Singer, Pet Lover, Outdoor Enthusiast
Grant Boesen is a singer/songwriter with Pretend Friend. He is a music, writing, outdoors, and travel enthusiast. Pretend Friend is a string-band dynamo out of Wichita, Kansas. Their songs meld traditional bluegrass and folk with fiery rock and roll zest, and their performances are distinguished by high-energy picking and three-part vocal harmonies.
What do you make?
I write songs for the band Pretend Friend.
Where and when did you learn your artistic abilities?
I started learning piano when I was seven years old and guitar at nine years old. I started singing when I was 16 for the purpose of writing songs.
What inspires you or sparks your creativity?
Music sparks most of my creative processes. Sometimes it's sparked by an album or song that resonated well with me, but it's equally inspired by noodling aimlessly on a guitar. I'm inspired to perform by bands that communicate well and play with enthusiasm.
What projects are you working on now?
I am currently arranging and writing a batch of songs that will likely become Pretend Friend's third album. I can never be sure how they will turn out, but that's the idea for now.
What is your day like? How much do you sleep? What is your work schedule?
I wake up around 6:30am, eat breakfast, and go to work for a while. I get home sometime between 4-6pm. Other than playing music, I spend time with my girlfriend and our dog and cat. I sleep 5-6 hours a night.
How many hours of creative work do you do in a day?
I write or play for about 2-4 hours, depending on the day. It's not always intentional or strict practice. Everything I learn or rehearse needs to be useful for creating something else.
What is the first work you ever sold, and for how much?
The first work I sold was a digital download of Pretend Friend's debut, self-titled album for $10.
When you start a new piece, where do you begin? What is the first step?
Every new song I start is different. My first few attempts are usually bad. I'll write something down or take a short recording, then forget about it, then rediscover it six months later. Somehow it works out.
How do you know when you’re done with a piece?
When it feels right. Some take 15 minutes, some take years.
What music do you play when you’re making art?
I play my own music, but what I make often reflects or hints at the music I've been listening to lately.
Is there a meal you eat on repeat when you’re working?
I eat potatoes, onions, and mushrooms cooked in olive oil in a pan every day if I'm home by myself.
Are you bingeing on any shows right now?
My girlfriend and I have binge-watched “Carnival Row” recently. That's a good show.
What is the weirdest object in your maker's space?
I have a dog and a cat that are both super weird, and they are always in my space.
What’s the last thing that made you cry?
The last time I cried was while watching my cat wrestle my dog. I cry when I laugh.
What are you reading right now?
I'm reading “Jupiter's Travels” by Ted Simon.
What’s your favorite artwork by someone else?
This changes based on my mood, but I always love Paul Simon's album "Graceland."
Favorite thing about living here?
My favorite thing about living in Wichita, or Kansas in general, is the community. Best people around.
Pretend Friend's music can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, Google Play, YouTube Music, Amazon, etc. It can be streamed for free on Soundcloud or at pretendfriendmusic.com, where they also sell CDs. Follow Pretend Friend on Facebook @pretendfriendmusic or on Twitter @pretendfriendx.