Edmonton-based GRAYtheband faucets into self-compassion and charm in his new single, “‘Bit Late” ft. Okay-Riz.

Stream: “‘Bit Late” – GRAYtheband ft. Okay-Riz

GRAYtheband is the musical undertaking of Edmonton-based artist Grey Ford. Accompanied by a plethora of rotating native musicians, each launch from GRAYtheband showcases one thing new. The newest launch, “‘Bit Late” sees Ford becoming a member of forces with Okay-Riz, a fellow Edmontonian, whose hip-hop aptitude and lyrical rap traces provides a dynamic twist to Ford’s neo-soul, R&B sound.

“‘Bit Late” particulars the complexities of our human feelings and the difficulties we’re confronted with when attempting to navigate the unpredictable nature of them. Throughout the rollercoaster of life, generally the finest treatment for the whirlwind of emotions that soar by us is to easily be consoled and comforted by a beloved one. The seductive new single is celestial and romantic, with Ford’s highly effective, sultry vocals driving atop a cool rhythm and brass elaborations. Okay-Riz injects the observe with a freshness, making a cool and vibey environment that may compel your physique to maneuver.

“‘Bit Late” is the second single to be launched from GRAYtheband’s upcoming album, All Completed. The debut album will see Ford delving deeper into our society and every thing that encompasses it. From relationships and love, to self-preservation and learn how to survive on this chaotic world, the artist explores relatable themes that individuals will be capable of resonate with.

Atwood Journal spoke to Ford about the new single, the upcoming album and the significance of self-compassion.

I really feel so excited
You’ve come; I’m enlightened
Two eyes open large, but
Staring by a mindset
You’ve shook, all my information
Thrown debt past faculty
Outdated man he stated, “It’s all about your weak point”
You’ve taught me that there’s extra to life than respiratory

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A CONVERSATION WITH GRAYTHEBAND

Atwood Journal: Hey Grey, firstly I’d wish to say congratulations on the discharge of your new music and thanks for chatting with us. Working in the direction of an album, you’ve been dropping some tracks, most not too long ago being “‘Bit Late.” The lyrics of “‘Bit Late” convey a mix of feelings, together with love and frustration. May you delve deeper into the tune’s theme and the story behind its creation?

GRAYtheband: Thanks all very a lot. I’m very honoured that you just developed such a personalised interview.

The tune’s sentiment is born from an ongoing distaste for the ubiquity of neoliberal coverage that breeds inequality and thrives on austerity, disproportionately affecting marginalized, oppressed, and susceptible populations globally. When scripting this tune, I felt a neurosis-inducing powerlessness that impressed me to lean into the labile use of the phrases “violent” and “crying” in the refrain. All whereas experiencing these seemingly existential emotions, I additionally fell in love. The feeling of all-consuming love supplied a reprieve in consolation and hope, begging the query, why can we not primarily concern ourselves with love?

“‘Bit Late” is the second observe off your upcoming album and includes a collaboration with Edmonton-based rapper Okay-Riz. How did this collaboration come about, and did you face any challenges merging your signature sound with parts of hip-hop on this tune?

GRAYtheband: I first met Riz round 2014 at a venue the place we each carried out. Riz was exceptionally complimentary of our music then, and I used to be blown away as a result of I additionally admired his work. Since then, we’ve got performed many extra exhibits, written songs, and grow to be household. I’ve additionally had the privilege of manufacturing and acting on a few of his data. I keep in mind feeling caught with my second verse on “‘Bit Late” and thought, I’ve to name Riz. Riz didn’t take lengthy to butter up the observe and make it glisten!

Ooh I’m, feeling so violent
Ooh I, suppose that I’m crying
All these suckers preserve attempting
You and I
Why can’t it’s love?

Your upcoming debut album, All Completed, provides a deep exploration of societal points and private struggles. How simple is it so that you can open up about your individual experiences? Do you’re feeling like this album is a launch of any pent-up feelings?

GRAYtheband:  It’s not overly difficult to open up about my very own experiences. Nonetheless, I’m hesitant to babble on about them after I consider others who face far more intersecting oppression. My positionality carries and alerts many privileges, of which I attempt to be conscious.

As extra time goes by, I’ve been discovering new themes throughout the album, and sure, it represents a launch of emotion – a closing of a chapter. Whereas the first observe is about the loss of life of the previous and the way we invite change, the final tune on the album is about the delivery of hope in love and partnership. It has all definitely been a transformative expertise.

The title of your album, All Completed, suggests a way of completion or finality. May you elaborate on the importance of this title and the way it ties into the album’s overarching message?

GRAYtheband: It’s all a contact backward, isn’t it? I feel that was the enchantment. We even have the title observe, “All Completed,” as the album’s first tune. There have been obstacles to actualizing this undertaking, so overcoming and celebrating energy out of hardship has been significant for us. All Completed engenders a chance to faucet into self-compassion and charm; it provides a self-soothing sense of peace and luxury.

All Completed is described as an album that navigates the complexities of affection and disparity. What message do you hope listeners will take away from this?

GRAYtheband: Cherish love, embody kindness, subvert energy imbalance, honour the Earth, really feel horny, and boldly look inward.

Endlessly chasing the sundown, consistently dodging rain
The sky is the colour of cotton sweet paint
Her phrases, just like the ocean, waves curves the emotion
Tempo cures the commotion
Slave to our damaged locations
Or possibly our open areas?

Hailing from Edmonton, you’ve expressed how the music scene there has performed a major position in your musical journey. How has your hometown influenced your inventive imaginative and prescient and are there another native artists there that you just suppose we must always control?

GRAYtheband: We didn’t have tangible or digital music for people to interact with till now. Regardless of this, native audiences and fellow artists continued to return out and assist what we had occurring. There’s something particular about sharing that ephemeral and fleeting expertise, although there’s undoubtedly a time once we are sure to ship. And that was an enormous impetus for writing grants and recording – to offer again to those that continued to encourage and assist our undertaking.

Our music may be perceived as an outlier in Edmonton, although our individuals have influenced our sound by gifting us with unrelenting assist. Please preserve an ear on Okay-Riz, featured on “‘Bit Late.”

What’s subsequent for GRAYtheband? Can we count on any touring or extra collaborations?

GRAYtheband: Subsequent is the video for “‘Bit Late,” a reside efficiency movie, and the album’s launch. We’re definitely hoping to do some touring subsequent summer season.

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:: join with GRAYtheband right here ::

Stream: “‘Bit Late” – GRAYtheband ft. Okay-Riz

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 © Emily Welz

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