Gray Robinson
I’ve been listening to Gray Robinson on repeat for a week. It wasn’t hard for me to fell in love with her music. Country/pop is probably one of my favorite genres ever - for the timeless melodies, the emotion, the storytelling and the striking vocals. Gray Robinson is definitely one of my favorite discoveries. Her latest song “Fireworks” is the perfect country/pop song.
I’m definitely going to add Gray Robinson to my Artists To Watch list, a promising talent for sure.
“Fireworks” is now available worldwide !!
Photo credit: Joey Jacob
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
My name is Gray Robinson and I was born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina. I grew up in a house where music was constantly playing and I fell in love with it at a very young age. With time, I eventually picked up the guitar when I was nine and started learning how to play my favorite cover songs on Youtube. Shortly after, I started writing my own songs and dreamed of moving to Nashville when I got older. The rest is history.
What did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to Top 40 and whatever was on the radio at the time. I’d say for the most part I listened to Pop & Country. Some artists include: Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Rascal Flatts, Lady A, and Carrie Underwood.
When did you start singing and writing songs?
I picked up a guitar when I was nine years old and started writing snippets of songs when I was eleven or twelve but didn’t start writing full songs that actually made sense until I was thirteen.
Growing up, what were your favorite songs to sing along to?
There were so many. When I was really young, it was obviously any Jonas Brothers or Hannah Montana song (laughs). But as I grew up, I really started to fall in love with country artists like Rascal Flatts, Lady A, and Carrie Underwood. Songs like “What Hurts The Most”, “My Wish” & “Bless The Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts were big for me. But at the same time I LOVED everything by Maroon 5, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, and whatever was on Top 40. Let’s just say every song on “Doo-Wops & Hooligans” by Bruno was on repeat for many years.
When did you know you had to be an artist and release your original music?
Once I started writing songs that I genuinely felt connected to was when I realized I wanted to release and honestly it was pretty young for me. I ended up releasing my first song when I was fourteen (those songs are not available anymore thank goodness - laughs) but over the years I have finally found my sound as an artist and I’m really excited about the music I'm releasing at the moment.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
My dad for sure. This makes me emotional to even think about but he was and will always be my biggest supporter. He still thinks the first song that I ever wrote is my best song (laughs). I am also super blessed to have the support from my entire family.
What biggest lessons have you learned since the beginning of your career?
I like to think that my career really started once I moved to Nashville because it was always just a hobby up until that point. I’ve learned so many things but I’d say the biggest would be to really trust my instinct. When it comes to being in a writing room or recording in the studio/ deciding what I want to say, who I want to be, etc. I think it can be easy to get lost in everyone else’s opinions but I have really come to the point where I trust my own.
"Fireworks" is your latest single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
I wrote this song in May of 2021 with my two co-writers, Lauren Hungate and Jonathan Gamble. We wrote this song right after we wrote my other single, “Damsel in this Dress” and we were just on a roll. What I love so much about it is that even though it's a breakup song, the story, melodies, and production keep it upbeat. Once I got the demo back, I knew it was one that I wanted to release. The process was SO FUN and it was just one of those days where the song came so easy.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
I wanted to keep the artwork for this one very natural and I also felt like the color yellow complimented the song so well. Beachy waves, minimal makeup, and a picnic blanket were the way to go. I am SO happy with how it turned out.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
The hardest part is balancing everything. Sometimes everything picks up all at once and it can be hard to manage everything but the pros outweigh the cons for sure. The best part for me is the connection I get to have with people that listen to my music. I love getting their messages and DMs. It’s such an incredible feeling knowing that people actually love the music that I make and they are connecting with it.
How's it like to be a woman in the music industry? What message do you want to give to women out there?
I am honestly proud to be a woman in the music industry. I know that there’s a lot of talk about women in country music but I can honestly say I have had such incredible experiences with so many men and women and have truly felt accepted for who I am. My message to women out there would be to keep doing your thing and be confident in who you are because your voice matters and you have so much value to give to the world.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I feel like the industry has changed SO much in the last few years. Everyone has their own opinions, but I honestly think it’s incredible that independent artists are able to do a lot of things on their own now. I guess if I had to change one thing, I would say that it’s important to understand that social media is a resource and it’s not a perfect indication of what should be valued necessarily. Tiktok can change your life but it’s not something to completely rely on and I know a lot of artists are struggling with the industry overvaluing it.
Who's helping you build your career and artistry?
I have an incredible publishing team that helps me with so much. I recently signed last year and it has been absolutely amazing having a team to help me achieve my goals. However, I am also doing a ton by myself.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
More LOVE.
What message do you want to give to the world?
When people listen to my music, I want them to feel connected to it and I want it to inspire them the same way that music inspires me. I also want something good to come from them listening to my music. Whether they are reminded of a memory, they create a memory while listening, they feel uplifted or encouraged, or it allows them to escape for a little while...I just want them to feel something and I hope those feelings lead to something GOOD :)
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