In the heart of Boston, a remarkable transformation takes place when the sun sets on the labs of Harvard Medical School and the lights rise on the stage. Staci Gruber is not your average singer-songwriter; she is a trailblazing neuroscientist who has traded the sterile precision of a microscope for the raw, infectious energy of a Nashville-recorded honky-tonk anthem. Her latest single, “This Time Around,” is a masterclass in the intersection of rock and Americana, delivering a sound that is as intellectually grounded as it is emotionally resonant. Recorded in the music capital of the world and produced by the acclaimed Erik Halbig, known for his work with Ty Herndon and Jamie O’Neal, the track captures the grit and grace of an artist who has spent a lifetime finding her voice in the most unexpected places.
The journey to this high-octane release began in the quietest of settings: a closet. As a shy child, Staci discovered her passion for singing in total privacy before finally stepping into the spotlight with an elementary school solo of “12 Days of Christmas.” That pivotal moment broke the seal on a powerhouse vocal ability that would eventually lead her through the prestigious French Woods Festival of the Performing Arts and into a history-making dual-degree program at Tufts University and the New England Conservatory of Music. As the first person to transition from classical voice to the jazz studies department, Staci cultivated a musical palette that is staggeringly diverse. Her influences—a “musical melting pot” ranging from the velvet tones of Anne Murray and Karen Carpenter to the jazz mastery of John Coltrane and the modern edge of Billie Eilish—are all present in the sophisticated composition of her new work.
https://music.apple.com/us/song/this-time-around/1867823233
While her musical pedigree is undeniable, Staci’s life away from the microphone is equally distinguished. As a renowned professor at Harvard Medical School and a pioneering neuroscientist at McLean Hospital, she has spent years studying the impact of cannabinoids on the human brain. Her groundbreaking research has provided critical, real-world data that has shaped clinical trials and changed the conversation surrounding medical cannabis. To Staci, the bridge between the lab and the recording studio is built on the concept of connection. Whether she is exploring the scientific solutions to medical conditions or crafting a lyric that captures the essence of human isolation and hope, her goal remains the same: to help people feel seen and understood.
“This Time Around,” co-written with Michael Orland of American Idol fame, serves as a poignant reflection on the complexities of the human heart. Staci describes the track as a story of “love that pulled too hard, truth that came too late, and a heart that finally listened when it mattered most.” It is this deep-seated empathy that defines her artistry. Having performed alongside legends like Dan Aykroyd and the Blues Brothers and penned an anthem for the iconic Billie Jean King, Staci is no stranger to the big stage. Yet, it is the intimate moments of “This Time Around” that truly shine, reminding listeners that music is the ultimate tool for perspective-shifting. Through her dual roles as a healer and a storyteller, Staci Gruber proves that we are never truly alone, provided we have a melody to guide us home.
Follow Staci:
https://www.instagram.com/drstacigruber
Subscribe to the hottest new podcast on YouTube. The Connected Podcast by The Chrd Magazine.
