We were lucky to catch up with Gray recently and have shared our conversation below.
Gray, appreciate you joining us today. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?
At the start of 2021, I lost my artistic way. I couldn’t make any music worthwhile and it left me in a very vulnerable, hopeless place in my life. It was the lowest I had ever been.
If it wasn’t for the people around to lift me up, I don’t think I would’ve made it out of that hole. With their help and countless amount of hours of discipline and dedication to my passion, I was able to find my way back. That’s why I changed my stage name, because I’m not the same person that I was. Ultimately, I’m glad I had the hiatus, because it made room for my own personal evolution and growth. Over the past two years, what I’ve gained the most besides skill within my craft is maturity.
That’s why I’m dedicating this project to the people around me that supported me. The first installment was a EP I put on soundcloud in 2019, and the people that were there then are the same people lifting me up now. So this project is for them.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
First and foremost, I am an artist. I started writing songs in middle school, and I started producing when I turned 16. Ever since I’ve formed a sound for myself and continue to expand my palate as a musician. I mainly make music for myself, but I also produce for others, and occasionally write for them as well.
This project marks a new beginning for me. The music I make now is leaps and bounds ahead of the music I made when I started. All in all, I’m proud of my progress and I’m confident that old fans of mine will welcome this new era. I’m learning to play piano, and the production on this project leans toward my soul and jazz-influenced upbringing that I learned to fuse with my natural love of hip-hop.
I’m also rebranding my indie entertainment company, Collective Ent. It’s taken a backseat during my hiatus, but it will be the forefront of all media regarding my music. Photography, the music videos, behind the scenes footage, all curated and package in house. That’s the Collective.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
All of my fellow artist and creatives know what It’s like to be in the thick of a project. You leave no stone unturned, and it’s draining. It took me a while to realize this, but I’ve come to figure out that is the best part. The pay-out of course serves a different feeling of relief, like hearing your lyrics recited be to you, or someone telling you your music changed their life. However, at the end of the day, it all starts with you and the effort you decide to put in. So I’m glad to say I’ve found purpose and meaning during the journey, that’s the reward.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
It was my second time working the box office for a live production company. Kiana Ledé was performing at the Novo in DTLA. I had built up a good relationship with the talent buyer there and he took me under his wing. This led to me getting to go backstage and meet Bryson Tiller, 6LACK, Khalid, and Kiana herself all in one night during the after party.
I realized how close I was to my dreams. That night, it was within arms reach and I soak up as much as I could. I meet so many amazing people that day that ended up being in my corner now. The best part though, is that my hard work got me there. That’s all I needed to show me the world was my oyster. I quit my day job the next day.
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Image Credits
Collective Entertainment