Griff's journey in the music industry has been nothing short of a whirlwind. Just under two years after dropping her debut single and juggling A-level exams, she clinched the coveted Brit Award for Rising Star. That was just the beginning. She swiftly found herself on tour with giants like Dua Lipa, Ed Sheeran, Coldplay, and Taylor Swift.
But amid the frenzy of gigs and solo performances, Griff found time to craft her debut album, "Vertigo," a collection that reflects the highs and lows of her meteoric rise. In an interview with The Associated Press, the 23-year-old, whose real name is Sarah Faith Griffiths, described the unconventional path her career has taken: "The usual steps for a new artist have been a bit upside-down for me. Releasing an album feels like hitting the ground running — it's a milestone I've always aimed for."
Griff drew inspiration for "Vertigo" from an unexpected source: a spiral staircase in a cottage owned by musician Imogen Heap, where she penned many of the album's tracks. The physical sensation of navigating that staircase mirrored the emotional journey she was on, a feeling she continues to carry with her today. "It's a very real, tangible feeling in my life right now," she explained.
Tracks like "Tears For Fun" and "Miss Me Too" delve into this whirlwind of emotions, featuring layered productions influenced by the vast venues she's performed in. One standout, "Astronaut," even boasts piano by Coldplay's Chris Martin, who guided Griff in transforming the song into a poignant ballad. Her powerful vocals lend weight to lyrics like, "You said you needed space, go on then, astronaut."
Griff's approach to music is driven by a desire to evoke deep emotions while keeping her sound upbeat and catchy. "I feel almost greedy with emotions when it comes to songs," she admitted. "Music, for me, is about moving people and stirring up feelings."
This emotional connection extends to Griff's visual storytelling. From sporting a spiral in her hair to dancing in flowing fabrics against sand-drawn spirals in her music videos, she understands that an album is more than just audio — it's a multimedia experience. It's an era, she believes, where music and visuals merge to create a complete narrative.
Yet amidst the glamour and creativity, Griff remains grounded in her craft. She recently shared her process of creating a dress inspired by a Taylor Swift lyric for a performance on Swift's Eras Tour in London. "I grew up always draping bedsheets around myself," she reminisced. "I was the only girl with two older brothers and many foster siblings, so playing dress-up was my way of entertaining myself. I just love making things."
Swift herself praised Griff's creativity, emphasizing her multifaceted talents. It's a testament to Griff's artistic depth and dedication to her craft. As she looks ahead, Griff is eager to continue pushing creative boundaries. "Honestly, I can't wait to get back into the studio," she confessed. "I feel like there's so much more I want to explore and give."
In the eyes of Griff and her growing fanbase, this is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career. With each song, each performance, and each artistic endeavor, she's proving that she's not just riding the wave of success — she's shaping it.
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