Wishing you a vibrant and sunny start to your week with “Square One” by US vocalist Gracie Jay.

This is the first track from Gracie’s EP Square One, tracing the frustrating cycle of grinding towards a goal, only to find yourself knocked back to the beginning by forces outside your control.

Slick grooves, warm Rhodes, a deep bassline, and an effortlessly skilled vocal performance come together to create a track that feels bright and uplifting on the surface, while carrying a more complicated story underneath. Gracie’s soulful and confident delivery, though, transforms the feeling of failure into determination, self-discovery, and growth. I hope this reminds you to keep going, whatever might be happening in your life right now that feels impossible to carry on with.