Grace Bowers Covers Guitar.com Magazine as New ‘Close Up’ Franchise Launches, Available with NME Magazine Featuring Mandy, Indiana
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM; 28 MAY 2026 – Guitar.com (guitar.com), the destination for all things guitar, today launches its latest print issue featuring breakout guitarist Grace Bowers on the cover.
In an expansive interview, the 19-year-old guitarist reflects on the relentless dedication that shaped her rise, her ongoing enthusiasm for rock music, and the pressure of expectations placed on young artists.
Looking back on her early years learning the instrument, Bowers says: “Nothing came naturally at first. I f**king sucked when I first started. It was years and years of non-stop practice.”
As a new generation of heavy music finds mainstream momentum, she also points to a broader shift happening across guitar culture right now: “I feel like there’s such a movement right now with hardcore and punk. Rock bands are coming back.” Bowers also pushes back against industry assumptions and easy categorisation: “Nothing pisses me off more than someone throwing a label on me. I’m 19!”
The latest issue also marks the launch of Close Up, a new Guitar.com franchise giving readers an unparalleled look at cherished and iconic instruments from beloved musicians. The debut edition spotlights Muse frontman Matt Bellamy’s legendary Manson Signature Black Edition guitar.
The issue also features interviews with acclaimed songwriter Courtney Barnett and Sweetwater CEO Mike Clem, alongside Guitar.com’s authoritative review of the Yamaha Pacifica SC Standard Plus.
This edition of Guitar.com Magazine is available alongside the latest issue of NME Magazine, starring Mandy, Indiana on the cover. Following a landmark run of live performances, including an appearance on the NME Stage at The Great Escape, the experimental French/Mancunian band reflect on intensity, resilience and the realities of making art today. Vocalist Valentine Caulfield tells NME: “You have to keep your eye on something [hopeful], because otherwise, you’ll just drown.”
Guitar.com Magazine is available exclusively at https://www.nme.com/magazine, alternating bimonthly releases with fellow NME Networks publication MusicTech. Superfans signed up to the Guitar.com Magazine mailing list are eligible for queue-jump access before each drop.
ABOUT GUITAR.COM
Guitar.com is the destination for all things guitar, creating experiences for guitarists, music obsessives, and industry to fuel their passions for guitar culture. Guitar.com’s global editorial team are knowledgeable, curious and expressive – dedicated to connecting audiences with their passions through fun, authentic and helpful content.
ABOUT NME
Launched in London, UK, in 1952 as the New Musical Express, NME has grown into a global media powerhouse that creates and curates content, products and experiences essential to fans of music and pop culture today. NME brings together the best writers and photographers to provide a multi-platform editorial offering that is at the bleeding edge of what matters most across the globe — be it music, film, TV or gaming.
ABOUT NME NETWORKS
NME Networks is a global, next-generation media group that views the wider world of pop culture through the lens of music and connects artists and brands to music-obsessed audiences. Our portfolio of popular music-journalism brands, comprising NME, Guitar.com and MusicTech, takes audiences on a lifelong journey through musicianship and fandom. NME Networks is a part of Caldecott Music Group.
ABOUT CALDECOTT MUSIC GROUP
Headquartered in Singapore, Caldecott Music Group is a global music industry operator, innovator, and investor spanning multiple sectors, including digital (BandLab Technologies), media (NME Networks), and manufacturing, retail and distribution (Vista Musical Instruments). By integrating the physical, digital, and social supply chain around music, CMG brings together brands and people who are passionate about music, allowing them to deliver authentic content, products, and experiences for all music lovers.