Gretta Ray steps up to the mark to manifest the future of music in our new Facing Forward series.
Duology: two songs joined in theme but creatively distinct, written from differing perspectives, released as a pair. This clever riff on the double A-sided single is how Gretta Ray has released her latest music, two tracks of equal length but artistically assorted. ‘Bigger Than Me’ and ‘Readymade’ both represent Ray’s relationship with creativity and how her total immersion into the musical sphere has allowed the expansion and ingenuity to flourish.
‘The Bigger Than Me’ video is an explosion of colour and a nod to the “all-consuming force that is creativity. An ode to all (Ray’s) creative collaborators and mentors over the years. ‘Readymade’ is comparatively tranquil, reflectively homing in on the more intimate side of the creative process. The after-show feeling of “the comfort of the creative force…the only love that’s forever.”
‘Bigger Than Me’ / ‘Readymade’ is the first Duology in a series to be released throughout the year. This innovative and original approach feels fresh and exciting when compared to the oft-monotonous track, EP, album rut that we have found ourselves in.
Where do you hope to be in the next year?
Hopefully playing shows! I’ve been fortunate enough to tour as an opening act with some of my favourite artists over the years, and I’d love to resume that and share my new music with new audiences.
The next 5 years?
I would love to be headlining theatres. That’s such a big dream of mine.
If you could collaborate with any musician in the future, who would it be and why?
I’d so love to collaborate with MUNA. They’re one of my favourite bands and I love their sophomore record so much. They have beautiful alto tones and write the most exquisite lyrics; I would love to learn from them.
Where would be your dream venue to play?
I know it’s a classic answer but probably Red Rocks. It just looks like it would be the most unforgettable experience to play a show there.
What do you envision the future of music to look like?
Honestly, at this point, I have no idea. The way that music is being digested by the public at the moment seems to be changing at a rapid pace, I can barely keep up! What I hope for the future of music is that artists own their work, and still want to be making full-length records. I get nervous about that being something that goes away with time because people love singles so much these days and people’s attention spans are short. But I love a full body of work that takes time to make and tells a story. I so hope that is still a thing in the future!
