Gracie Gray
Gracie Gray released her latest single “alienlover” on March 26th.
Written, recorded and produced by Gray herself, the alternative-rock single came from a dream. “I had a dream that I was at the Satellite, sitting at a table with my friend Cam, and he said “wait listen, the DJ is playing your song” and I listened, and I heard my voice singing this song. Immediately knowing it was a dream, I began to wake up. I caught the song for long enough though, and immediately opened my voice memos and recorded every bit I heard in my dream,” she explains.
Gracie Gray has created an authentic sound with a true vision for her art. “alienlover” is dreamy, captivating and absolutely stunning. Go stream the new single now :)
Photo credit: Cashmere Studio
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
I grew up homeschooled around the San Fernando Valley, in a family of six who all played instruments and wrote songs. I spent a lot of time volunteering and playing guitar before going to community college at 14. I studied classical voice there for 5 years before transferring to the Bob Cole Conservatory of music in Long Beach. I eventually dropped out of the program and began performing my own music.
What did you grow up listening to?
My parents had us listening to mostly christian music with some 70s rock. Some of my long-time loves I found later on are Cat Power, Nick Drake, Tool, Elliott Smith, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Jeff Buckley. I had a pop-punk/emo phase before getting into classical/romantic music in college, and then that’s really all I cared about for a long time.
When did you start writing songs? What made you want to write in the first place?
I think I started writing when I was about 12 or 13. We were in a religious group at the time that was letting people perform their own art during offering. Some of the best performances I’ve ever seen were there, all original poetry, songs, interpretive dance, whatever. A lot of them had never performed before and it really inspired me. Also, my older sister Mary was performing her songs there regularly, and I definitely wanted to be like her.
When did you know you could sing?
I think I was around 16 when I felt good about it.
How would you define Gracie Gray, the artist?
I probably wouldn’t, I’d just leave that up to whoever hears the songs.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
My older sister, Mary.
As an artist, what biggest lessons have you learned since the beginning of your career?
To prepare as much as you can, and then when it’s time, let go of “control” and just enjoy existing.
"alienlover" is your latest single - what's the story/inspiration behind this single?
It’s a song I heard in a dream. Later on I added more meaning after lots of journaling/interpretation, but what you hear is pretty much exactly what I did. I demo’d it first thing in the morning in my room, and kept most of that demo for the final.
When did you start working on this single? Could you describe the songwriting/production process? Who helped you create this song?
I started working on it on February 18th, 2020 around 3am. I created a voice memo right after I woke up, sang all the parts I heard, and it was finished by the next day. It was a really fast, easy process. It felt like I had heard the song in my head and knew it immediately. It also felt like I didn’t have room to change what I heard in the dream. For example, some of the lyrics are confusing, but when I tried to edit them to make sense or change them entirely, it didn’t feel right. When I needed to track real drums I asked Mikey DeLuccia. Eventually my friend Jacob Williams helped me finish the mix, and it was mastered by Daniel Eaton.
What did you feel when writing this song?
Sleepy! I was half asleep the whole time.
What's your favorite thing about this single?
Just how much it taught me in the recording process.
What does it mean for you to be an artist?
I’m not sure. Maybe being able to express myself in an honest way.
How does Los Angeles impact your creativity?
I’m really inspired by the house shows/small venue shows, and the people of course.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
Loaded question, but for the sake of keeping it brief I think it needs to confront certain online streaming services for underpaying artists.
Do you remember a specific moment in your life where music made a huge impact?
So so many. I was in choir for a few years in college with a conductor named Vail Keck, and those rehearsals/performances were life changing.
Besides music, what are you passionate about?
I’m still figuring that one out, it changes pretty often. I just want to keep learning.
What biggest life lessons have you learned so far?
Be honest and trust your gut.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Dismantling white supremacy around the globe. Defunding the police and putting that money towards mental health crisis intervention services, free healthcare (that includes therapy), housing as a human right, getting well-funded music and art programs back in middle schools and high schools, and especially putting that money towards funding teachers. A good teacher with an afterschool program can grow an incredible community.
What message do you want to deliver to the world?
I’m not sure yet.
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