Instagram like craaaaaazy, updated my website, booked upcoming gigs, performed, and more. (OMG. I am so tired. LOL!) …Oh! And I am doing THIS interview! (So grateful! xoxo)
What is the most significant goal you had before you got here that you’ve achieved?
The most significant goal I had before I got here, that I have achieved, was to get into the Screen Actors Guild and book a commercial. And yes, I have gotten into SAG and have actually booked two national commercials so far. I’ve also done other fun acting gigs, like being a print model for Nintendo, and playing a dead person on the TV show The Closer.
What is the most significant goal you had before you got here that you are still working toward?
I still believe that, one day, I will (1)sing a duet with Peter Gabriel (2)get to work on a song with BT (3)perform at the Teragram Ballroom (4)perform at the Troubador, and (5)open for Lykke Li.
What do you do for fun?
I ride a Harley Davidson!
What is something funny/crazy that has happened to you since being in L.A. that you think would only happen in L.A.?
I don’t usually get all excited about seeing celebrities. But I HAVE had four really memorable experiences in LA: Paul McCartney said hello to me in a park, I exercised with Richard Simmons, I took a photo with BT at the rollerskating rink, and I rode my motorcycle down the street next to frickin’ Ryan Reynolds, who was also on his motorcycle. Crazy, right?! ONLY IN LA!!!!
How would you describe your style?
To describe my music style, I have coined the term #sexygloom. But as far as my fashion goes, I would call it biker-cowgirl-stripper-grannydress-chic. I’m obsessed with denim, oversized thrift store dresses, leather jackets, and leather boots.
Do you have any projects, shows, performances, or events coming up that we should know about?
On Tuesday, May 14th I’ll be performing at No Name! It’s a super sexy bar/restaurant on Fairfax, across the street from Canter’s Deli. Dress code is upscale casual. Jeans are totally fine. If you wanna go, you have to make a dinner reservation by emailing fairfax432@gmail.com, OR you can message me by May 11th to get on my guest list! YO! IF YOU ARE READING THIS RIGHT NOW, COME TO THE SHOW AND HANG WITH ME! It’s ALMOST my birthday, so let’s pack the place that night and celebrate!
Website / social media links?
MyInstagram is @joeygracemusic, and my website is www.joeygrace.com. I hope that everyone who’s reading this will follow me along this crazy magical musical journey! Keep it sexy… keep it gloomy.
