What is your name?
Chris Grey
What is your genre of music?
alternative R&B
Give us a little bio about you.
I’m a 17 year old producer/singer/songwriter, from Toronto. I’m in my last year of high school. I love all things that combine creativity with technology – music, photography, design, film.
What made you go in to music?
I have always loved listening to music and have experimented with learning different instruments but when I learned production and was able to make the kind of music that was in my head, I got really passionate about it.
Are you signed?
Not yet!
You’re set to release your new EP ‘ The Beginning’, tell us more about it.
It’s my debut EP and I’m really excited about it. It has four tracks and tells a cohesive story throughout.
What was the writing process like?
I generally start with a chord progression or melody and build a track off that. Once I get the production sounding how I like it, I’ll write over it. I’ll usually record a take finding a top-line melody and mumbling some words over the production and then I’ll go back to the beginning and refine the melody and build the lyrics from there.
What was the recording process like?
I was the sole producer on all of the tracks as well as the sound engineer. I did all of the recording in my home studio as well as the mixing.
What is the message you want listeners to take from the EP?
There is not necessarily a message in this EP, but I do hope people feel something when they listen.
Describe each track in two words.
When I’m Gone – intimate fierce
Unusual – intense energetic
Give – dark lush
Goodbye – soulful melancholy
Who did you work on with the EP?
I produced, wrote and mixed the EP myself. I also did live guitar for most of the tracks, although I had Oscar Rangel (Canadian metal guitar / bass player) do the guitar solo in Unusual. I also had some live drums recorded for some of the tracks.
Will we see any Music Videos coming soon?
I am filming some teasers and promo videos but you can definitely expect some music videos in the new year.
Do you have gigs coming up or a tour in planning?
Not yet, but I’m working on it.
What else can we expect from you this year?
I have another EP coming early next year.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Not at the moment.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
I am open to collaborations. The best way to get in touch with me is Instagram.
Do you play any instruments?
I play the guitar, bass and keyboard good enough to produce tracks but probably not enough to play them live.
Who are your influences?
The Weeknd, Drake, Chase Atlantic
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Sometimes I’ll get a line or melody in my head and build a song around it. Other times, I’ll play around with chords until I get a cool chord progression and then build the song from there. As for the lyrics, I’ll either pull from personal experiences or build a story around the vibe I get from the track.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I see myself making music full-time and hopefully touring.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I’m either in school or watching Youtube.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Wicked Games by The Weeknd.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
The best advice I ever got was to make music that I love and to try not to worry about what other people think.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Don’t listen to anything from your genre of music for a while before producing or writing a song.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Trust your instincts.
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
There’s lots of great restaurants and stores along Queen West.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? Home
2/ Who do you see first? My cats!
3/What do you eat first? South Street True North burger
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Not sure yet.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
I’m most active on Instagram