“Our fans want me to step on their throat and spit on them”: Why Heather Baron-Gracie doesn’t show her ‘silly side’ onstage
Pale Waves’ Heather Baron-Gracie speaks to Kerrang! about her onstage persona and why we’ll never see her be silly in public…
If you think you know the real Heather Baron-Gracie – think again. Speaking on a recent episode of Kerrang! In Conversation, powered by KILLSTAR, the Pale Waves vocalist has explained the not-so-subtle differences between who you see on and offstage.
Discussing new album Smitten, which draws on various romantic relationships and experiences throughout Heather's 20s, and the idea that this more vulnerable approach to songwriting removes any kind of barrier as a songwriter, the frontwoman explains that there will always be something of a disconnect between her personal and professional lives.
"Even Heather from Pale Waves is somewhat of a character. I put this kind of persona on, in a way. I don’t really show my playful, vulnerable, silly side because I would feel too weird doing that – I can’t show that onstage. Our fans want me to step on their throat and spit on them, that’s what they want from me, they want me to boss them around!
"In a way, everything is kind of exaggerated, but it comes from the heart – if that makes sense? You kind of have to, especially as a frontperson. It’s very strange going onstage and being so on display, and I think that took a while for me to adjust to. I still get nervous even now."
Detailing how these pre-show nerves manifest themselves, Heather says, "Before we go onstage I go off and be in my own world, and do my warm-ups and get into that headspace. I took a healthier approach to touring now, I don’t drink and I’m very much completely sober. Everyone else is warming up with a shot in hand and I go off with my lemon and ginger tea and get in the headspace, then we come together right before we walk on and have a nice hug and squeeze, and then the show starts. Put the big boots on, put the little short skirt on, let’s go!"
Heather also adds that even when she's really enjoying a show, she refuses to break character or smile.
"I don't want to anyway (laughs). Because I'm so into my character that it would be impossible for me to be silly. I'm only silly around very few people and I like to keep it that way."
Listen to the full episode of Kerrang! In Conversation with Heather now wherever you get your podcasts.
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