10 questions with Rose Gray
“My personal observation of myself and of my loved ones”, Rose Gray describes her new, powerful project. Entitled Blue, Lately, the mesmerising artist has put her most honest moments into music, creating a vibrant 5-track EP full of rawness and care. Seamlessly blending soulful sounds and controversial poetry, Rose’s work evocatively brings together bold elements of hip hop and underscores them with romantic strings and harmonies. “It feels like me”, she promises, “and says exactly what I want to say”.
Hailing from Walthamstow, Rose Gray has worked on both her sonics and visuals in equal measure, editing both recent videos for ‘good life’ and ‘blue’, and working with her actor boyfriend Harris Dickinson on the latter – in a video ode to her East London home. Undoubtedly one to watch for 2019, the vibrantly eclectic musician’s talents seem to be as diverse as they are honed in: with an aesthetic that both screams relatability but is also overwhelmingly authentic and intimate. We meet the rising star to find out what her newest project is all about and what this year will hold for Rose Gray…
Describe your music in 3 words…
Of the times.
Who’s your greatest influence?
That’s so hard! I can’t pin it to one. The greats, the musical poets and powerhouse vocalists like Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin. Aretha was always playing in my childhood home.
What does music mean to you?
A very classic answer but its everything to me. It keeps me crazy and sane all at once. It’s always been a big part of my life.. I think I feel most alive when making music.
Who’s the last person you called?
Steven, the MD of my band..
What did you talk about?
I asked him to let me into his studio as I was stuck outside aha!
One item of clothing you couldn’t live without?
Hats… hats… hats. If that doesn’t count a clothing I would have to say a hoodie.
One album you couldn’t live without?
I think right now (as its ever changing) it would be A grand don’t come for free by The Streets. Listening to this walking through London is so cinematic to me – the strings and the lyricism.
What’s your favourite way to spend £10?
A good tequila based cocktail.
How about £100?
A return Euro tunnel ticket to Paris. I am so in love with Paris.
What’s next for you?
My EP is dropping the 22.03.19. Also I have 2 shows next week, my first headline show in Walthamstow 28.03.19 and the night before I’m playing the Royal Albert Hall supporting Tom Grennan. I’m also shall be writing away in the studio for summer releases.
Rose Gray’s EP is out now, check it out below and follow her on Instagram here. See Rose Gray play live next week at The Royal Albert Hall for Teenage Cancer Trust (27/3) and Mirth, Marvel and Maud for her debut headline show (28/3) buy tickets here.
