A Chat with Boy Grapes (24.08.25)
After seeing his first rock show at age 14, Boy Grapes knew he had to be in a band. Skip ahead a few years, and the US-based singer-songwriter presents audiences with a unique sound based on personal experiences. Inspired by dreams, anxieties, and major crossroads in life, he recently released his album, When I Close My Eyes. We speak with Boy Grapes about When I Close My Eyes, greatest achievements, and much more.
OSR: How did Boy Grapes come about? What drew you to music and inspired you to pursue a music career?
Boy Grapes: I first picked up bass at 14 in hopes of joining a band. At 15, I picked up guitar and bass and began writing songs. It totally devolved from there. Since 16, I’ve been making an album a year and have made huge leaps in production, songwriting, instrumental, and vocal ability. Since my teens, I’ve known this is what I was meant to do. Even if I’m not the best, I’m always putting my all into it and always getting better.
OSR: You just released your album, I See When I Close My Eyes. What can you tell us about the album?
Boy Grapes: The album is mostly based on dreams. If you go on my Genius lyrics page I give a short explanation, but in general each album shows where I’m at in life. Since my suicide attempt explained in ‘Rocking Horse’ I’ve found a new confidence in life and it’s definitely translated into the music. It’s more extroverted, experimental, and rough, but hasn’t lost its charm, heart, and attention to detail.
OSR: This is noted as your most ambitious and varied album to date, spanning various genres. How does the diversity contribute to the overall album, and did recording these various genres influence your growth as an artist?
Boy Grapes: When it came to songs like ‘Humpback’ and ‘Bobby’, I like a kind of “creative spirit” take over me, like I knew it was dropped on me and had to be made. With songs like ‘What I See’ and ‘Better Time’, it was a headache planning long song structures, picking the right lyrics, and recording something satisfactory. Whether its a creative break or a long struggle, I always strive for something better than I’ve made before, and this is only the next step. If I were to name artists that I took direct inspiration from this time around, I’d have to say Ween, Skinny Puppy, and Weezer’s Blue Album. There’s plenty more inspirations I draw from, especially from the 90’s and 2010’s, but I try to let it be an amalgamation of what’s seeped into my subconscious; in other words, I try not to think too hard, just write.
OSR: The album explores themes of mental health, dreams, identity and personal battles. I’ve heard that musicians often find it difficult to “lay bare” personal issues in their lyrics. Did you find creating these songs and looking at these themes challenging? If so, how?
Boy Grapes: I find no challenge in it. If anything, the hard part is getting in front of the microphone and finally doing it. The writing process is fun and the production process is frustrating, but equally as fun. I find a bit of nervousness when I put it out, especially with friends and family, but as my music has gotten better, more clever, and more sincere, I’ve accepted that it’s the best extension of myself I can offer. After making my own music for seven years its impossible not to put a large piece of your identity in it. With what I’ve been able to do with it I’m generally proud of it (maybe because I’m a Leo?).
OSR: What do you hope people take from your album and music in general?
Boy Grapes: I’d just like to reach those people who listen to a full album for the experience. If you listen from front to back, even if its not your cup of tea, you’ll not only get something out of it, but get it. It’s varied, but every song has detailed production and careful lyricism. While everything is unpredictable, it’s also meticulously placed around your earlobes. All I can try to accomplish is showing what my sound is and hoping you can take something away from it.
OSR: What does I See When I Close My Eyes mean to you as an individual and an artist?
Boy Grapes: It’s been a step I’ve been waiting for for about a year. I’ve wanted the “next step” in accessibility, production, lyricism, and artistry all-in-one, and I always knew this was the next step. Now, its on to live shows, promoting the album, and writing the next one.
OSR: What is your greatest achievement both professionally and personally?
Boy Grapes: I’m alive today.
OSR: What does music mean to you?
Boy Grapes: It’s a key piece of being human. There’s many studies that could be “key pieces” one could dedicate their life to like philosophy, cinema, food, fashion, finance, etc. but music is the most mysterious and the one I have the deepest roots in. After spending more than half my life being fluent in multiple instruments, I feel like I’m just scratching the surface. Music is magic.
OSR: What can we expect from Boy Grapes in the future?
Boy Grapes: More of everything, dude. I’m finding so many holes in my songwriting and arranging that I’m able to fill by gaining experience with live performance. I’ve been way more conscious of how the band creates synergies and how the crowd reacts, and I can’t wait to bring my one-man-band-ness to that new awareness. More rock, electronics, better vocals, and slamming bass as always.
OSR: Do you have a message for our readers?
Boy Grapes: Hey y’all! People like you make the world of music go round, thanks for your time! I’m making it by just like you, now I’m putting another piece of myself into the world. If you’ve taken the time to read this, you’re the best!
Many thanks to Boy Grapes for speaking with us. Find out more about Boy Grapes on his official website, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Bandcamp and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
