For the first installment of What Are YOU Listening To? in 2016, Crossed Sabres spoke to senior Grace Burgess, a noted musician and poetry aficionado.

What artists have you been listening to recently?

Oh boy, quite a variety. Hunter Hayes as always. He’s my love, AND he’s in the studio now, so get hype for new music!! Showtunes again, because I still need to learn the How to Succeed In Business Without Really Trying music! I also got ten new CDs for Christmas so my taste in music may morph into my brother’s soon. Kacey Musgraves is an absolute goddess, as well. But I also picked up a James Bay CD on a whim a few weeks ago and he’s awesome. And I’ve been listening to stuff from the Motown era, Michael Jackson, the Temptations, etcetera.

What made you look into James Bay?

Well, last year around prom, I started putting together this playlist of slow dancing music, and I came across his song “Move Together,” which is beautiful. Then, last month, I was at CD Cellar and I saw a CD with his name and I was like “Oh, this looks familiar,” so I bought it because new music is always fun.

Do you have any musicians who influence your own writing?

Probably Taylor Swift, to be honest. I really admire Kacey Musgraves for her lyrics, but I think that she’s a lot braver than I am about calling people out, and I don’t know if I could emulate that.

If you had to choose one artist to see in concert, who would it be and why?

HUNTER HAYES *heart eyes emoji* because he’s so fun! I’ve already seen him three times, but he always does something different because first and foremost, he is a musician. So every show has a new arrangement, a new set list, and the longer he’s been on the road, he has really learned how to connect with the audience in a really great way. He’s also been known to let fans sing with him.

Recommendations:

Chaos and the Calm by James Bay

Pageant Material by Kacey Musgraves