Emily Gray - Finding Clarity in Chaos Through Music!
- Oghamyst
- Apr 20
- 4 min read
"I'm passionate about helping people. I think I want to be understood and I want to show other misunderstood people like me that they're not alone, and that things get better".
1) Hello, welcome to the OG Music Blog Interview! First of all, tell us and our reader friends about yourself!
Hi! I'm Emily Gray, an alternative Singer Songwriter from the UK, currently living in Spain. I make music about emotions, the human condition and every now and then I dabble in the dark or conceptual.
2) What made you want to become a musician/artist? When did you start your musical journey?
For as long as I can remember I've written poems and lyrics. When I was around 8 or 9 I picked up a guitar for the first time. I joined various bands growing up, but it wasn't until I started regularly doing open mic nights during my time at uni that I really realised that I wanted to pursue a career in music. Since then I've been gigging, and in 2020 I decided to 'take music seriously' and really give social media a go. It's been an interesting journey for sure!
3) Which instruments do you play in general, which one you love most and why?
I play guitar and I sing. I enjoy both but I think singing comes more easily to me than guitar playing!
4) What is it you are passionate about music in general?
I'm passionate about helping people. I think I want to be understood and I want to show other misunderstood people like me that they're not alone, and that things get better.
5) Are there any musicians who inspire you?
So many! Although it's mostly acoustic, my music is pretty heavily inspired by alternative/emo music from the '00s and '10s. I will forever have a soft spot for the likes of Paramore, MCR and Enter Shikari. Another musician that I absolutely adore is Passenger, and I really like Ren (especially the acoustic storytelling that he does) I think that my music ends up being a strange mixture of all those influences.
6) Briefly explain about your creative process for any project?
First comes an idea, then the lyrics, then I build everything else around that- although for me, it's more like I'm finding the music, not writing it. For example my song 'Paper Wings' started as the idea to write a response to the song 'Creep' by Radiohead. The first line came to me and then the rest of the song came out so easily because the idea was already there.
7) What kind of music you usually make or the mood/vibe you aim to create in general?
I usually make music about emotions and trying to make sense of the world. Honestly it varies from like super uplifting, happy songs to sad, moody songs about how we all secretly hate ourselves. I try to explore a range of different themes and emotions, because life's that way. That's why my new album will be called Kaleidoscope- life is just a bunch of random shapes smushing into each other to create something kinda beautiful and that's what I want to portray.
8) Have you ever collaborated? If yes, then say something about it like with whom or your experience in collaborating with others?
I have done SO MANY collaborations that I'm scared if I try to name them all, I'll forget someone! I've done a lot of collabs with the NAS crew: Scott Shaw, Eleanor Collides, Go Birch, Sano Hill, Paul McCormick, Map of Autumn, William Lovitt, Terrestrial Animal and ZipZapZop, all of whom were an absolute delight to work with. I'm so sorry if I've forgotten anyone! One of my more recent releases was a collaboration with Monsieur Stone and Eric Pilavian and it's one of my favourite tracks that I've released so far. There's something so special about co-writing, especially virtually from different countries.
9) Which qualities do you think a great musician should possess?
A unique way of seeing the world, and the ability to express that through sound, language or both.
10) Any weaknesses you think you have or if you have any awkward moments/memories as a musician/artist?
Just crippling impostor syndrome, like most of us I guess! A few times in the early days of my career when I got a bit too drunk before performing and didn't play so well, but nothing too scandalous!
11) Any particular venue you'll be performing at or release that you might be having in the coming months? A few words on it please.
Yeeess! I'm currently planning a mini UK tour for the summer to celebrate my album release! So far I have an open mic in London and the Guitar Social on the 10th of July (I plan to busk in London too beforehand) and on the 13th of July I'll be in Liverpool at Ye Hole in Ye wall. Still looking for some more venues but it's starting to take shape!
12) One last question. What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you or you might give to others like our musician friends reading this? Thanks.
I think just to stay true to who you are. Don't try to copy anyone, authenticity always shines through. No one sees the world the way you do, use that in your art!
We at OG Music congratulate Emily Gray and wish her all the best for all her future musical endeavours. Check out her music below ~
Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/emilygraymusic
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