Grant Schaffer
Photo credit: @gzorgz & @schildersphoto
Grant Schaffer has released his new single “Seeing Colors”.
In collaboration with love-sadKID, the pop/r&b new single is about the feeling of falling in love for the first time.
Hailing from Florida, the 19 year old is a trained classical violinist. Now mainly focusing on guitar, the artist has been crafting his sound and artistry over the years. With thousands of streams on Spotify, Schaffer is continuing to create colorful and uplifting records.
“Seeing Colors” is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: @gzorgz & @schildersphoto
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hey! My name is Grant Schaffer, and I am a 19 year old artist currently based in FL. Music has been an integral part of my life since around the age of 3 when I began classical violin training. I later picked up the guitar and began to sing as well as write my own songs. I am currently on a gap year from Wake Forest University focusing on writing and recording music.
Do you remember your early musical memories? What did you grow up listening to?
My earliest musical memories primarily revolve around classical violin. My older two sisters were trained violinists as well. I remember my weekly lessons, practicing daily, performing at recitals, competing against others, and playing in various orchestras.
My parents introduced me to a lot of ‘70s and ‘80s classic rock growing up. Guys like Boston, Peter Frampton, and the Eagles were on repeat in the car. Luckily for me they also played a lot of 2000s coffee house records like Jack Johnson’s “In Between Dreams” and Norah Jones’ “Come Away With Me” as well.
When I was around the age of 10 my dad gave me his old workout MP3 player. I think this was when I first really fell in love with the experience of listening to music through headphones. I can still remember listening to Billy Joel’s “Movin’ Out” and Cheap Trick’s “I Want You To Want Me - Live” over and over off of that little device.
When did you realize you could sing?
I think I always knew that I could sing on pitch. I really believe my ability to sing is solely from developing a powerful musical ear through violin at a young age. If I didn’t have the classical experience I did I wouldn’t be the musician I am today.
At what point did you decide to become an artist and release your original music?
I always wanted to make and release music, I just didn’t know where to start In terms of building a sound around the songs that I wrote. I honestly don’t know how long it would have taken me to release a song if it wasn’t for a close friend of mine who pushed me to finish a song and put it out. As a perfectionist I often fall into the trap of “it could be better,” constantly reminding myself of the aphorism “perfect is the enemy of good.”
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
I was the first person to believe in myself. I have always believed that I can do anything I put my mind to.
How would you define Grant Schaffer, the artist?
Grant Schaffer, the artist, is ever changing and evolving. The music I am yet to release is different than the records I have out on a conceptual and sonic level. And the music that I plan to release after the music that I am yet to release will also be a bit more evolved. I’d like to think that my music sounds “happy” and “upbeat” and that one of my songs could put someone in a better mood. I’d also like to think that although a lot of the music I have out is “beat based,” that if you listen closely it is rich in real and melodic instrumentation. Going forward, my sound is definitely leaning towards more and more of an emphasis on the songwriting and the instruments in my compositions.
"Seeing Colors" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
This song was inspired by my experience of falling in love for the first time. Love changes life for the better and I wanted a song that could accurately represent that.
When did you start writing this song? What made you want to collaborate with love-sadkid on this one?
I originally wrote my part of the song around two years ago. When I ended up recording the song I had space for a verse. I had just recently spoken with kid’s manager who asked me to check out his roster of artists to see if I’d be interested in collaborating with any of them. Love-sadKID’s music stuck out from the crowd to me and I knew they would be a perfect addition to the track!
What do you like the most about this single?
I really enjoy the lyrics on this track the most out of everything.
What is your goal for this song?
My goal for this song is to make people reflect on the importance of love.
What's the hardest part about being an artist? And what is the best part?
The hardest part for me is coping with my perfectionism in the context of making and enjoying my own art.
The best part is definitely being able to do what I love every day.
Who's helping you build your career?
My manager Jesse has really helped me take things to the next level in terms of planning and organization since I’ve been with him. My good friends George El-Salawy and Sean Childers have been beyond amazing with their help on the creative content side of things. In addition, I have also had strong support in general from both my friends and family since the beginning that I am very thankful for.
What major life lesson have you learned so far?
I have learned to put life in perspective. Our time on this earth is too short to play it safe and not strive to be the happiest and best version of ourselves, even when it means following dreams that other people think are impossible to achieve.
What are your thoughts on today's global situation and on the Black Lives Matter movement?
I am an advocate for the BLM movement and a strong proponent for anti-racism. It is incredibly important for individuals to educate themselves to better understand the racist history and institutions of our country and to break down individual prejudices and implicit biases. As far as our global situation is concerned, at times it may seem chaotic or hopeless but I think it’s important to stay grounded and optimistic.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
I think people should try to understand others who are different from them. At the end of the day we are all just human. Greet others with love and curiosity even if they have a different cultural background or different political views than you. Certain issues such as climate change are going to take bipartisanship and global unity to tackle.
What message do you want to give to the world?
I want people to follow their dreams. I want people to believe that anything is possible. Don’t take life too seriously and try to find the present moment. According to a recent study by NORC at the University of Chicago only 14% of adult Americans say they are “very happy.” I want to do what I can to help increase that number. I think that people will find that a lot of my unreleased music reflects upon these sentiments on a conceptual level.
Connect with Grant: