Sometimes you just know when you’re in the presence of pure, rare, unadulterated talent. You don’t have to think about the how or the why, you just know. It could be from the shivers you feel up and down your arms, or the funny feeling in your stomach. Or if you’re excessively in touch with your every sentiment, you might be alerted by the urge to cry happy tears. Or maybe that’s just really weird and I’m all alone in that sort of reaction.
The talent that caused my over-sentimentality appeared in a stranger’s lofty apartment in downtown Los Angeles, somewhere near the 4th Street Bridge. She wore combat boots and subtly sparkled black leggings under a sweet purple and plaid dress. She quietly told a room filled with polite onlookers: “I don’t know any of you so I’m not going to make it awkward by talking.” And then her hand began strumming her guitar, her quiet voice grew louder, and all of her shyness melted away as she began to sing a song called “Honest Thief.”
At the age of 13, she's the youngest solo performer to play at SXSW, and before she heads to Austin this month, Grace London played a short show in L.A. on Thursday, put on by Sofar Sounds, a neat "movement" that holds pop-up gigs in living rooms across the world. Grace London, who slightly reminds me of a blond Becca from Californication (though with a less creepy voice), has developed a distinct sound with a musical sensibility that is wise beyond her years. Her lyrics are simple, yet sophisticated, and relevant to an audience of any age group. The melodies and guitar riffs that she has created are involved and sometimes unpredictable, but catchy. If anyone were to ever doubt her ability to play the guitar, they can watch her version of Led Zeppelin's "Bron-Y-Aur Stomp," which is no easy feat.
What this young girl has accomplished in just 13 years is certainly impressive and rare. But her music isn't just great for an eighth grader. Her music is great for a human being. Any age.
Here the three other bands that followed London's performance at the Sofar show that are also worth checking out:
Portland band Aan (pronounced like 'On', not like 'Anne')
The amazing trio that makes up Yellow Red Sparks.
The Lonely Wild, which ended the night with a few lively numbers.
