Brighton psychedelic singer-songwriter Astral Gray showcases compelling, detailed and nostalgic songwriting on his new single 'Mirror On The Wall'. Offering a strikingly unique approach to his song-craft with slow, thoughtful melodies and lyricism tinged with melancholic emotion and a sprawling instrumental backdrop of organs, guitars and loosely placed drums, the track showcases a range of influences from folk through to psychodelic-rock and prog.
We wanted to know more about what music inspires Astral Gray's sound, so we spoke with him about 5 of his faves...
Scott Walker - Montague Terrace (In Blue)
This track truly resonates with my soul. It’s a time capsule of the twisted beauty of loneliness and introspection within urban existence. The theme and composition have heavily inspired my writing to this day.
Weyes Blood - Movies
The world of Weyes blood’s sad soft romantic rock is absolutely spellbinding and being romantic myself, I struggle with the disconnect between real life and life projected to us in movies. The theme in Weyes Blood’s Movies and the angelic vocal harmonies simply make her my absolute diamond in the rough when it comes to modern music.
Roxy Music - In Every Dream Home a Heartache
Starting with a dark vocal and organ that I have adopted in my upcoming album, In Every Dream Home A Heartache builds gradually to an heavy driven crescendo with a rocking guitar solo and raucous vocals.
Lana Del Rey - Pretty When You Cry
Pretty When You Cry is both haunting and hooky. Lana’s raw and broken vocal on this track really enticed me and has had a real effect on how I perform mine in the studio.
Daniel Johnston, Kramer - Some Things Last a Long Time
I love how simple this composition is! It really gives space to the ethereal vocal effects and massive piano sound. Production wise I would often reference this track during the mix process.
Listen to Astral Gray's New Single 'Mirror On The Wall' below:
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