Indigenous Alt-Pop Songwriter CARSEN GRAY Announces New EP; Listen to “Loud Love” Out Now!
July 15, 2022 BY Jason Currell
After making waves with her debut with the February EP Each Moment, Indigenous alt-pop songwriter Carsen Gray announces her follow-up EP, Notes to Self,and shares the empowering new single, “Loud Love,” out now via Nettwerk. With subtle acoustics and Gray’s moving vocals, she implores listeners to find the beauty in our differences. Listen to “Loud Love” on all digital retailershere.
“Self-confidence is something that we all struggle with at some point in our lives,” reflects Carsen. “Loving yourself should be as easy as riding a bike, but sometimes we don’t have it in us to recognize the beauty we all possess with our unique identities.”
Her messages of love and inclusivity have resonated with fans around the world. Cowboys & Indians Magazine profiled her in their ‘Next Native Artists’ feature and COMPLEX praised the way her music blends the spirit of her culture.
LISTEN & SHARE “LOUD LOVE” HERE: https://carsengray.ffm.to/loudlove
GET TO KNOW CARSEN GRAY WITH A NEW MINI-DOCUMENTARY:
50 miles off the coast of mainland British Columbia, you’ll find Haida Gwaii. This collection of islands serves as home to just shy of 5,000 residents who all contribute to its quiet magic. Seemingly removed from the rest of the world, yet intrinsically connected to its rawest essence, Carsen Gray calls this place home. Born of Haida Indigenous and mixed descent, the award-winning singer and songwriter commutes the peace of her surroundings into a soulful sound spiked with R&B energy, pop universality, and a twist of local spirit.
Growing up in Haida Gwaii, Carsen’s mother recognized her talent early on. During a trip to Ontario at nine years old, she recorded for the first time. Immediately, mom called her uncle Bobby Taylor who not only fronted Bobby Taylor & the Vancouvers but also famously discovered, mentored, and produced The Jackson 5’s 1969 debut, Diana Ross Presents The Jackson 5, and the follow-up, ABC. Under Bobby’s wing, she performed around Vancouver. Among her fondest memories, he often sat down with her at the piano for hours on end, fostering her passion for gospel and soul.
Inspired by Motown icons as well as Céline Dion, Mariah Carey, and Alicia Keys, she cultivated a signature style of her own equally steeped in singer-songwriter tradition and full-bodied R&B.
Turning heads, Carsen’s 2017 self-titled debut earned “Best New Artist” at SiriusXM’s Indigenous Music Awards, while 2018’s “Wanna See You” with JUNO Award-nominated DJ Shub received “Best Radio Single.” Along the way, she performed on the Aboriginal Peoples Television Network (APTN) and at JunoFest. In 2020, her single “Sah ‘Laana” and its intimate accompanying music video caught the attention of Nettwerk Music Group, and she signed to the label. Her music has received high praise from media outlets like COMPLEX, Exclaim!, PopWrapped, and Cowboys & Indians Magazine, which named Carsen a “Next Native American Star.”
Throughout 2021, she assembled her debut EP, Each Moment (2022), with her husband, primary collaborator, and producer Joey Stylez. After their kids fell asleep, they often recorded late into the night. “The driving force is gratitude,” she explains. “At this point in my life, I’m in a really good place… I thought about all of the things I’m grateful for and what I’ve been blessed with for my family, for the life I’ve built, and the creative space I have. Being home in Haida Gwaii, I had the opportunity to create at a Zen pace. We’re all born with a God-given gift. I believe I found mine with music. The project is reflective because I’m talking about God, my partner, love, and home.”
CARSEN GRAY IN THE PRESS…
“Her soulful voice crosses the genres of R&B, Pop and Folk—she’s proven that she isn’t limiting herself into any specific box. Her musical talents are tied together with the spirit of her culture and community…” –COMPLEX
“…just unaffected talent and refreshing earnestness… the best soul-rebooting forest bathing with similarly healing musical accompaniment…” –Cowboys & Indians Magazine
“There are some artists in the world that can just soothe you, need it be through their voice, their music or a combination of both. Carsen Gray is one such artist.” –PopWrapped
“…uplifting and organic songwriting style…” –Dusty Organ
“…enchanting…” –Roadie Music
