by Gaetan Drapeau | Nov 26, 2018 | Op-Ed
Grace appears to be a natural performer and is supremely talented. Yet, Grace’s journey thus far has not been without fear and apprehension. Imagine your twelve year old self following in the same footsteps as Grace for the last two years. I suspect you would have... by Gaetan Drapeau | Nov 9, 2018 | Op-Ed
Growing up in the 80’s or 90’s it was easy to identify yourself musically when asked what was your favorite Band or Artist. The answer immediately defined the Genre of Music you were interested in and often would determine the compatibility of ensuing friendships.... by Gaetan Drapeau | Jul 18, 2018 | Op-Ed
How is a Super-Star born from a Musician, Actor, Comedian or a Dancer? Each category falls within their own lines of entertainment, but they are usually mutually exclusive. Only the rarest form of entertainer, however, can occupy many or all of these disciplines with... by Gaetan Drapeau | Jun 27, 2018 | Op-Ed
Today, I found myself in tears. No, not the bawling your eyes out kind, but the slow almost sad and yet joyful kind. Sometimes it’s a certain song playing on the radio, but today the tears started on their own as I watched again the RUSH documentary “Time Stand... by Gaetan Drapeau | Jun 19, 2018 | Op-Ed
Look ahead. Do you see it coming? It is only a matter of time now. Grace is going to slip the surly bonds of relative anonymity and burst the fame bubble entirely. It’s happening before our very eyes and simultaneously approaching on different fronts. The launch pad... by Gaetan Drapeau | Jun 16, 2018 | Op-Ed, Reviews
Continued from Part I… The only critique I can make about Grace’s set is in regards to volume. It was loud enough to get your attention but not enough to discourage idle chatter. I regularly listen to my home stereo and headphones at far greater volume levels.... by Gaetan Drapeau | Jun 15, 2018 | Op-Ed, Reviews
Wednesday June 13, 2018 – Toronto, Ontario. Canada. The weather was brooding all day long as a mix of excessive heat and a fast moving cold front collided. We could hear the thunder in the distance and a storm finally presented itself as thunderheads clashed around... by Gaetan Drapeau | Jun 13, 2018 | Op-Ed
Grace’s music is inspirational, without question. Yet, combined with her other unique qualities, Grace has become a powerful force. She is something more than the total sum of her individual talents. An unexplained quantity. A force that propels people to do better,... by Gaetan Drapeau | Jun 10, 2018 | Op-Ed, Reviews
Grace’s golden buzzer audition immediately catapulted her into the live shows. After breezing through the quarter and semifinals with “Beautiful Thing” and “Light the Sky” she was the odds-on favorite to win the AGT crown. It was Grace’s finals performance of her... by Gaetan Drapeau | Jun 9, 2018 | Op-Ed
I’ve said it before and will say it again, “Music isn’t what it used to be”. Of course, I grew up in the 70’s and 80’s where the predominant influence was from the 60’s British Invasion and of course Elvis Presley. So rich and diverse was the musical... by Gaetan Drapeau | Jun 5, 2018 | Op-Ed
Grace has not spoiled her golden ticket win after AGT, and thus far, has created a surprisingly large and dedicated following with her insightful and remarkable use of social media, YouTube, special events, contests, personal interactions, live streams, concerts and... by Gaetan Drapeau | May 30, 2018 | Op-Ed
Let’s play a game. You are a programming director for a Pop-centric radio station with a potential audience of over 5 million people. You have one remaining slot open and two artists from which to make your final playlist selection. First, you have the latest in what... by Gaetan Drapeau | May 17, 2018 | Op-Ed
The role of the music producer is continually evolving. It’s true that they are project managers first, responsible for the studio’s budget, schedule, contracts, negotiations, copyrights, invoices, royalties, publishing, and licensing. Their primary job is to... by Gaetan Drapeau | May 14, 2018 | Op-Ed
Listen closely. Every sound is woven into a tapestry of that instant in time. Grace describes this experience beautifully in her original music for “City Song”. I listen to the city song and fall into the harmony of it every day. Listening to music serves to further... by Gaetan Drapeau | May 9, 2018 | Op-Ed
There is quite literally a “fan” in every Fanatic and Grace has them in great numbers. It is most impressive that Grace has created such a following of loyal and devoted fans in such a short time. In particular she has a huge number of super-fans which is synonymous... by Gaetan Drapeau | May 7, 2018 | Op-Ed
That “Wow” moment. We all remember it. Grace Vanderwaal’s golden buzzer audition was just such a moment. It has been viewed on YouTube over 82 million times. That defining moment when so many people claimed that a star was born, including Simon Cowell himself. Simon,... by Gaetan Drapeau | Apr 30, 2018 | Op-Ed
Introduction (Mark Lalonde): It impresses me how many of Grace’s fans are music lovers. The media would paint all of Grace’s older fans as either weirdos, or people who were only fans of Donny & Marie and were simply waiting for a new child act to come along. My... by Gaetan Drapeau | Apr 28, 2018 | Op-Ed, Reviews
Grace Vanderwaal has said in a recent interview that if she had to choose between writing and performing live that she’d prefer to write. Thank Heavens for us all, she will never have to make that choice. She will always have her rightful place on stage delivering the...