1. What kind of drink would you recommend to sip on while they listen to your new music?
Negroni or Scotch & Soda. Although, I was recently described as having “whiskey-soaked vocals” in a write-up about the tune, so I suppose one might care for a whiskey…neat.
2. Please give us an update about – new single, new album, tour dates, new videos?!
Our lead single, “All Done,” was released on April 19th, and the video will be out in early May 2023. Although this is our first video, the all too familiar feelings of impending dread associated with vulnerability have gradually transformed into feverish anticipation and calm readiness. We’ve been working alongside videographers who have become so graciously invested in the overarching sentiment of the project and the music for which we are so grateful.
Next to be released is the banger “‘Bit Late,” an alternative R&B-soaked lament describing one’s cry to simply love someone despite the distraction of a world on fire. The song features Edmonton-based rapper, K-Riz, and intends to elevate the audience into summer with an airy and dualistic sense of acceptance for love and disparity. The single is set to be released in June 2023, with a video following shortly.
Our debut album, All Done, will be released in October 2023.
3. We live in times of many conspiracy theories. Which harmless theory would you wish were true? (For example, Dinos living inside Earth or E.T. living in a home in California)
Greta Thunberg is a time traveler here to save us!
4. What fashion style or brand would best describe your music?
Somewhat greaser, minimalist, and classic with a dash of hipster doofus. Lots of black, denim, and boots. Oops, I’ve singularly described my style. Any expression of fashion is fitting for our music!
5. Tell us more about your songs! Topics! Message!?
Love and disparity. Much of my dramatic, creative, and lamenting self has attempted to externalize relational concerns and personal issues to the insidious effects and socialization of the neoliberal agenda in song. I’ve always thought, however, I am not comfortable writing a direct protest song at the risk of sounding pedantic, didactic, or hypocritically preachy, so I thought perhaps I could sneak in some lyrics that I feel ethically and politically aligned with that are more subtle and take a few listens to uncover. In this way, one might get comfortable with the melodies and holistic sound before some of the “message” seeps out. But even this is making me roll my eyes at myself. I am forever learning and beginning to look back at some of these older songs, thinking, wow, such misinformed teen angst. And then the other part of me is attempting to honour and support how I felt at that time with self-compassion.
6. Besides music, do you have any special talents?
I am a decent dancer. I enjoy dancing. When I cut a demo, I often blast the volume and dance in front of a mirror with wine. I am a babbler. Let’s talk.
7. Name five things we should know about you as an artist?!
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I am sensitive to a detriment, which might be one of my greatest strengths, contingent on the context.
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I am very impassioned when recreating the original fleeting outpouring of a song in rehearsal or on stage. Although, there is something so powerful about bringing tunes to the band and being open to metamorphosis.
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I translate the emotion behind a song well in person. One doesn’t necessarily need to know the words.
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I work for vulnerable and oppressed people within my employment, and I imagine some of this reveals itself in our music. However, I am yet to actively explore this notion in my songwriting. It feels so private.
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I love and loathe love simultaneously.
8. How did you learn to sing/ write/ play??
According to my parents and old camcorder footage, I have been singing and dancing before sentience. It helped that my folks were avid music lovers, and the radio was always on in our home. My father also actively introduced me to new wave, punk, reggae, and old soul, notably influencing my earlier writing.
In junior high, I developed a foundation of rudiments and chops as a drummer with our school’s available traditional pipe and drum program. Outside of school, my childhood best friend and I were graciously gifted a guitar and drumset during one holiday season, respectively. We started a little duo and a series of garage bands. The desire to start writing songs clawed at me after performing numerous covers. Once I learned a few guitar chords from my pal, I immediately transformed my smitten and devastated hormones into song. That’s when I met the audience.
In short, I am self-taught, though I feel intimately connected to music and song as an expression of being human. I have been tremendously fortunate to have worked alongside formerly trained musicians who jointly believe in the writing and endlessly elevate my ideas.
9. A question you’d like to answer but have never been asked in an interview before?! + Answer pls
Q: “Whatcha gon‘ do with all that junk
All that junk inside your trunk?”
A: “Get you love drunk off my hump”
Instagram: @graytheband
Photo Credit: Emily Welz