SPARKLING DEBUT ALBUM FROM ISLE OF MAN’S RISING STAR CHRIS GRAY
DIAMONDS IN YOUR TREE
RELEASE DATE: 6TH APRIL 2015
RECORD LABEL: SUNN CREATIVE
FORMATS: CD & DOWNLOAD
CAT # SUNNC1501
SPARKLING DEBUT ALBUM FROM ISLE OF MAN’S RISING STAR
Diamonds In Your Tree is the debut album from Isle of Man singer-songwriter Chris Gray, due for release on 6th April 2015 via the Sunn Creative label.
On the same day, Gray will release the song 'She Loves The Morning' as a single.
Having spent the past few years honing his brand of bluesy, melodic folk-rock, Gray regularly performs live as both a solo acoustic artist and with his band, opening for Roger Daltrey, Peter Green, The Coral, The Charlatans, John Power, Status Quo, Matt Cardle, Feeder, Turin Brakes and headlining festivals such as the Deep South Festival.
In 2013 Chris was asked to record a cover of The Kinks classic song ‘Waterloo Sunset' for the Peter Quaife Foundation. While recording the track, he worked on creating a 4 track EP (Don't Lose Your Way) with music producer, Tony Lowe (Robert Fripp/David Cross, Simon Townshend) who, having witnessed Chris' impressive musicianship, signed him to indie label Sunn Creative.
Throughout Diamonds In Your Tree Chris creates heartfelt melodies, dynamic folk overtones and engaging lyrics, a style that has drawn comparisons with many of his influences, including Elliott Smith, The Las, Ocean Colour Scene, Ray LaMontagne and Fleetwood Mac.
Chris' easy-going attitude to life is reflected in his charismatic and unassuming songs, "For me, it feels natural, I don't tend to think about the songwriting process too much. I just like writing music. When I write a song, I usually have the music before adding the lyrics words, which are inspired by the people I meet and the situations I encounter on life’s path."
As for the album’s title, Chris explains: “One night during the recording of the album it started raining so hard that the lights made it look like there were diamonds in the trees. It looked amazing. I thought this line could apply to people, how they can unexpectedly shine in the worst conditions.”
Chris’s music has since been played on BBC Introducing and he is a regular on Isle of Man radio stations 3FM and Manx Radio. He was also featured artist on BBC ALBA travel program and his EP ‘Don’t Lose Your Way’ is currently receiving airplay on Celtic Music Radio and regional stations across the UK.
Chris Gray online: Facebook * @ChrisGrayIOM * YouTube
http://sunncreative.com/latest/chris-gray/
A guide to the songs on Diamonds In Your Tree, by Chris Gray
Song Intros
We Fall Down - This song was written very quickly, it kind of wrote itself in a way. I was thinking back to situations in the past I had been in with friends, getting into mischief and having great times. I love the line "I'll always fall down with you" - it's me saying “I've got your back mate!”
Diamonds In Your Tree - This started out as a very rough demo. It had a really positive sentiment - sometimes I think that's all you need. This song is about people who go through life not realising how important and special they are. Tony Lowe really brought this song to life with the production.
Suzy Won't See Me - I had just called my girlfriend Suzy to see what her plans were for the evening. She told me she was seeing one of her friends, which meant messing around. I told her I was going to write a song about it and immediately put the phone down and picked my guitar up. Ten minutes later I’d finished the song. I hadn't actually planned on performing or recording it, but I’m really glad I did now.
Big Guns - I was watching the news a few years ago, seeing all these horrific stories about war. I started thinking about the effect these terrible events have on so many people on so many different levels…
Can You Teach Me - I'd been playing round with the verse on this for a while and couldn't work out how to take it to the chorus. I was at home playing around on the guitar one day and I accidently put the two parts together. I like the quirkiness of this one!
Feel Your Love - A simple little song, I was thinking how happy love makes us all feel, and also how important it is to be loved.
I'm Losing You - This song was written by my sister. I just love the feel of it. It's often hard to say how you feel about someone face to face. It's very honest and to the point.
She Loves The Morning - I had been to see John Power play and instantly fell in love with his style of playing and the feel to his music; kind of rootsy, folky and natural. It didn't take me too long to write this one as I had the idea in my head before I had even started the writing process. It's also a great one to play live, a real foot-tapper!
All We've Done - One of my favourites on the album, I was thinking back to when I was a bit younger and used to sit outside in the garden in summertime with my guitar and a few beers without a care in the world. I'm happy we found a place for the harmonica on the album.
Over You - Despite sounding like it, this song wasn't written about anyone in particular. I think it's more about giving something up and moving on. We all have demons; I think I destroyed a few while writing this one. Writing certainly is a great way to release tension.
Nothing On Me – I wrote this while thinking about the mistakes we make in life and how we deal with them, and the effects they have on others around us too.
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