Interview: Greyson Chance On His Battle With Anorexia, Teddy Geiger, New Album

Greyson Chance is an artist who understands both love and pain. And that’s exactly what is undeniably pure and beautiful about this artist; Not only does he understand these innately intimate emotions, but he has the talent to combine the two to create music that touches your deepest core.

The young star’s recent release “Bad To Myself” addresses his most personal struggles yet. After two long years of fighting anorexia, we sense a form of rejuvenation from this young singer who is fighting back through his music that is brighter, bolder and more beautiful than ever.

While exclusively speaking with Hype through email, Greyson Chance talks Covid-19, his battle against anorexia, an unforgettable night working with Teddy Geiger and, what we can expect from him next.

Check out our conversation with him here:

1. How has the Covid-19 pandemic affected you positively and negatively, personally?

Like everyone across the world, it has completely changed my day-to-day life. Last year I played 108 shows across the world; this year I have not been on stage at all, and that’s been an incredibly difficult transition. That being said, the silver-lining of the pandemic has been the time that it has allowed me to be more connected with my family, either in-person or virtually. I think this whole situation has reminded many the importance of their loved ones.

2. “Bad To Myself” is a deeply personal song. And many fans (including ourselves) feel encouraged that there’s a light at the end of the tunnel. What was your pivotal moment in overcoming that dark period?

The thing that got me through that dark time was truly the music, it was ‘portraits’. I am not sure of where I would be without the process of writing that album. Those songs showed me my own worth and I knew that I owed them to the fans, who have stuck by me for such a long period. There’s a lyric in ‘seasons nineteen’ that says, ‘That night off of I-44, thought that it was the end’. That’s not an analogy, that line came straight from a journal entry.

3. Why do you think it is that artists sometimes tend to struggle when on tour? What exactly happens to adversely affect one’s mental and physical wellbeing?

It’s mainly the isolation, I think. Even though I feel such an energy and connection between my fans and I, at the end of the night, after the show, it is just me in the hotel room; and that can be a tough pill to swallow sometimes. After last year, however, I am more determined than ever to be healthy on the road once the pandemic is over. I don’t want to relive any part of last year.

4. When it comes to your struggle with anorexia, one thing that has been highlighted, is that this issue does not only affect women, but also men. How can we overcome this stigma?

It starts by having the conversation, even by you asking this question, that is progress. People have to understand that eating disorders do not discriminate. I hope that by sharing my story, I have made at least one small crack within the stigma and the way people think about eating disorders.

5. You wrote “Bad To Myself” with Teddy Geiger last August. Can you talk about your special bond with Teddy and what makes it easy to collaborate together?

I was really nervous to work with Teddy at first. She is such an industry powerhouse, and I was worried that I was not going to be at the level needed to work with her. It wasn’t until we met and started writing music together that I realised I truly needed her during this period of my career. She’s taught me a lot about what it means to be honest in my songwriting, and how to truly enjoy what I get to do everyday with my life.

With ‘Bad To Myself’, I remember telling her that I didn’t feel confident enough to have a song like it. She looked at me and told me that I was good enough and that I had to keep on going, keep writing, and keep staying persistent. I will never forget that night.

6. Your music style seems to have gradually changed with time. What type of artist would you classify yourself as currently?

I try to be inherently honest with my work, and I hope that shows. But to be completely honest, I really don’t spend any time working or releasing on anything that I am not utmost passionate about; that was the biggest mistake of my career in the past. I want to keep on making art that feels authentic to me, and excites me. And I hope the fans stay by my side throughout the process.

7. We heard that you’re planning to release your album either later this year or early next year. How many songs do you have so far? What can fans expect? Tease us a little 😉

They can expect a story of the rise and downfall of a champion. And a second chapter to ‘portraits’.

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And there you have it, a quick look at what Greyson Chance has been up to and what he plans to do in the months to come. As the man said it himself we can experience “the rise and downfall of a champion” with the release of his latest album, so do make sure you give yourself the privilege of listening to his powerful and passionate music.

Excited for the singer’s upcoming 2021 Asia tour? Stay tuned to IMC Live Global for the latest updates on Facebook and Instagram.

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