BLOOMING WITH GRACE BLOOM
Photos by: Aly Westrin
Words by: Grace Bloom
This Chicago-based artist wastes no time breaking our hearts with their sugar-sweet tunes,” writes KEXP DJ Kennady Quille about artist Grace Bloom’s music, that her tracks “feel like a diary confession from the most personal notebook you have ever seen.” Bloom composes shoegaze indie rock with inflections of riot grrrl and heavily inspired by artists like Frankie Cosmos and Belle and Sebastian. She has been performing her empowering tracks all around Chicago for the past few years, including a nationwide tour last summer.
We had Grace Bloom hand curate a bouquet based on their songs. Check out their picks:
There Are No Basements In Florida
The 5th track on my album was my way of processing through the complicated emotions of moving from my hometown of Cleveland to Florida during my high school years. Magnolia flowers can symbolize youth, innocence, and perseverance, which are all emblematic of that experience for me. Also, Magnolia Dr. was the street my school was on, which is where I met some of my closest friends, so this flower has always reminded me of my love for my hometown.
The 5th track on my album was my way of processing through the complicated emotions of moving from my hometown of Cleveland to Florida during my high school years. Magnolia flowers can symbolize youth, innocence, and perseverance, which are all emblematic of that experience for me. Also, Magnolia Dr. was the street my school was on, which is where I met some of my closest friends, so this flower has always reminded me of my love for my hometown.
Nothing Left
I chose dandelions for this track for two reasons. I wrote this while going through something incredibly challenging, feeling like the problems I was facing were invading every part of my existence at the time. Dandelions are inescapable and grow everywhere, even when you don't want them to. However, because of that, they represent resilience and perseverance. Looking back at that time in my life now, I can recognize and appreciate the strength and perseverance I had to keep going, even when I felt I had nothing left to give.
I chose dandelions for this track for two reasons. I wrote this while going through something incredibly challenging, feeling like the problems I was facing were invading every part of my existence at the time. Dandelions are inescapable and grow everywhere, even when you don't want them to. However, because of that, they represent resilience and perseverance. Looking back at that time in my life now, I can recognize and appreciate the strength and perseverance I had to keep going, even when I felt I had nothing left to give.
Cautious Optimism
This song is all about tentatively falling in love, and trying to remain optimistic about taking that leap of faith with another person. That feeling is perfectly encapsulated by yellow poppies, as they represent optimism and everlasting love.
Cowboy Song
Lilacs can represent passion, which I feel is perfect for this song that explores the frustrations that can occur when one feels the passion wearing thin in a romantic entanglement.
Lilacs can represent passion, which I feel is perfect for this song that explores the frustrations that can occur when one feels the passion wearing thin in a romantic entanglement.
I Don’t Feel Like Dying Today
This single is about feeling all consumed by feelings of existentialism and dissociation, but trying to remain positive in spite of that mindset. I chose jasmine flowers because the one thing that always brings me back to the present and comforts me when I am down is a cup of jasmine tea.
This single is about feeling all consumed by feelings of existentialism and dissociation, but trying to remain positive in spite of that mindset. I chose jasmine flowers because the one thing that always brings me back to the present and comforts me when I am down is a cup of jasmine tea.
Plaid Pants
Baby's Breath symbolizes new beginnings, and this song was the first single that I released on my own, marking the beginning of my career in Chicago.
Baby's Breath symbolizes new beginnings, and this song was the first single that I released on my own, marking the beginning of my career in Chicago.