Grant Malloy-Smith, the celebrated musician and storyteller, joins us on Embrace Your Storm to share his remarkable transformation from a budding artist to a passionate musician. This episode takes you through Grant’s early years, where his love for drawing and painting made an unexpected pivot to music, inspired by a simple yet profound moment in high school. Listen as Grant recounts how a shy classmate’s guitar performance ignited his own musical aspirations, leading him to buy his first guitar and embark on a lifelong journey filled with creativity and sound.
Grant’s eclectic musical influences come alive as he discusses his admiration for classic country and bluegrass legends like Bill Monroe and Ralph Stanley, as well as rock icons including Aerosmith and David Bowie. Hear about his exhilarating experiences in the 80s, opening for legendary acts such as Steppenwolf and Jack Bruce, and how his beloved 1954 Telecaster became a cornerstone of his unique sound. The conversation also touches on how the COVID-19 pandemic shifted his focus toward creating thematic albums, with the “Dust Bowl” project standing out as a poignant example of his dedication to storytelling through music.
Explore the cultural significance of American roots music in today’s world as Grant reflects on the commercial success of his “Dust Bowl” album amidst a resurgence of vinyl records. Gain insights into his upcoming projects, both musical and literary, and the challenges of producing physical copies in a digital age. Throughout our chat, Grant underscores the intrinsic value of creativity, encouraging listeners to pursue their artistic passions for personal fulfillment and community connection. This inspiring episode is a testament to the power of music and creativity in navigating life’s storms.
You can see the show notes here!