CARSEN GRAY Hope - Peace - Gratitude: Music for the People

GGray’s insightful mother recognized her talent very young. With the support of her uncle Bobby Taylor who famously discovered, mentored and produced the Jackson 5’s 1969 debut, she recorded her first song at just nine years old. She continued under Taylor’s oversight, performing around Vancouver, British Columbia, as she honed her piano skills and passion for gospel and soul.

Carsen Gray, ever at home in her Haida Gwaii landscape, has walked a road of healing and selfacceptance to carry a message of gratitude to her listeners.

Inspired by the dramatic landscapes and rich heritage of the Haida, as well as Motown icons such as Céline Dion, Mariah Carey and Alicia Keys, Gray has developed a signature style all her own. Her singer-songwriter tradition carries quality in a sound characterized by calming, whispy vocals, folksy riffs and reflective lyrics.

Since her 2017 self-titled debut album and subsequent SiriusXM’s Best New Artist Award, she has caught the attention and acclaim of press such as COMPLEX, Cowboys & Indians Mag, Exclaim! and PopWrapped. In 2018 her single “Wanna See You”, featuring JUNOnominated DJ Shub, received Best Radio Single.

Popping up on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) and at JunoFest, then releasing her 2020 single

“Sah ‘Laana” and its intimate accompanying music video netted a label deal with Nettwerk Music Group. She and her husband, primary collaborator and producer Joey Sylez, worked late into the night after the kids were asleep to assemble her debut EP Each Moment (2022). Each Moment is a work full of heart, sharing her gratitude and speaking about God, her partner, love, and home, and it reflects her gratefulness for her roots and the fruits of her labour.

Swiftly on the heels of this EP, came a second one entitled Notes to Self. The EP shares her hope and peace through sparse arrangements and lush acoustics to speak to mental health and self-love, and give listeners a message to resonate deeply with.

Now we welcome Gray back to the world stage with Misadventures, a full 16-track album full of classic Gray as she shares her acknowledgment that it is through the perfect storm created by our misadventures in life that we find our greatest happiness and success. Her message of hope wrapped in dulcet tones reminds us all, as she says, to trust that God has a plan and not to be discouraged.

OCTOBER 2023 || 39