Melanie Gray
DARWIN SINGER SONGWRITER MELANIE GRAY EMBODIES THE AUSTRALIANA GENRE. HER MUSIC CELEBRATES THE BEAUTY OF AUSTRALIA AND SHE HAS A STUNNING ABILITY TO SHARE THIS PASSION BOTH LYRICALLY AND MUSICALLY. SHE’S ABOUT TO HIT THE ROAD, BUT BEFORE SHE HEADS OUT ON HER FIRST NATIONAL TOUR, SHE TOOK A MOMENT TO CHAT WITH MUSICNT.
For those who haven't heard of Melanie Gray before what is your music like?
My music is very much a celebration of the landscapes, histories and cultures that make up our beautiful country. It falls into the modern country genre easily although it is not strictly country – that’s why I call it modern-Australiana.
How does living in Darwin affect your music and song writing?
While my music is Australiana based, a lot of my songs have been inspired specifically by the Northern Territory. When I moved interstate I was ready for a change but I never knew just how much I took the Territory for granted and was always homesick for warmer weather, beautiful outback escarpments, sunset markets, the amazing mix of cultures and food and more importantly the vibrant live music scene.
Got any tips for young musicians about performing and writing music?
Where there’s a will – there’s a way! I have often found myself at the base of some very big hills as each new chapter of my music career unfolds – it can be very daunting at times but I have learned through all the ups and downs that if you are determined you can achieve anything, all you have to do is take one step at a time and believe in yourself and you will be amazed at the doors that open for you.
Tell us about your latest EP.
My EP is another first for me! I have waited many years for this little dream of mine to come to fruition and it finally happened in January this year! My self-titled EP has five tracks on it that were produced by Rod McCormack (Sony) and co-written with Gina Jeffreys and Max Jackson. They are songs that reflect my love for the beautiful landscapes of our country, my home and lifestyle in the NT and the Aussie spirit.
Tell us about your upcoming tour – where are you going and who are you playing with?
Yay, my first tour! It’s starting on June 30 in Armidale, NSW, which is pretty important to me as it is where I completed my music degree. It includes stops in North Qld then it’s back to Darwin where we’ll be hitting up places like the Humpty Doo Hotel, Noonamah Tavern and Tourist Park as well as our main ticketed event at the Hotel Darwin on Friday 22 July.
INFO melaniegrayaustralia.com | facebook.com/melaniegrayaustralia
Hotel Darwin | Sat 22 Jul, 7pm | $15
