Illuminating The Night: A Look At 'Plateau' And Its Unique Sound

Born Grace Freeman, she first took to the stage in the coastal town of San Clemente, strumming her guitar and pouring forth melodies that would capture the hearts of all who heard. By age 10, she had begun to hone her craft, performing at open mics with a grace that belied her years.

At 14, she was inspired by the triple album of The Magnetic Fields and set about recording her collection, entitled 70 Love Songs. The project caught the band's attention, and soon she was opening for them on tour, playing to audiences across the Midwestern states. In time, she would share the stage with other artists of renown, among them Macy Gray, Suzanne Vega, Todd Snyder, and Donavon Frankenreiter.

She named herself after the accordion-based music of France. Her inspiration came from many songwriters: Joni Mitchell, Regina Spektor, Björk, Cocteau Twins, Burt Bacharach, Big Thief, and The Cure.

Her debut album, Backward Lullaby, was released in October 2021. It spoke of love, loss, hope, and heartache. It featured a duet with Rufus Wainwright and explored the tangled emotions at the heart of relationships. In July 2022, she released an orchestral reimagining of three tracks from Backwards Lullaby.

Grace Freeman is an artist who began performing at age 10 and has since shared the stage with Macy Gray, Suzanne Vega, Todd Snyder, and Donavon Frankenreiter. Image from Gal Musette.

The tune in “Plateau” begins slow and measured, like the tread of a weary traveler, but as the notes unfold, it becomes a steady lullaby, carrying one away like a leaf on the breeze. The artist admitted the song came from their frustration while stuck in LA traffic. Trapped amidst the endless sea of cars, she found inspiration for the melody that would become “Plateau.”

“...as the lyrics progressed, they kind of revealed a season of numbness and monotony I was stuck in, and the driving became a metaphor for how I felt in general, going through the motions, mindlessly traveling through life without much direction or emotion,” Musette said.

While in its melody, I was beset by imaginings of “Plateau” donning the hues of artists such as Lennon Stella and Maggie Rogers. Unlike its forebears, Musette's newest offering keeps listeners entranced on a hypnotic journey through melody and emotion, a trip of ecstasy and delight.

“Plateau” is a cinematic indie pop melody, a rare gem in today's musical terrain. Its tender strains are woven like a tapestry, rich with a nostalgic bearing and tinged with a fresh and quirky hue. The kaleidoscopic song shines like a beacon in the night, a beacon of melodic beauty and wonder.

Listeners can expect to hear “Plateau” on Feb. 17.