BEYOND THE NOTES
Photo courtesy of Kalista Tamez
March 4, 2025 | Hailey Benzvi
Grace Gardner is more than just a singer-songwriter. At 24, they've built a career on their stunning music and commitment to making the industry a more inclusive, welcoming space. Whether on stage, studio, or the road, Gardner leads with a sense of community and connection, ensuring that artists and fans feel seen and supported.
As a non-binary lesbian artist, Gardner brings a perspective that many in the industry don't. Their identity shapes how they approach everything, from songwriting to live performances. While visibility for LGBTQ+ artists has grown, institutional support hasn't always followed. That's why Gardner prioritizes fostering spaces where everyone feels welcome. Having experienced both welcoming and isolating tour environments, they make it a point to ensure that openers—often artists new to touring, have smaller teams, or face financial and logistical challenges—are supported. "I think what you do is make the support feel like family," Gardner shares.
Taking the time to introduce themselves to everyone on the bill, no matter the show's size is a small but meaningful gesture. It sets the tone for a culture of kindness and collaboration, which Garnder believes is essential in an industry that often feels competitive and impersonal.
That same commitment extends to their fans. Gardner understands firsthand how powerful it is to see yourself reflected in music, especially for young queer listeners figuring out their identities. Touring with Miki Ratsula, another queer and non-binary artist, reinforced just how meaningful that visibility can be. Through late-night conversations and shared experiences of being queer and nonbinary, Gardner saw that creating a safe, affirming environment wasn't just important—it was necessary for both artist and audience.
More than just a performer, Gardner prioritizes fan engagement in ways that go beyond the typical artist-fan dynamic. They interact on social media, take the time to talk with people at shows, and create spaces where fans feel comfortable sharing their stories and connecting with others. By being unapologetically themselves, they inspire fans to embrace their identities without fear.
Gardner especially cherishes the bond they have with younger queer fans attending their first concerts. "I love all my fans […] especially with these young queer fans who—like, it might be their first concert, and they're, like, 12 years old. I'm like, fuck yeah. Love that. Love that you're here." Their excitement is infectious, and it reflects the affirming, welcoming experience they strive to create.
Grace Gardner isn't just making music—they're redefining what it means to be an artist. By leading with empathy and inclusivity, they're proving that indie music can be more than just a scene; it's a community. One where everyone has a place.
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