Just days before the launch of her first LP ‘Just The Beginning’, Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) is proud to announce the launch of pop-sensation Grace VanderWaal’s very own Signature Ukulele– available Spring 2018. Fender’s popular artist signature models are geared toward product progression and storytelling, creating instruments designed to the unique specifications of the world’s most iconic artists. Adding the winner of the 11th season of NBC’s top-rated America’s Got Talent to the Fender family, VanderWaal is among a wave of younger artists and songwriters who are inspiring a whole new generation of players.
“We’re excited to welcome Grace to Fender as a Signature Artist and launch of her Signature Ukulele in 2018. She is already beginning to leave her mark and we are pleased be a part of her musical journey,” said Andy Mooney, CEO, Fender. “We look forward to working together to inspire future generations of players (including my daughter, an aspiring ukulele player!)”
“Fender is the best at what they do. They’ve worked with so many amazing artists so it is an honor they would work with me to launch my own line of signature ukuleles next year!” said VanderWaal. “Designing these ukuleles will be such a fun process and I hope my fans love them as much as I do. It’s been a dream to have my own custom uke that I can share with my fans so others around the world can share the power of music and learn to play too!”
At 13-years-old, Grace makes history as not only the youngest Fender® Signature Series artist ever, but the brand’s first collaboration with a ukulele player. The songstress has recently been seen on her media tour and making her big-stage debut at Austin City Limits with the Venice and Zuma models from Fender’s current California Coast Series Ukuleles. The California Coast Series Ukuleles present a fresh take on the classic ukulele with five new accessibly-priced soprano, tenor and concert models. The Seaside and Rincon models sport traditional 2×2 headstocks, while the Venice, Zuma, and Montecito models boast the instantly identifiable Fender Telecaster® headstock. Responding to the rapidly growing popularity of the instrument, these ukuleles cater to musicians of all ages and skill levels, providing the perfect transitional stepping stone for aspiring guitar players and the chance for experienced guitar players to grow their palette of sounds and instrument collection.
Hailed by Rolling Stone as a “pop prodigy,” VanderWaal’s aptly-titled debut album Just The Beginning is set to be released November 3rd. The highly anticipated album features the current chart-topper “Moonlight.” In addition to writing all the songs on the album, Grace also worked with multiple award-winning producers and writers Ido Zmishlany (Shawn Mendes, Camila Cabello), Kinetics & One Love (Hailee Steinfeld), Greg Wells (Katy Perry, Adele), Gregg Wattenberg (Train, Phillips Phillips) and Sean Douglas (The Chainsmokers, Demi Lovato). This fall, Grace is set to embark on her sold-out U.S. headlining tour. The ‘Just The Beginning Tour’ kicks off in Los Angeles on November 5 and will make stops in major cities across the U.S. including Chicago, Boston and New York City.