GRANT KNOCHE, First Hello | LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶

In the 17^th edition of LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 (2023), we highlight the song, “First Hello” performed by GRANT KNOCHE.

Be prepared to #SLAY! LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 embraces, highlights, and celebrates singles and tracks by LGBTQIA musicians or allies.  In this column, we provide background and insight into the respective musician(s), as well as analyze + go gaga over the decadent bops being served up.  Furthermore, when the music dictates deeper, more transcendent discussion, we ensure the point is articulated to the fullest.  All styles of music are welcome while the BOPZ can be classics or brand-spanking new. So, without further ado, in the 17^th edition of LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 (2023), we highlight 🎵 “First Hello” performed by 🎙 GRANT KNOCHE.

“So, I wanna let it out / Wasn’t ready then / But I’m ready now.” What is Dallas, Texas-bred/LA based artist/producer/songwriter, 🎙 GRANT KNOCHE ready to let out? His sexuality – being true to who he is. The handsome and talented artist introduces himself to world as bisexual on 🎵 “First Hello”, which appears on his 2022 EP, also titled, 💿 FIRST HELLO. He introduces himself in grand fashion with beautiful, expressive vocals, personal songwriting, and marvelous production 🤩.

“Oh my, beautiful bliss
I’m so foreign to this
Tell you what my walls know
Here’s my first hello
Oh my, such a relief
I can be me
I don’t put on no show
It’s my first hello.” – Chorus

Early on, Knoche recalls his feelings of being different; how hiding his sexuality has affected him. “Convince myself it’s nothin’ / Pray to God to fix me / Feelin’ guilty havin’ thoughts at 12 years old,” he sings in the first verse, adding, “Is momma gonna like this? I’m riskin’ her of grandkids.” Many who has struggled with their sexuality can sense they are different, and ultimately, wonder how that changes their life, particularly with family.  In the second verse, Knoche also worries about how coming out changes things with his friends.  “I want my friends to know me / Like, really, really know me,” he sings, adding, “I hope this doesn’t change things.”  He also debunks stereotypes (boys do cry), while also expressing the pain he experienced not being honest about his sexuality.  He also discourages blame and hopes his father views him as “not any less a man.”  Coming out is not easy – it requires bravery. Clearly, listening to this incredibly honest gem, it was necessary for Grant to allow him to be who he is – show his authentic, full, and genuine self.  Grant’s story may not be everybody’s, but if you are part of the LGBTQ community, more likely than not, you relate to his experience.

🎙 GRANT KNOCHE • 💿 FIRST HELLO • 🏷 Grant Knoche • 🗓 2022

GRANT KNOCHE, “First Hello”: LGBTQ Bopz 🌈🎶 No. 17 (2023) [📷: Brent Faulkner/ The Musical Hype; Grant Knoche; Anna Shvets, Monstera, Polina Tankilevitch, RODNAE Productions, Spencer Cooper, Uriel Mont via Pexels; Jim, Kurious via Pixabay; Hugo Herrera on Unsplash]