David Gray is a cherished artist who’s enjoyed a decorated musical journey and achieved an iconic status, but his story goes far beyond the success that’s defined him as a beloved singer-songwriter. From a struggling artist to a leading voice in British music, his tale is one of dedication and creative vision. His perseverance through almost a decade of near obscurity paid off in a spectacular way with White Ladder, an album that confirmed Gray as a leader in the world of poetic singer-songwriters.
With White Ladder becoming one of the best-selling British records of recent times, David Gray has since filled arenas worldwide. Over the years, his music has influenced artists like Ed Sheeran, Adele and Hozier, while he continues to walk his own path, with each release building upon his own artistic philosophy.
Today, his creative output is more focused than ever and his upcoming thirteenth studio album, Dear Life, is set to reflect his most personal explorations yet. The album, due for release in January via Laugh A Minute Records, dives into the essence of life itself, touching on its beauty, complexity and mystery. Dear Life sees him tackling themes of relationship choices, mortality and existential questions, all while bringing a hint of playfulness to the mix. David says, “I’m feeling very joyful about the act of making and sharing this music… I have the same hopes and dreams whenever I release a record – that if you try and do something special, then maybe something magical will happen in return.” Adding a unique familial touch, his daughter Florence Gray lends her voice on several tracks, and rising talent Talia Rae appears as a guest on the album’s lead single, “Plus & Minus.”
Adding to the anticipation, his brand new single, “After The Harvest,” captures the spirit of Dear Life with its contemplative and textured sound. The track is classic David Gray; a memorable, richly melodic chorus paired with poignant lyrics delivered via that velvet voice that’s charmed millions around the world. Yet “After The Harvest” also feels distinct and new, stitching complex orchestration with David Gray’s trademark simplicity in a way that truly shines.
He brings together off-kilter verses and serene, stripped-back passages, allowing his lyrics to take the spotlight. Recorded at his home studio in Norfolk, “After The Harvest” features his longtime collaborator Clune on drums, adding a rhythmic heartbeat to the song which pulses throughout the delicate instrumentation of soft guitar and graceful orchestral dashes.
Led by his rich vocals, his songwriting offers memorable melodic lines to craft a stellar pop-focused outing that’s sure to delight his existing fans while continuing to win over new listeners, introducing a whole new generation of music fans to the wonderful sound of David Gray. With his next full-length record arriving early next year and a an extensive tour across North America and Europe kicking off at the end of January, David Gray is set to continue his musical journey as truly revered and enduring artist.
Commenting on the new single, he shares, “Key to the song’s inception was the fact that during the making of this record I was displaced from my London studio for long periods. I hastily improvised a workspace in the garage of my house up on the Norfolk coast and set about working on the record up there whenever possible. In London, when we are working and we finish up for the day, that’s it – but in Norfolk after we break for dinner, there’s always the opportunity to go back into the studio and work more.”
Adding, “It feels like a free hit, and “After The Harvest” was written during the very first of these late night Norfolk jam sessions. I had the beginnings of a chord sequence, under which Ben de Vries put a very simple electronic beat, and then added a lovely, chiming synth part. With these simple elements in place, the song assembled itself very rapidly. Ideas for the rhyming schemes began suggesting themselves, as did the chorus melody and chord sequence and other melodic vocal parts.”
Listen to After The Harvest below
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