“We all are looking for that relationship where you almost instantly fall into connection and rhythm, so crafting that feeling into a love song felt therapeutic to me.”
Manhattan Beach's rising hip-hop artist GRANDVIEW recently released the song “Gets Away” on July 26th, his second single leading up to his next album “Better With Time”. The track, featuring indie-pop artist Rauly and Paul Bill Jr., and produced by Kyrigo, showcases GRANDVIEW's sharp lyrical skills and vibrant alternative production.
Drawing inspiration from a famous John Steinbeck letter, “Gets Away” reflects on a past antagonistic relationship and opposes it by channeling a comforting and healthy relationship. This departure from his usual sound and concepts is a promising fastener for his standing as a trailblazer in the hip-hop scene and music industry.
Following the release of “Gets Away”, GRANDVIEW spoke to The Teen Magazine about his latest single, inspiration, and musical journey!

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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)The Story Behind the Single, “Gets Away”
GRANDVIEW's latest single “Gets Away”, released on July 26th, was inspired by a quote in a John Steinbeck letter.
I don't traditionally lean on existing literature or media to directly inspire my songs, however, the ending quote in John’s letter “nothing good gets away” has always stuck with me. I challenged myself to write a true love song and when it came time to write the hook, I just felt that John’s letter encompassed the type of love I was describing.
While the song was inspired by a letter, GRANDVIEW was first inclined to write the song after the breakup of a 2-year-long loving relationship. Towards the end, unfortunately, the dynamic changed and became antagonistic. Post-breakup, GRANDVIEW was interested in writing about a relationship that felt “supportive, warm, and comforting” rather than something despairing: “We all are looking for that relationship where you almost instantly fall into connection and rhythm, so crafting that feeling into a love song felt therapeutic to me.”
When asked how GRANDVIEW balances personal experiences with universal themes in his songwriting to connect with his audience, he explained that being too vague and general in your writing lacks the depth that is needed for listeners to relate to the writing. “It seems like the more personal and niche the experience or emotion you describe is, the more universally relatable it is for a wider audience.”, he explained, “The tricky balance is how vulnerable the artist is willing to get for the sake of the song.”
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The Creative Process of “Gets Away”
“Gets Away” merges alt-rap, pop rap, and West Coast rap, a departure from GRANDVIEW's regular sound. However, with any track he does, the focus stays on having the verses be sharp, both writing-wise and technically.
I think having strong, hip-hop focused verses helps ground my tracks in a “GRANDVIEWesque” style that will help the listeners feel comfortable with any new instrumentals I introduce to them.
GRANDVIEW collaborated with artists Rauly and Paul Bill Jr. on this track, who shaped its sound. GRANDVIEW wanted two singers for the single, especially to add different textures to the instrumentals. He stated, “I am not a great singer, but I love writing melodies and hooks, so I was ecstatic when Paul was open to lending his incredible vocals to my hook. Rauly is a dope friend I met through my publicist, Jackie; his talented vocals perfectly fit the aesthetic I was aiming for.”
GRANDVIEW was able to speak about his main musical influences and their inspiration for his music sound. His music has been compared to artists like Brockhampton and Mac Miller, which is interesting to him because he sees different parts of himself in the artists he grew up listening to.
He explained the main inspirational figures behind his artistry:
My writing has shades of Kendrick Lamar and Lupe Fiasco, while my vulnerability and honesty stem from Kid Cudi and J Cole. The way I carry myself as an artist and my relationship with my fans is directly inspired by Logic and Mac Miller, while the ambition and creativity I go for with my instrumental choices is a mirror of the boldness shown by BROCKHAMPTON and Kanye West. Fred Again, Flume, Porter Robinson and Odesza will always come through in my more EDM inspired records.
GRANDVIEW's Music Journey and What's Next
We asked GRANDVIEW about him touring with Shwayze and sharing stages with notable artists:
First off, shoutout to Shwayze; such a legendary west coast artist and an amazing person, I always will look up to and appreciate him for how he treated me on that tour. It was such an eye opening experience about how to perform for people who have no idea who you are and what your sound is. It taught me to craft a set list that is focused on giving the audience the best possible experience, whether it's mashing up my songs with hit songs or controlling the crowd through humor and humility.
As a rising artist from Manhattan Beach, GRANDVIEW's music and career were influenced a lot by LA. “LA naturally creates an optimistic and warm atmosphere that I think directly bleeds into the songs I create.”, he described, “In high school, raving became such a tradition for my friends and I, and my fascination with EDM and Flume’s debut album still lives in my instrumental selection.” While Manhattan Beach as a place does not have a tangible music identity, GRANDVIEW imagines that he will be one to craft and introduce it to a larger audience.
TEAM GRANDVIEW has finally started to grow; although it may be a small group, it is dedicated. This is especially enlightening because, when “Time is On Our Side” was created, there was zero fan base. With the growth of TEAM GRANDVIEW, he feels the pressure to make his next project even better than “Time is On Our Side”: “My goal is to always make songs that are unique with regards to my catalog, so I just hope the fans trust that though this mixtape [the next project] may sound different, it will still be GRANDVIEW.”
GRANDVIEW explained his future plans when asked what fans can expect soon:
“'Better With Time' is a direct sequel to ‘Time is On Our Side’ and is the second instalment in a trilogy I'm planning. Each record will introduce new characters such as the last one having Lady Luck and Father Time as the narrators. Fans can expect new stories about my life to be revealed as well as new song styles that I have always wanted to make. ‘Better With Time’ is a project that shows that I will keep upping my game as my time as GRANDVIEW goes on.”
Quick-Fire Questions
Dream career?
Besides hip-hop artist, it would be running the best pizzeria in Los Angeles.
Dream collaboration?
Bringing all of BROCKHAMPTON back together for one song with me.
Dream travel destination?
Japan
Your favorite song you’ve written so far and favorite lyric from it?
Something About The Water
“This poem prays for the thin skinned, don't ugly cry, come laugh again, if your smile size can match my grin, lets party till the world ends.”
Favorite go-to meal?
In-N-Out double double, animal fries, and a water cup.
Top three favorite songs of all time?
The Prayer by Kid Cudi
Tonya by Brockhampton
Tennis Courts (Flume Remix)
Something you never leave the house without?
Headphones
Your hobbies aside from music?
Cooking, it’s my second passion.
What type of dog do you think you are most like personality-wise?
French Bulldog
Best piece of advice you've received as a musician?
Everyone calls you crazy until you make it. Then you are a genius.

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Keep Up With GRANDVIEW
Be sure to check out GRANDVIEW on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Spotify.
“Time Is On Our Side” is out now.
“Gets Away” is out now.