Nashville, Tennessee musician (Adult Contemporary / Jazz / Singer - Songwriter), Scott Gray is releasing his EP ‘Raincoats & Other Short Stories’ exclusively in the U.K. and Europe on March 22, 2019. The EP has been remastered and also includes a new bonus track called “As If” and is streaming now exclusively on Music News!
True to the title, ‘Raincoats & Other Short Stories’ the seven song EP features stories and personal experiences that Gray wrote in hopes that he will connect with his listeners. His focus and dedication to host his listeners through a journey to articulate life has resulted in a sophisticated sound accompanied by a collection of well-told stories. “I think for anyone who is passionate about music, the personal experience is part of the enjoyment for them. We are all looking for connection. I want them to feel like they were included – a part of the process,” says Gray.
"Ever since I was a little kid, I was fascinated with stories. Stories always swept me away to another place and time and I loved feeling connected to its characters. Our ability to use our imagination is a very powerful thing and I knew that one day, I wanted to be a story-teller myself. That's basically what 'Raincoats & Other Short Stories' is; a collection of short stories that I fashioned in my mind (with small bits of real life peppered in between). I purposely wanted to write with such vivid imagery that the listener couldn't help but be taken away to some other place in their own minds and connect with the characters and in many cases, to ultimately be connected with each other. Maybe that's what I like about the idea of storytelling the most, its ability to connect us. After all, isn't that the point of it all?” - Scott Gray
The single, “Someday” (track five on the EP) is currently spinning on radio stations throughout the U.K. and Europe. There is also a new video for “Someday” that will be released on April 2, 2019.
The EP can be streamed here:
Furthermore, Scott recently stopped and had a chat with Music News about his new EP and his process!
Congratulations on your new release! Can you tell us a little about why 'Raincoats & Other Short Stories' is special to you?Scott Gray - Thank you so much! I'm so excited to be releasing this special edition of ‘Raincoats & Other Short Stories’. Since I was a small boy, I've always been drawn to the power of stories, as well as to the magic that music brings to all of us. This album, my very first release, is a collection of stories that I created over the last few years. I had so much fun creating the various characters and plots and story twists; and now it's even more fun seeing how fans of my music are connecting to those stories.
Did you write all the songs on the EP? What inspires you the most as a songwriter?SG - I wrote all of the songs except one; "Captured". I wrote that one with the brilliant Cherry Bilyeu, she's a fantastic pianist and singer / song-writer, too.
Nashville has such an amazing history and is a mecca for musicians. Has being in Nashville inspired you?SG - Nashville is such a great creative community and it's especially known to be a "song-writer's" town. I think because of Nashville's reputation, it inspires me to keep digging when I'm working on music. After all, it all comes down to the song. My job as a song-writer it to make the listeners feel. "Feeling something" is a great way to remind us that we are all alive and that we are all connected.
Who are your favourite artists/bands? Has their music influenced your sound at all?SG – Goodness, I have so many artists / bands that inspire me as a singer-songwriter. Growing up, I loved watching movies from the 30's / 40's. Those soundtracks always greatly influenced me. As a toddler, I specifically remember music (believe it or not) in commercials that I later learned were written by Barry Manilow. Manilow & Bette Midler were very influential. In my teens? Lots of Christian artists & bands, specifically Amy Grant (whom I later worked for) and Michael W. Smith. Other artists that have had an impact on me include Sting, Phil Collins, Toto, Leonard Cohen and Elton John.
What is your favourite song from 'Raincoats & Other Short Stories' and why?SG - My favourite? Oh wow. I'm not supposed to have any favourites, right? But if you're going to force me, I'd actually have to list "Raincoats" because of its fun and has a poppy, jazzy feel and it reminds me of my courtship with my wife, Nicole. "She Remains” because of its very classy / smoky / sexy / jazzy style. I love the story of how sometimes love hits us when we least expect it and I just love signing songs like this, and "Someday" because we all have a dream that we are yearning for.
Where did you record your EP? What did you enjoy most about the recording process?SG - We recorded at Sound Emporium, Omni Studios, East End Studio, and The Forge Studio. All incredible studios here in Nashville. I honestly cannot name just one favourite aspect of recording. I loved working with my producer, Ben Jackson. I really enjoyed the pre-production process; working with Ben and the musicians to make sure we captured just the right sound. To see these tunes be transformed from simple piano / vocal songs really just made everything come to life.
How long have you been playing piano? What made you start?SG - I've been playing the piano probably since the age of 10. I really don't recall what inspired me to start playing. I've always been drawn to music and I've known for a very long time that I wanted to create my own music. I think it was this desire to write, as well as the influence of certain artists (i.e. Barry Manilow, Elton John, etc) that encouraged me to start plunking around on the ole keys.
We hear you have an upcoming video for "Someday" coming out? Can you tell us about it?SG - For me, "Someday" is about being brave enough to live your dreams. Regardless of what the dream may be, I just wanted to write a song to let others know that I understand how they feel when it comes to their pursuit. I think when we know that others understand how we feel, that we no longer feel so alone. You know?
This (U.K. and European) version of 'Raincoats and Other Short Stories" includes a bonus track! Can you tell us about the never released before bonus track, "As If"?SG - "As If" was inspired by a black-and-white photograph of Mila Kunis taken by photographer Alexi Lubomirski. Her face was so raw and vulnerable, her eyes showed a subtle sadness. I literally imagined that she was trying hard to not break my heart and thus the story of "As If" was born. It's basically a break up song, where we act like the rejection is no big deal, but inside we're actually dying. I love the line "As If I already changed my mind about you, too". We're sometimes so prideful and too afraid to show the world how we really feel, especially us men, right? I wish we could all just be a little more honest with each other.
Are you planning on touring the U.K. or Europe?SG - I am currently working with a brilliant Music Director here in Nashville to produce a live show. It's a slow process, but also very fun. Of course, I want to play dates here in the U.S, we’ll see what works, what maybe doesn't work and perfect the show along the way. Of course, the U.K. and Europe are heavily discussed. I get so much incredible feedback from my fans in the U.K. and Europe that I definitely plan to take the show overseas. When that will happen is yet to be seen. All good things come to those who wait and I'm the one waiting the most to do this. I'm really looking forward to connecting with people who believe in this music!
Thank you, Scott for taking the time to answer these questions. Best of luck with 'Raincoats & Other Short Stories'!SG - My pleasure...and thank YOU!
‘Raincoats & Other Short Stories’, will only be available in the U.K. and Europe and will be officially released tomorrow, March 22, 2019.
For more information on Scott Gray, please visit his website at www.ScottGrayMusic.com.
