David Gray – The SoCal Sound Session with Nic Harcourt at The Sunset Marquis
Interview and 3 song acoustic performance
written by: Matt Blake
Acclaimed singer-songwriter David Gray is back with a new album titled Dear Life and he met up with The SoCal Sound for a candid conversation with More Music In The Morning host Nic Harcourt at BAR1200 inside the iconic Sunset Marquis in West Hollywood. David gray opened up about the new album as well as reflected on his ever-evolving journey as a now independent artist.
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Navigating | Independently
Gray starts the interview by revealing this is a significant chapter in his storied career, which is now fully in his own hands as an independent artist. While maintaining contracts with major labels over the years, making independent releases and distribution deals, he is now fully independent with his own label, Laugh A Minute Records, which he explained jokingly that the name came “from a quip during a particularly stressful time”
Gray emphasized that he is continued to be focused on what truly matters: the music. He describes Dear Life as possessing a striking immediacy, something reminiscent of his breakthrough White Ladder. “These songs are born standing up,” he says, emphasizing the record’s direct storytelling and engaging melodies. Tracks like After the Harvest showcase a rhythmic urgency, while Eyes Made Rain resonates with younger listeners, including his own daughters and their friends.
Watch The Full Performance + Interview
Reflecting on Time
David Gray, who is now in his mid-50s, explains how a significant theme in Dear Life is the passage of time. Life experiences, such as loss, change, and the awareness of mortality, have shaped his songwriting. He mentions he is approaching the same age as his father’s passing, which is somewhat of an invisible line that is in the horizon, but instead of dwelling on the melancholy, Gray is now embracing the present, taking in every moment and connection with his band and audience.
Connection to The SoCal Sound
This is not just another press/promo stop for David Gray, it is a homecoming of sorts. The SoCal Sound has been a supporter of David Gray, and that support goes both ways, and long time SoCal Sound listeners and archivists might remember that David Gray played a benefit concert for us (back then known as KCSN) at the Soraya Performing Arts Center (then known as The Valley Performing Arts Center) in 2014. Over a decade later, his presence at The SoCal Sound is just as powerful.
Continuing Forward
As Gray continues his tour, he’s taking nothing for granted. His performances are filled with both deep cuts and fan favorites, pushing himself and his band to bring something fresh to each show. “I’m really here,” he says. “I’m not thinking about the next gig while I’m playing this one. I’m enjoying it all.”
Dear Life is available everywhere on Laugh A Minute Records. And you can hear David Gray and similar artists on More Music In The Morning with Nic Harcourt + Jet; weekday mornings 6-10am
The SoCal Sound Sessions, interviews, and performances are filmed and edited by Matt Blake, recorded and mixed by Tristan Dolce.
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