Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with New Zealand’s Piper Grant. Together we discussed their songwriting process, their influences, their home Bay of Islands, their EP “Patience is a Virtue”, and so much more!
1. Mustard is thankful to have you join them at Music Shelf. How are you doing today?
Hey Mustard, it’s a pleasure to be talking with you. I am thriving.
2. You are based in New Zealand and Australia. Mustard wonders if there is legitimate hostility between both countries? Or if that is just a trope in television/movies? Where do you recommend humans visit in New Zealand and Australia?
I believe that the creative industries have exaggerated the rivalry between the two countries. I adore both countries equally and I have never personally come across hostility- besides from the occasional teasing remark on how Australians definitely invented Pavlova. In New Zealand I recommend visiting my home, Bay of Islands and the Southern Alps. In Australia I recommend visiting the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
3. As a condiment Mustard wonders what are your thoughts on Marmite?
I don’t voluntarily ingest it but if I was handed a marmite sandwich I wouldn’t turn it down.
4. You began songwriting at age nine. Can you recall the first song you wrote?
The first song I wrote was in memory of my grandfather who passed. It was scribbled on a large piece of A3 paper with no particular rhythm and I decline to share it anywhere due to a sense of gatekeeping and the fact that it was a pretty bad first song. I regret to admit it did not do my grandfather justice.
5. What is your songwriting process?
My songwriting process differs from song to song. Generally I become inspired, write down any lyrics that come to mind (notes app is my best friend) and then I’ll put it to a melody. If I don’t have my guitar available I’ll write the entire song and then take it to my guitar later on.
6. Who (or what) influences you?
I am heavily influenced by the moments that I observe in life. My influences, such as people and places, are always changing.
7. In addition to being a musician you are also an author. Could you share more about your two novellas?
One I am keeping private, and the other I am aiming to publish at my earliest convenience. The second is wholly inspired by my line of work as I crew on the good ship based in the Bay of Islands, R. Tucker Thompson. It is a fictional story about a young man in 1713 who encounters many exciting escapades on the sea during the golden age of piracy in the Bahamas and surrounding areas of ocean.
8. You reside in the Bay of Islands. How does being on the water help inspire and influence your art? What do you enjoy most about the ocean? Do you have a favorite sea creature?
The fluidity of water deeply influences my sound. Being on the ocean- or in the ocean- is my escape from reality and it is where I have epiphanies about what I should do next with my music. I have respect for all of the creatures in the water.
9. In your latest blog post you mention that this year you plan to reinvent yourself. What can fans expect from Piper Grant in 2023?
This year, my listeners can expect to see me follow through with things I’ve been wanting to accomplish for years. As an example; I’ve had the goal to launch a website since 2021, so in early 2023 I finally published it. I have a list of things I want to publicly share this year. It is this sense of accountability that listeners can expect from me.
10. Last year you released your EP “Patience is a Virtue.” Could you share what it was like to put this EP together?
It was a dream. I have never felt so fulfilled and satisfied with a release process. I cannot articulate the true amount of appreciation I have for the people and opportunities that made the EP possible. The whole creation of it was beautiful. I wholeheartedly hope that my future tracks hold the same amount of passion behind them that my EP had.
11. Why is it important that a human be patient? What are some ways you work on being patient?
In truth, I am only a patient person when I want to be. All good things take time, and therefore, it is important to be patient.
12. How would you describe your live performances?
My performances are intimate. I am no rave festival performer. (Although I am aiming to explore different genres of music to bring to my performances- so we’ll see). I embrace simplicity and so far I have only ever presented with only me and my guitar. When I perform, I assess the audience and what they need to hear. I take the time to tell them more about the song if my set time allows and the listeners are attentive. I am more than happy to be background music in a restaurant, though I find the most joy whilst performing for people who sit and allow me to sing directly to them. I love telling the stories that my lyrics hold.
13. What is next for Piper Grant?
Growth. There is always constant growth and learning to experience.
14. Where can readers listen to your music?
Readers can find my music on every streaming platform, or through my website: www.piperwardgrant.com .
Music Shelf With Mustard 