Press
Articles and Blog features:
Chicago Music Guide: Featured Artist Interview- By: Dennis M. Kelly
WHRO: Out of the Box Album of the Week--Ann Gray--The Half Of It
v13.net : Premiere: Ann Gray Displays “Grace” and Elegance on Her New Single
Modern Mystery Blog: ANN GRAY SHARES HER ACOUSTIC POP SONG “GRACE”
The Indie Source:
- Ann Gray's "Grace" is a Beautiful Acoustic Gem
- Exclusive Premiere: Ann Gray Debuts Her New Indie Pop Single "City of a Million"
Out Loud Culture: INsiders Guide: DJ Khaled, Rebel Kicks, TOSH ALEXANDER, Poesy, Leon Thomas, KELOW LATESHA, Ann Gray, Amaris, Sam Casey….
Reviews:
Album of the Week Review by Paul Shugrue, WHRV
Songs about teenage angst are so much more meaningful coming from an actual teenager. Ann Gray is a sixteen year old Hampton Roads high school student who’s just released her debut album “The Half of It.” Forget all the “for her age” qualifications, she is a fully formed songwriter.
She has a variety of approaches to getting her messages across from the rock oriented questioning title track to the wistful acoustic storytelling of a girl going off to college, the nuanced songs on “The Half of It” are a fascinating look inside her psyche. There’s a song where she channels the main character of Emily Bonte’s “Wuthering Heights,” seeing her love interest in everything.
It is the authentic angst of the songs that is most impressive. Many descirbe the experience of growing up in the 21st century and all the challenges other generations didn’t have to face. The vulnerability is palpable as her vocal delivery rushes past a litany of concerns with heartbreaking lines that are only savored more with repeated listens.
With a voice that is emotive and startling, Ann Gray captures a time in most peoples lives that they have a hard time navigating much less explaining to anyone how they are feeling. That she can do so with such ease is what makes “The Half of It” really special.
Veer Magazine Review of "Foolish" by Jeff Maisey:
"Young Ann Gray makes her recording debut with a surprisingly mature 6-song EP with the arranging and production guidance of mentor Skye Zentz. The opening “Separate Ways” begins innocently enough with the strumming of a ukulele, but then come the head-turning moment — her voice. Ann Gray then proceeds to explore a variety of sonic landscapes. Where the delightful “Just a Villain” taps into pop/folk sensibilities, “I Hope You Cry” goes for a pure electronic-pop appeal, both are surefire radio worthy tracks. Gray closes the recording out as she began with straight-head, core folk songs in “Goodbye Birdie” and “Filters.” Ann Gray is a gifted artist, songwriter to watch. "