Discover How Hurricane Katrina Was The Inspiration For Daniel Gray’s Debut Album And Why He Loves His Gay Fans
Posted: 5th Feb 2010 Author: Michelle Penny Topics: Music
A former New Orleans resident, pop singer/songwriter David Gray was forced to relocate after Hurricane Katrina ripped through his home destroying his home and everything he owned in it’s wake. However whilst his material possessions may have wiped out one thing that could never be destroyed was his love for music.
And instead of seeing his life being destroyed as a negative, Daniel has turned it into a positive using it as the source of inspiration for his debut album, “Invictus,” Latin for “Unconquerable.” Produced by multi-platinum producer and engineer, Mark Berry, this pop / dance album is a magical blend of blend of high energy and thought-provoking ballads. His song “Cast Away,” is a reflection of the sorrow New Orleans residents experienced with Hurricane Katrina. While he himself is not gay, he openly supports the LGBT community, performing at various Pride festivals and generously donating proceeds of his shows and his record to many gay causes.
Daniel, at 22 years old, you are one of the youngest and brightest new pop stars. Having just released your debut album, Invictus, how does it feel to have many new fans lining up to listen to you?
It was a dream come true for me to release Invictus and have people actually buying my music and sending me emails, waiting for me after shows, and posting comments on my sites telling me how much they enjoyed my music. I was so excited and I know things will only get better!
Various media outlets have made the comparison of you to a young Michael Jackson and Prince. Why do you feel that is?
I was shocked and so flattered. Both Michael Jackson and Prince are two of my musical idols. I grew up listening to their music and singing their songs in the mirror. I know they only got where they were and touched people through their music by being themselves, being honest and working hard and that’s what I try to do everyday with my craft, so to have that recognized was a great complement.
How is your music different from other pop music out there being created today?
My music is different from other music that is being created because all of my material is written from my unique perspective. I write all my own music and it’s all based on things that I am feeling and observations. My music is like a diary mixed with social commentary from my unique point of view.
You originally lived in New Orleans, until Hurricane Katrina ravaged your home city. You watched your own couch float by on TV. What kind of feelings did that evoke? How do you view New Orleans today, a few years after the catastrope?
Well hurricane Katrina was such a devastating disaster for everyone. I would compare it to going through the 5 stages of grief:
1. Denial over what just happened.
2. Pain after you realize you just lost everything, including memories.
3. Anger with politicians, officials, and people, for things they say or should have done.
4. Sadness in realizing things will never be the same again.
5. Acceptance of what happened and just not letting anything keep you down. Now I just go on with my life and I stay happy and positive.
Today while the appearance has changed, the spirit is somewhat still the same. I love New Orleans and it is my favorite city. So for me it is and always will be home and like Dorothy said, “There Is No Place Like Home!”
Although you yourself are not gay, you openly support the LGBT community through your empowering lyrics, performing at gay events, such as Gay Pride, and donate to many LGBT causes. Why have you chosen this community?
The LGBT community has always supported me and I love them. They are strong, confident, and unafraid to be themselves; which is something I respect. I also always tend to root for the underdog and with the passing of Prop 8 and the rejection of Gay Marriage in NJ, I feel that the LGBT community is being unfairly treated and judged. I’m a very loyal person and I feel the LGBT community are my friends and family, so I don’t let anyone pick on my friends or family. I also agree with the Kinsey Scale Study in which it states just about everyone is slightly bisexual; whether a 2 or 6, it’s there.
Is there an LGBT-related cause you support more than others? Why is that?
All charitable causes are special but the one that hits home for me is the Trevor Project. I always believe in the power of positive thinking and that tomorrow is a new day and a new beginning, so suicide is never the answer. I had an uncle who committed suicide and I know that it was very hard on my family, especially since we just lost two other family members within that same two-month time-span.
When I heard what the Trevor Project was doing it really touched my heart and I don’t want anyone to feel they don’t deserve to be on this earth, so for me that is the charity that is personal for me.
You are working on your follow-up album already. Can you tell us about it?
I am CONSTANTLY working on new music. As I said before, it’s my diary. I don’t want to give too much away because we are still developing things but what I can say is it’s going to be an all-out DANCE PARTY!!! All rise and non-stop movement!
You’re also working on many other projects right now. Tell us a little about all of these.
I guess you can say I have self-diagnosed ADD and I can never sit still, so I do have many projects. I am working with a group of friends on a political web series for which we just finished doing some tapings. Also I don’t want to give away too much, but I’m right now in talks to work with a award-winning LGBT director on a project that I wrote. It’s very exciting! Also my live music show “Return Of The Club Kids” is going to be AMAZING!!! There’s so much more…too much to name.
Who are some of the musicians that have inspired you in the past, and who do you listen to nowadays?
Musicians that have inspired me are Prince, Michael Jackson, David Bowie, John Coltrane (who has one of my favorite albums of all time, “A Love Supreme”), Etta James, and just for good measure, the artist I saw grow from the start of her career, Britney Spears.
Nowadays I love to listen to, of course, Britney Spears, Lady GaGa, Sugababes, Michelle Williams, RuPaul, but also a lot of 80s and 90s dance music like George Michael and Haddaway. Basically anyone who can make me want to dance, I listen to. I just love to be happy and love to dance so that’s the type of music I’m interested in right now.
Do you also draw inspiration from other mediums, such as films, books and visual art?
I draw inspiration from anything and everything! If it catches my attention creatively I can turn it into something. I made a song about six years ago that started out as just a dripping faucet. I loved that sound and it helped me create this amazing tranquil track. Also, I recently wore an outfit on stage that was inspired by gutter water and a crack in the street, it was so HOT! My current show is inspired by the underground club scene and New York City, which is why I named the show “Return Of The Club Kids.”
Do you have a specific message throughout all of your music that you wish to let your fans know?
My message is pretty clear and simple: ‘Be Unconquerable, Be Yourself.” I believe that anyone can achieve anything with confidence and determination. Never let anyone bring you down and always reach and raise higher and higher!
Would you ever consider making music that is outside of the type of sound you are known for, which is pop-dance music?
I love all kinds of music, and I know it’s cliché to say but I go where the music takes me. I have a song on my current album called “Danger” which is me experimenting with a harder rock edge mixed with pop sounds. I have another song called “Lost Boys 2.0” which has a Latin flavor, and “Cast Away” is very emotional and piano- driven. I just love making music and will try anything at least once.
What has been the most special fan moment you’ve experienced thus far?
I love all my fans but a moment that really sticks in my mind is an e-mail that I received from a soldier who was about to go off to basic training. He said he listened to my album while he works out and it motivates him when he is tired to keep on going. That’s was so awesome because that’s what I make music for. It also goes to show you anyone can support the troops, even us crazy left-wing liberals. Take that Fox News!
What can your fans look forward to from you in the future?
More music, live shows, films, and a lot more!! I want to do it all! So there will always be surprises coming for my fans and everyone!!
You can find out more about Daniel Gray on his Facebook Fan Page and download his debut album from iTunes and Amazon.
