Apple Music Live Gracie Abrams_Portraits_Credit Apple Music_1
Gracie Abrams is the newest artist to take the stage at Apple Music Live — the live performance series that gives the biggest names in music a platform to connect with audiences around the world.
In a cinematic evening of music and emotion, Abrams lights up the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado for Apple Music Live, delivering an unforgettable performance as his The Secret of Us Deluxe Tour nears its grand finale. Against the backdrop of towering red rocks and open skies, it invites fans on an authentic and intimate journey of love and self-discovery. Recorded in front of a live audience, Apple Music Live: Gracie Abrams is an unmissable performance, rooted in deep emotional connection.
The setlist draws from his 2024 solo album, The Secret of Us Deluxe — featuring beloved songs like “Let It Happen,” “I Told You Things,” “Free Now,” and the viral anthem “That's So True.” The set also includes iconic songs from his debut album Good Riddance, his first EP Minor and a different surprise song for each night.
WHERE TO WATCH IT
Watch the performance live on Thursday 30 October at 4am, exclusively on Apple Music here, and anytime on-demand in Spatial Audio after the live here.
THE INTERVIEW
Gracie Abrams met Zane Lowe for an interview about the tour and his return to the studio.
Gracie Abrams talks about how music brings people together
I think the narrative element of everything we do, even just in the conversations we have, is the heart of what gives music value. I've always thought this, but I think it's important to remember it: during concerts, for example, I may even have written the song that we're all singing together, but by the time we're there, that song isn't about me anymore, do you know what I mean? Because you physically see how people get closer, how they get involved.
Gracie Abrams reflects on The Secret of Us and shares how she feels now
I feel very… I think now that the album cycle is over, and I'm in my third week of not touring, slowing down physically is helping me process everything that's been.
Yes, I think The Secret of Us represents exactly who I was at that moment. It felt real to me, and it was true in the writing process too.
I often get this feeling — and I wonder if other artists experience it too — when you finally get to say what you wanted to say, and you put it down on paper, and you think, “Okay, next.”
But with music it's strange, because even a year and a half later you still find yourself living inside those stories.
I like that the stories I've lived in this year have changed a lot, as you said, but also in some ways not: Audrey and I created a lot of the album together, Aaron (Dessner) and I did it all together. They are very dear friends.
And memories.
And you remember, exactly. It's a gift to have made this album with people who, even outside of work, are the ones I would still like to share everything with.
Gracie Abrams talks about the contrast between the brightness of The Secret of Us and its inner darkness
It's a happy album. It's interesting. The Secret of Us often has a very bright sound. Most of the songs are guitar-driven pieces, and there's something about it that's brighter than I expected.
I think it represents that time well, but I also know there's an extroverted side to the album that largely comes from my relationship with Audrey (Hoebert). Our friendship has always brought out a side of me that, with other people, doesn't emerge in the same way.
During those months of writing together, we drifted in and out of songs, and then hearing that reflected in the music was fascinating.
Because, actually, I'm a little darker than the album sounds — if that makes sense. And I know this for sure. When you're on tour, life flows between shows, and then you get on stage: sometimes it's hard to access that deeper place, even if the lyrics are darker or sadder. There is something about the sound itself and how it vibrates that…
Yes. It's time, it's dynamics.
Exact.
Right?
Yes, and it can be hard to actually believe what I'm singing. But when I see others do it, that's what really makes me feel…
Death Wish is a very important song, because that's where you get to explore that darkness a little more and literally disappear into it.
Yes, yes. I wrote it after this album. I wrote it while we were on tour.
It doesn't surprise me. It's a natural reaction, in a way, to brightness.
Exact. And I think… I've written a lot by myself, and there are parts of me that just come out that way. People bring out different sides of us, and I find it interesting to see how this is reflected in the sound.
Death Wish, and even the songs on the deluxe version of the album — apart from That's So True, which fits perfectly into the context of the others — are very connected to me and Audrey (Hoebert).
But I Told You Things, which I think is my favorite song on the album and also my favorite live moment, along with Death Wish, are two songs that gave me clues about what the next chapter will be.
And I like it very much, because I feel like I'm returning to those emotions that, historically, have always driven me to write.
And intimacy?
Yes.
Gracie Abrams talks about the evolution of her sound
I think I'm having interesting weeks where I'm like, “Okay, actually XYZ isn't for me,” even though I thought it might, and even though a lot of others thought so.
I realize it doesn't really represent me. It's a strange feeling when you realize how you are perceived. We all experience it, whether it's something public or not — people look at you, they form ideas about you.
And it can be intimidating or strange to try to authentically evolve into who you feel you are becoming. You almost feel it under your skin, and now I'm having fun translating it into music that feels very different to The Secret of Us.
