From his early days as a child performer to his current status as a rising star, Grant Knoche’s journey is a testament to his passion for music and his ability to captivate audiences by effortlessly transcending genres with his soulful voice and undeniable charisma.
Words by Niccolo Brandon Serratt
Images courtesy of Grant Knoche
Grant Knoche is used to being in the spotlight. He got his start performing and touring with KIDZ BOP before doing some acting on Nickelodeon shows like Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn. Representing Texas on The American Song Contest, NBC’s version of Eurovision, helped raise his profile again after placing fourth. But it wasn’t until the 21-year-old came out to his father as bisexual with the song First Hello, in 2022, that he suddenly found himself connecting with a much larger fanbase. “I wasn’t ready then, but I’m ready now,” Knoche sings, which could easily refer to his career.
“My aspiration is to offer solace and visibility to those grappling with their sexuality, leveraging my platform to echo the sentiments of the LGBTQ+ community,” Knoche says. “If my music can offer even a semblance of comfort or understanding, fostering self-acceptance and love, then I consider my mission accomplished.”
With Adele as his muse, Grant’s music is imbued with emotional depth and vulnerability, drawing from a diverse range of influences that include pop, EDM, and the lyrical storytelling of artists like Labrinth and Lorde.
My aspiration is to offer solace and visibility to those grappling with their sexuality, leveraging my platform to echo the sentiments of the LGBTQ+ community.”
AMERICAN SONG CONTEST — “The Live Qualifiers Part 3” Episode 103 — Pictured: Grant Knoche (TX) — (Photo by: Trae Patton/NBC)The Dallas-born singer and lyricist, who now resides in Los Angeles to pursue his music and acting career, has independently produced tracks that amp up his delicate voice, backed by thumping pop-rock and edgier atmospheric EDM synth and heavy bass. Intrusive Thoughts is a lusty, slinky earworm found on the EP I Could Just Die Thinking of Us, with Look at Me Right Now, Please Hurry and Delete also notable standouts.
Knoche has adeptly maneuvered the crafting of music that not only captivates but also converses with a generation grappling with rapid change and the search for authenticity.
Travel too is an important element of Knoche’s musical creation; it’s an integral component of his creative process and personal evolution. The cities he visits, the cultures he immerses himself in, and the people he meets along the way enrich his music, infusing it with diverse influences and a global perspective. Knoche’s journey is a testament to the power of music to unite, inspire, and transform.
What motivated you to pursue a career in music, and how did your experience with KIDZ BOP influence your career goals?
Interestingly, my journey began with a passion for dance at the tender age of seven, where I found myself utterly captivated by the rhythm and the profound emotions music evoked within me. My predilection for lyrical dance introduced me to the soul-stirring melodies of Adele, who became my muse, inspiring me to delve into singing and foster a deep-seated love for music. Self-teaching piano and fervently singing Adele’s songs laid the groundwork for my involvement with KIDZ BOP, marking the commencement of my aspiration to become a solo artist. The invaluable experience of touring the nation, performing in over 160 shows, recording a dozen albums, and gaining early exposure to the music industry with KIDZ BOP was transformative, cementing my resolve to pursue a lifelong career in music.
Could you discuss your musical influences and their impact on your musical style?
Adele stands out as my paramount influence, imbuing my music with emotional depth and vulnerability. My musical palette diversified with a brief immersion in dubstep and EDM, while pop music has consistently been a cornerstone in my life, attracting me with its universal appeal. This eclectic mix, along with the inspiration drawn from artists like Labrinth, Troye Sivan, Tove Lo, Twenty One Pilots, Dua Lipa, Julia Michaels, and Lorde, has been instrumental in shaping my unique sound.
My songwriting process is inherently eclectic, initiated by anything from a compelling title, a captivating beat, a melody captured in a voice memo, or even the inspiration drawn from everyday sounds.”
What is your approach to songwriting, and which themes resonate with you?
My songwriting process is inherently eclectic, initiated by anything from a compelling title, a captivating beat, a melody captured in a voice memo, or even the inspiration drawn from everyday sounds. This spontaneity grants me the freedom to let creativity steer my songwriting, making each piece a unique exploration of sound and emotion.
What inspired First Hello, and how does it mirror your personal journey?
First Hello was conceived in a moment of profound personal significance, serving as a medium to communicate with my father about my sexuality—a topic I had navigated with everyone but him. The song is a heartfelt articulation of the myriad emotions experienced during my coming out, aiming to convey the complexity of feelings ranging from shame to the exhilarating sense of acceptance, pride, and joy that followed embracing my true self.
How has coming out as bisexual influenced your music and your connection with your audience?
Embracing my bisexuality has profoundly deepened my connection with my audience, broadening my reach and infusing my music with authenticity and vulnerability. This newfound freedom has not only enhanced my musical expression but also dismantled barriers, allowing me to explore themes with unbridled honesty.
How has travel influenced your music and creativity?
Travel has indelibly shaped my music, with each destination imparting its unique vibe, influencing the thematic and stylistic aspects of my work. The ambiance and setting of different locations offer diverse creative stimuli, enriching my songwriting and musical expression.
What is one of your most unforgettable travel experiences?
A family trip to Italy in 2016 stands out, coinciding with the release of The Weeknd’s Starboy album, which became the soundtrack of our journey. The beauty of Italy, from its breathtaking architecture to its historic landmarks, left an indelible mark on me, imbuing me with a longing to return.
What destinations are at the top of your travel bucket list, and why?
I’d love to travel to Bora Bora and stay in one of the huts in the water! It just looks so relaxing and beautiful. I’m sure some amazing songs would come out of a trip like that too.
How do you balance the rigors of touring with your personal passion for exploration?
Touring offers unique opportunities to immerse myself in the cultures of the cities I visit, allowing me to connect with each location through its culinary delights and landmarks, enriching my performance and personal experiences alike.
Can you share a fan interaction that profoundly impacted you?
The outpouring of messages from fans, particularly regarding First Hello, has been overwhelmingly touching. Hearing how my music has empowered others to embrace their identity reaffirms the transformative power of music and its ability to change.
Follow Grant Knoche on Instagram.