South Austin Song Circle: Grace Pettis, Natalie Price & Rachel Laven

GRACE PETTIS: Grace Pettis is an award-winning songwriter from Austin, Texas. A little bit folk, a little bit country/Americana and with a whole lot of soul, Pettis has released two DIY albums and the Dallas Morning News has hailed her as "one of the most talented young singer-songwriters in America". Grace is the winner of many of the nation’s most prestigious songwriting contests, including NPR's Mountain Stage NewSong Contest, and has received grants from the Buddy Holly Educational Foundation. Grace’s songs have been recorded by other esteemed artists, including Sara Hickman and Ruthie Foster and she added to her songwriting accomplishments in 2019 by signing a publishing deal with BMG. NATALIE PRICE: Texas-born, Nashville-based Natalie Price is a singer-songwriter whose music blends Americana, indie folk, and melodic pop in what she calls “Ameri-kinda.” Her self-titled full-length album, Natalie Price (2023), produced by acclaimed artist Mary Bragg, showcases her confessional songwriting and wide emotional range—from introspective ballads to catchy, pop rock anthems. The album has garnered praise for its authenticity and cinematic depth, positioning her as a compelling new voice. Her 2025 single “Monday & Tuesday” dives into the bliss of newfound love with earworm melodies and slow-burn tension, marking a continued evolution of her sound. With a gift for transforming deeply personal experiences into songs that feel universal, Natalie is quickly becoming a fan favorite. RACHEL LAVEN: RACHEL LAVEN | THE SECRET TO A GOOD LIFE Years of travelling seems to have taught Rachel Laven the benefits of packing light. Riding along in her tour van, it’s easy to notice that she is efficient and unencumbered by the many thankless articles that tie plenty of people down. In her company she keeps her guitar (an Aubade Acoustic, handmade by luthier Michael Armand out of Louisiana), a garden basket of healthy road snacks, a light bag of well chosen outfits and of course, her grandmother’s heirloom Luccheses. It is this efficiency, further reflected in the mindfulness Laven puts into her writing that helps her songs come across as so relatable. Focusing on topics that stem from a watchful, warm perspective, the delivery of her observations has a clean way of driving themes straight to the heart of a matter. This economical ability to perform complex humanity in a clear headed way is what sets her apart as an artist. Laven is an earnest observer. Born into a home pulsing with songwriters and musicians she has observed the craftsmanship and labor that those before her have put into their art. A positive force of nature on stage, Laven not only captivates with her smiling lyricism but with the timber of a voice that sounds straight out of her chest. She is a powerhouse of energy. Vibrant, well-spoken and always reaching new heights, Rachel Laven will be known among the songwriters of her generation as an encouragement and inspiration to dare. By Collins De La Cour