Interview: “Into The Morning”, by Grace Vonderkuhn, The Queen of Delaware Rock and Roll
If you’ve been paying attention to the Delaware music scene over the past decade, then Grace Vonderkuhn is a name you likely already know. From being featured as an official SXSW artist, to an Audiotree session, NPR coverage, and multiple label releases, Grace Vonderkuhn has become one of the most loved and resilient bands in the region—and for good reason. No matter what, they’ve remained proud representatives of the First State. Formed in 2016, the trio consists of Grace Koon (songwriter, singer, and guitarist), Brian Bartling (bass), and Dave McGrory (drums and vocals). Their sound blends elements of shoegaze, post-punk, and psychedelia.
Now, they’re celebrating their latest single, “Into The Morning,” and gearing up for the full album release on August 29. You can catch them live at the album release show on September 12 at Kelly’s Logan House in Wilmington, DE with fellow Delaware rock and roll bands Flat and Katie Dill. We caught up with proud Wilmingtonian and lead singer Grace Koon to talk about the Delaware scene, the new record, and finding peace and joy in wild times.
When and how did you fall in love with music creation?
I'm the youngest of 4, and when I was a kid, I remember my siblings putting on my parents' old Beatles records while we cleaned the kitchen after dinner. When "Help" came on, it filled me with a raucous energy and I couldn't get enough. My sisters later brought home Rage Against The Machine, Beastie Boys, Violent Femmes, and Weezer's Blue Album, which all had a profound impact on me. My dad is a fantastic guitarist and my sister Sarah is a phenomenal pianist, so I was exposed to live music in our house a lot, too. When I was 10 or 11, I decided to pick up a guitar and I guess I just never put it down again!
What was the inspiration behind your latest single "Into The Morning"?
The inspiration behind Into the Morning (the title track from our new album) is from my own life experience. In some relationships in my twenties, I had a lot of self-doubt and anxiety. Into the Morning is basically about asking for affirmation in a relationship and wanting to feel love during periods of insecurity. I later figured out that certain relationships were actually the cause of the anxiety I felt and when someone is really right for you, they calm your nervous system!
(Photo by Skylar Kley)
What have been some of your favorite moments in the Delaware music scene?
Some of my favorite moments in the Delaware music scene were playing/going to shows at 1984 and Oddity Bar. Having so many touring bands come through and being able to host great shows for them in a vibrant music community is something I maybe even took for granted until Covid shut everything down. I'm glad to see new venues and bands popping up in Delaware now. I will always hold those 2010's days dear.
How do you feel about the current state of the local scene and is there anything you would change?
I do think Covid seriously damaged and splintered the music scene I was a part of in Delaware, and it'll never be the same. BUT as I mentioned, there are new bands and venues popping up here and I think there is a renewed spirit. People have been rebuilding (or entering the scene for the first time) and I'm here for it! With places like Rainbow Records, Smalls Music Shop, Squeezebox Records, The Newark Bike Project, The Logan House,The Queen, Elkton Music Hall, house shows, and more, there are a lot of great shows happening. We need community and art and music now more than ever, and all I want to do is support folks trying to make things happen. I'm proud of how people have stepped up to fill the void.
(Photo by Krista Connor)
What has been something that's been giving you joy recently?
I think you might relate to this-- gardening has brought me a lot of joy recently. I love being active and getting outside but it's a great payoff getting to see the aesthetic changes, too. It's a very grounding activity. I don't like sitting still for too long and gardening really helps me direct my restless energy into something rewarding where nothing is really at stake. And it's good for the environment! And vegetables taste good! And flowers are pretty!
