Gillian Grassie is an award-winning writer, musician, and coach based in Los Angeles.
“…an innovator par excellence. She is a harpist/singer/songwriter who is bringing the harp into the 21st Century…”
- Ticket Magazine
“Soulful… Ravishing… Dazzling…”
(Philadelphia Magazine)
Upcoming Offerings
5.10 - 5.11
The Wheel - Performance Art Piece
Los Angeles, CA
Details TBA
An Uncompromising Talent
“It’s rare to hear a young singer with such control and understated soulfulness, and even more rare to hear a harp provide such a deep percussive groove. I was immediately captivated by her sound.” -Grammy-winner Marc Cohn
“She makes [the harp] sound like any string instrument that has been a part of pop and rock for the last 50 years… Grassie’s brand of eclectic pop is her own, and she would sound as comfortable in a large 5000-seat venue as she might in a small café… One can hear shades of Tori Amos, Regina Spektor, and Joni Mitchell.” - Music For America
“The harp in this context is simply exciting… incredibly distinctive vocal approach… Superb! - TAXI magazine
"Her music deftly blends jazz, pop, folk and rock with mesmerizing effectiveness, with forays into techno and even bossa nova further blurring the boundaries of tradition.” - The Intelligencer
“Songs worthy of everyone’s attention… Grassie [lets] us into her world through lighter-than-air yet epic changes and hooks that would snag the biggest snob. I'm proof positive of that I suppose… [She has] the ability to tell a story that you actually want to hear through music that is sure to haunt you like a reassuring and melodious ghost. Everything, right down to the song lengths, is perfect.” - Origivation Magazine
Discography
From jazz-influenced folk-pop to modern re-imaginings of traditional Celtic ballads, Gillian’s discography shows an artist in full control of her abundant gifts.
The Woodlands Sessions
Recorded in live takes with an all-star band at the historic Woodlands mansion in West Philadelphia.
The Hinterhaus
Gillian’s moody, crowdfunded sophomore album. Conceived in Berlin, recorded in California, and independently released in Philadelphia in the dead of Winter 2013. Produced by Todd Sickafoose (Anaïs Mitchell, Hadestown, Ani DiFranco) and featuring folk legend Janis Ian.
Serpentine
Gillian’s debut album. Recorded and released during her sophomore year at Bryn Mawr College.
“Serpentine is an album that belongs on every critic’s Best Of list not only for the year, but for the decade.” -(Music For America)