Her early career produced music that showed poignant potential; the young songwriter being taken from local notoriety and put on an international radar where, through the late Heath Ledger, she would meet an early mentor in Ben Harper, who would produce her debut album, Always Want. A gorgeous blend of influences that evoked the sonic density of PJ Harvey and Cat Power, delivered through Woodroofe’s unique lens. 

The record would reach #3 on the Australian iTunes Album Chart, be recognised by Rolling Stone Magazine as ‘Artist To Watch’; while claiming international attention through support from the likes of NPR, KCRW and Paste Magazine.

Released in 2011, Woodroofe emerged as a striking artist who retained an enigmatic quality about her, though her music was poetic and charismatically open. Praised for her dynamic and engaging performances at a run of festivals including SXSW, Pyramid Rock Festival, CMJ New York and Southbound; as well as on stages supporting artists like Alt-J, Glass Animals, Matt Corby, and Jack Johnson, Woodroofe claimed her own place within the Australian music market.

In the years that would follow, Woodroofe’s output would change, as elements of her life outside music also would bring her into emotionally intense territory. 

The development of what would become a long-term relationship largely dictated Woodroofe’s 2015 rebrand; a shift in a more electronic direction as R.W. Grace. Though it saw a well-received EP released in Love It Need It Miss It Want It, this chapter of Woodroofe’s life marked a turning point she would spend the following four years recovering from. 

The relationship that she had become incredibly devoted to turned toxic and abusive; ultimately leading Woodroofe to lose faith in herself as an artist, and as a woman. It drastically affected her artistry and ability to create and for some time, Woodroofe couldn’t see the path back to the person she used to be.

2023 sees Woodroofe release her first full-length studio album in over ten years. Releasing music under her own name for the first time since her debut, is a key part of Woodroofe’s healing. The music  speaks openly and honestly about her experiences, and doesn’t shy away from the ugly truths of the relationship that provided the foundation for such formative years of her life.

“I went to R.W. Grace predominantly because my partner at the time hated singer-songwriters. He thought they were really lame, and he’d make fun of them. I was trying to be something else, for sure. Not to say that I don’t love that EP; those songs are written from my absolute guts, from my heart. Going back to Grace Woodroofe though, I’m reclaiming it.” 

GRACE WOODROOFE

Her long awaited sophomore album, featuring the beautiful single ‘Beginning’, follows the stages of the relationship and Woodroofe’s journey out of its darkest points. The project hasn’t been created to glorify or capitalise on such situations; Woodroofe hopes those who find relatability in the music’s themes can also find some solidarity and solace.

“Pulling yourself out of that is such an arduous thing. Everyone around you gets exhausted, having to deal with you being like that, as well. You feel like a burden on everyone. I lost all my friendships and lost the connection with music, completely. I was nothing, I was a shell at the end of it. Somehow I made the decision to get out, and there’s some relief in that. 

Going through that whole experience, I am a better person for it, as horrendous as it was. I did become a person who I didn’t like but now, I am so much stronger. More empathetic and understanding. I just want to help people, women in particular, who have gone through things like this.”

GRACE WOODROOFE

Seven years on from her last release and the onset of the hardest time of her life, Grace Woodroofe has found her way back – back to herself and back to the craft she loves. 

Here, the invite is open for longtime fans and newcomers alike to be part of this exciting and vibrant new phase of her career.