Arts, Etc.Music

‘Sky’s the limit’ for LV’s rising star

Courtney McGrady, a 17-year-old Bonita High School senior, wrote many of the songs on her debut album while sitting on her bed next to her beanie pillow pal Sherbert. McGrady, who plays acoustic guitar on her album "Sky's the Limit," hopes to tour the United States for 11 months after she graduates in June. "One day I would love to play at Lilith Fair," she said, admitting that her version of Jewel's "Who Will Save Your Soul," was the song that landed her the record deal with Wisdom Entertainment. / photo by Christie Reed
Courtney McGrady, a 17-year-old Bonita High School senior, wrote many of the songs on her debut album while sitting on her bed next to her beanie pillow pal Sherbert. McGrady, who plays acoustic guitar on her album “Sky’s the Limit,” hopes to tour the United States for 11 months after she graduates in June. “One day I would love to play at Lilith Fair,” she said, admitting that her version of Jewel’s “Who Will Save Your Soul,” was the song that landed her the record deal with Wisdom Entertainment. / photo by Christie Reed

by Michelle Thornton
Staff Writer

Courtney McGrady is not an average high school senior. Granted, she does do all of those high school things like going to class, joining clubs, singing in the choir and, of course, hanging out with her friends and boyfriend, but one of those involvements landed McGrady in the entertainment business only a few months ago.

On July 18, McGrady walked into Wisdom Entertainment, a Los Angeles-based record label and played for the CEO of operations Jay Warsinske and producer Michael D’inco.

The result was a full-length CD entitled “Sky’s the Limit,” an upcoming video and a second cd in the making, not to mention that she could possibly perform in the Lilith Fair ’98.

“I sort of expected them to want to hear me, but then I didn’t, you know. I had hoped for it,” said McGrady.

“She has been singing since she was probably 3 years old. She’s always happy and singing in her room,” said her mother and acting manager Robin McGrady.

Although McGrady has never received any formal voice lessons outside of the choirs she has been in since eighth grade, one would never know it from her CD. Her voice much resembles that of Dolores O’Riordan from the popular band The Cranberries.

“Yeah, I am Irish, too,” said McGrady.

But the talent does not stop there. When McGrady was 14, she began writing songs as she shut herself up in her bedroom to contemplate over everyday teenage angst.

“I wasn’t trying to write songs, that is just what they ended up becoming. I don’t consider myself a songwriter. I couldn’t sit down with, say, Billy [Corgan from Smashing Pumpkins] and discuss the work that I did on my previous album. That is not even possible in my mind,” said McGrady.

She says that normal teenage emotions are the fuel for her songs. She writes about dealing with friends, family and boyfriend problems. She likes to write about sad things but often tries to have a positive solution in them.

For McGrady, writing is a release from her problems and the “best thing I have discovered.”

Corgan is McGrady’s inspiration, which she pays tribute to with a sticker planted on her guitar.

McGrady has travelled far and wide to follow her favorite performers and their styles are much incorporated into her own music. She even did a cover of another of her favorites, Joni Mitchell’s “California.”

Learning the business is a new experience for McGrady and her family. She is learning that she has quite a bit of control over the production of her music. When the producer chose the back-up band and the crew did the final mixes, she approved it.

“That is the way it should be. The artist needs to have the artistic control,” said McGrady.

D’inco said, “You have to take out all the madness and let the artist tell you what they see.”

D’inco also said that McGrady is well respected because of how personable she is. For accomplishing many people’s dreams at age 17, McGrady is down-to-earth and stunned by how quickly her career has taken off.

McGrady said that her family has been supportive of her.

“They all swear I am going to be a star,” said McGrady.

For now, McGrady will push stardom aside and continue to finish high school. After graduation, she will be on her way toward a national tour of small coffee houses and venues.

Michelle Thornton
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Christie Reed
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