Creative performer and artist Grey Satana recently released the latest in a string of boldly original indie hits. We caught an interview with the musician and songwriter behind the music, to find out more about the process for Ms. Satana, the journey to this point, and what the future may hopefully entail. Here’s how it went.
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Grey Satana – great to connect with you. For those new to your music, who or what first ignited your passion for creativity and performance?
As long as I can remember I’ve always loved singing and performing. I’ve always loved making others happy and when I realized I had talent I could use that not only I enjoy but others do as well I took initiative. But if you want the specific day, I would say a time I sang for a talent show as a kid.
I was at the boys n girls club and everyone wanted to perform but I was hesitant. My brother encouraged me though I was anxious being only eleven at the time. I moved in front of the seventy or so people and just wished for the best. Although I was shaky at first, when I saw the looks of surprise on the onlookers face the shake in my voice began to go away and my voice was truly heard. I had a gift that lit up the faces of others and it made me want to be a performer. Something about the thrill of it all pulled me in like a comet.
Your latest single is Ms. Satana, an immersive and enchanting introduction, though far from your first high quality indie gem. What sets this track apart from your previous releases?
I guess I would say that the song is really a feel of me. I have a very specific look and with the imagery I carry I thought maybe it could make a good song. I’m known for having a sassy look and attitude and the way I put it into the song really feels like a true to heart description of me.
My other songs out right now although are still written by my perspective’s, aren’t all really a reach into who I am. Ms. Satana is supposed to give you a feeling of my energy and image that comes with it. So, I think that’s what really sets it apart from the rest of my music.
The production is brilliantly unique, blending aspects of heavy dance and rock with these soulful RnB vocals that command attention. How did you stumble upon this style, and what does the song Ms. Satana represent in terms of you and your journey?
My sound is definitely a unique one. I grew up around many different backgrounds which really got me into so many different genres. My voice itself adds its own touch giving my music a whole other layer to it. I would say I am very fluid and my sound can definitely range. Ms. Satana is more on par with what I consider my sound, it’s what I’m trying to go for more in my debut album Queen of Bad Advice.
I love the aspects of other genres I throw together but for the most part it’s to compliment that almost modern-rock-synth sound I go for. I love the bass commonly seen in RnB and hip-hop mixed with the attitude of a guitar and underlying synth noises to carry the other sounds. None of it would be possible without my producer Tony. I remember walking into the studio for the first time and describing my style to him. He looked so confused but once we started making the beat it really all came together and he has really gripped down my unique sound.
Do you produce the music yourself or play any instruments? In either case, what’s the starting point for a new song?
So, to answer the first half of the first question, I have a producer, his name is Tony. He’s literally the best dude ever. To answer the second half of the first question, I do play or have learned how to play a few instruments. I have learned the piano, the bass, and the guitar. Though I’m not exactly fluent at playing any of them I am getting back into some of them.
As for me writing my music, I write my lyrics first. I write out of passion. I’ll get an idea or a catchy line will play in my head and I’ll write from there. Once the lyrics are written I plan to go to the studio. Usually, I have an idea for a sound in mind like for Ms.Satana. I already knew how I wanted that song to sound. But for other songs like Angel I Envy You it was a complete shift. I had no idea what I wanted but we brewed up a beat attuned to my tastes. Typically, I just get random inspiration from either a sound, or a situation and then I turn it into my art.
What’s changed for you as an artist since the launch of ‘Here I Go Again’, and what’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned about putting out music independently?
Here I go Again was honestly a big jump for me, I never intended on having any collabs until after my Debut album was to come out. However, the decision was made and honestly It has gotten me some solid connections with other artist in my city. The song also helps to show my versatility and its definitely recognized by those around me in the music scene here in Cincinnati. From that I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned from being an independent artist is that without the proper promotion, a good song can easily be swept under the rug. I make music as a passion and to be heard but you can’t be heard without the proper backing. You just have to hope for the best.
Is performance a big part of your plans this year, and if so, what does a live show from Grey Satana entail?
For majority of this year, I will be working on my album. I will go to shows here and there to show support and maybe perform a song or two but I won’t really be out there until my album is done. However, for my album release show I for sure already have ideas in mind. Neon lights and fog machines, back-up dancers dressed as my shadows to carry my image. Imagine a nightclub overrun by the dead all trying to have a good time. Maybe a few fake tomb stones here and there, maybe a coffin. It’s all still in the works at the moment but when Satana takes the stage. You’ll known it’s her.
Did you hone your vocals through lessons or just self-expression? What’s been the best tool for strengthening your voice and sense of identity as an artist?
My voice is all my own, even when I just speak you can hear it. It’s self-expression at its finest in my opinion. My voice is what makes Satana Satana. I’ve always had a sassy twang to my voice so it was no guess it would roll over into my singing. The best I’ve done to strengthen my voice is I really worked on my air intake and practiced different singing methods because what works for one-person isn’t necessarily gonna work for me. That rolls into the next question a bit.
My voice has honestly caused many problems for me in my life. I’ve always been very outspoken and direct to the point, and with my added sass I guess you could imagine what that causes in response. I strengthened my identity by really embracing who I was and my dramatic style because I realized as a teen that no matter what you do, someone is always going to be upset by it. I thought about who I was and what makes me. I then just built from it.
My attitude and dramatic style have caused me many problems yes, but I knew they made me feel like me. It was about choosing to be me in an industry, or world for that matter, that is so used to conforming others into what they consider normal. Basically, I said Fuck It and did what made me happy.
What’s something about you that might surprise listeners?
Although I have a very deep voice for a woman, I have a very good range. I’ve trained my voice so that I can hit crazy strong high notes as well as keeping my deep sultry voice. We also could go on and on about my style, how tall I like my boots, how long and sharp I like my nails, but those are the superficial things and I think one’s talent it where it at. I’m already an eyecatcher from my looks, so really, it’s something you have to listen and see for yourself.
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Find Grey Satana on Instagram.
