Fans of Paramore and the 1975 will be familiar with Pale Waves’ pop-rock take on 80s synth. Appearing on the scene in 2017 with debut track “There’s a Honey”, Pale Waves were named Q’s Best Breakthrough Act, played Madison Square Gardens, released 5 studio albums, most recently Smitten.
I sat down with Heather Baron Gracie, the lead singer of Pale Waves, to talk about all things music, mice, and sobriety.
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Manchester is the birthplace of so many class acts! What are your favourite artists that have come out of the city?
I like the Smiths, Joy Division, and obviously Oasis. Their songwriting is phenomenal.
When you’re not busy with your own music, what are you listening to?
I’m really loving Joni Mitchell; she’s just so unique as an artist. I don’t think there is or will be anyone like her. The way she writes her melodies, her guitar parts – everything about her is unique, and I feel like that’s rare for an artist.
What’s your favourite song to perform from the Pale Waves catalogue?
That changes, too! I guess it depends on what the purpose of the song is. When it comes to songwriting, I’d choose My Obsession because of what it means to me, but in terms of performing, I’d pick Jealousy.
Do you have a favourite song from Smitten?
I get obsessed with one song, then the next week I hate it and move on to another. But I’d have to say Perfume is the main character. I felt like it was the perfect introduction for Smitten.
Would you say the album has any connecting themes? Does it tell a story?
All the songs are taken from experiences in my life, experiences with different women. Not loads obviously! Some are about the same woman. Smitten is a very queer album.
I can imagine the effort that goes into producing an album is vastly different from performing on stage. Do you have any fun stories from your time working on Smitten?
Well, it was quite a process, actually. We spent like four weeks in Eastbourne, which is a really sleepy seaside town, and suspect our recording studio had mice at one point ‘cause we found little droppings everywhere! And we were like “Oh my God, what are we doing here?”. Hugo came in one morning, bless him, and cleaned it all up.
Afterward, we spent two weeks up in London finishing off vocals, and overall it was a really long process, but we learnt a lot. It’s probably the most time we’ve spent on an album because we tried to do things a bit more old school.
Photo: Norman Records
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In the past, you’ve been quite open about your sobriety journey. How has being sober impacted your creative process and how you interact with the music scene?
I’ve definitely had to restructure and relearn. Now, when I come on stage, I usually pack up my stuff, shower, go to see fans, and then get food and go to bed. Whereas previously, I’d carry on partying with the rest of the band and go to sleep at like 3:00 AM. Now I sleep as much as I can!
So it’s different. I’m definitely more sensible, and I prefer it that way. I’ve done enough partying in my time. I’ve done the 5 AM bus calls. It’s changed in the way that I’m a lot more sensible and a lot more productive, I would say.
I completely understand that! I definitely relate to being more productive; we’re finally getting things done.
It definitely helps with that. You’re not distracted, are you?… When you’re consuming alcohol, you’re just unfocused.
Would you describe yourself as a role model for your fans?
I didn’t really do it for other people or to be a role model. I did it for myself, really…I’ve already spent years touring, I’ve done a lot of partying, and I was just tired all the time. So I thought I’d try being sober. I’m an all-or-nothing person, so I’m either going for it or I’m not going for it at all. [I got sober] for my own well-being, to look after myself a lot more.
Heather, this has been great! What can fans expect next from Pale Waves?
I started writing two, three months ago for our new project. It’s got about 9 songs, but everything’s TBC at the moment. I can change my mind in a heartbeat, and I’m not sure if any of them are right yet…
I see, how exciting! Thank you so much for today. I’m looking forward to hearing more from you and the band.
Pale Waves return to Brighton’s Chalk for the UK leg of their tour on 20th Oct 2025.
Another article you may enjoy: https://thebadgeronline.com/2025/10/virgin-by-lorde-album-review/
