Review Fix Exclusive: J GRGRY Talks ‘Don’t Ever Give Up’ And More

Review Fix chats with singer who discusses his new music video. “Don’t Ever Give Up,” as well as his origin in music and goals for the future.

Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?

J GRGRY: I started playing saxophone in middle school, then upright bass in high school, which led to playing bass in my first rock band as a teenager. We got a label to put out a 7”, opened for Death Cab for Cutie, and played with other great bands in our area at a super young age. I’ve been really lucky to see a lot of things because of music.

1. Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
   

J GRGRY: I’m constantly writing songs, whether it’s working on new material for J GRGRY, co-writing with friends and other artists, or ghost writing for younger artists that need some jumping off songs for their projects. I’ve developed a pretty consistent routine for myself built around intervals of writing and self care. It’s a lot of up and down. Usually 90 minute bursts of writing beats, bass lines, keys, lyrics and vocals, and then 20 minutes of me playing with our dog, making juice, stretching, or meditating. Generally, I just try to keep blood flowing so my brain can stay focused and sharp when I am actually holding instruments and using the computer for the 8 hours I try to focus on songs each day. 

1. Review Fix: What inspires you?
   

J GRGRY: I’m inspired by science. The ocean and oceanic life is wildly exciting to me. I love dogs and hiking. I feel so connected to my higher self when I have access to nature and can incorporate beach or trail hiking in between studio sessions. Life has so many wonders. There really is inspiration everywhere you look, if you can keep an open mind. 

1. Review Fix: What does music mean to you?
   

J GRGRY: Music has been the essence of my life for as long as I can remember. I feel like I write songs that teach me about myself and enable me to access depths of love and emotion I would have never known existed without it. It’s how I best connect with myself and with other people and has offered me the majority of my most special life experiences. In the end, music is light and love to me.

Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

J GRGRY: I’ve adopted what people have told me most often which is; I sound like a mix of The Police and Peter Gabriel with a live show like David Bowie and St. Vincent. 

Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?

J GRGRY: I try to put on big, exciting, engaging shows every time I perform. Futuristic, androgynous, all inclusive. I incorporate custom attire, stage makeup, detailed light design run by my husband (who is a brilliant, professional LD) as well as live statues and choreographed visuals specifically created for my shows. I play several instruments and perform with a full band most often. 

2. Review Fix: What inspired your latest single?
   

J GRGRY: It came out of quite a difficult time, just weeks after I had parted ways with my biological family as well as a horrible situation with a producer in Los Angeles. Both situations left me reeling with emotions and sadness. I wrote this song trying to lift myself up and use positive self speak to find resolve not only to keep going despite the hurt and disappointment, but to keep going joyfully with an optimistic heart.

Review Fix: What are your goals for the rest of 2020?

J GRGRY: After canceling US and UK tours and having to reschedule the release of the full length record I’ve been pouring myself into the last 2 years, my goals have definitely shifted. I’ll still be releasing new recordings this summer, although not what originally planned, and I expect to have a whole treasure trove of songs and videos set for release in 2021 when we are able to tour again. My husband and I have a lot of personal goals we are excited to accomplish during this time and are thankful for those opportunities as well. 

Review Fix: What’s next?

J GRGRY: Acoustic EP this summer. Tons of writing and recording throughout the year. Booking tours for 2021. General self care and a move to our dream location in the States this fall. We have a lot to be grateful and excited for. 

Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add? 

J GRGRY: I appreciate you taking the time to have me here! Sending everyone a message of encouragement and light!