Having released her debut EP “Blue, Lately” and a string of buzzy tracks in 2019, the best of which —”Good Life” — attracting both critical and commercial success, London singer Rose Gray is set to have an exciting 2019. Having released her latest single “High Again” at the tail end of the year, 2020 promises to be full of new music for Gray, whose beautifully simple, stripped back sound and versatile vocal ability has positioned her as one to keep an eye on, her mastery of both a soft croon and a fiery belt setting her apart. Here, we discuss her favourite lyrics, who she’s listening to right now, and where she’d go if this was her last day on earth.

What’s your earliest memory of music?
I have really vivid memories of singing at like 3. Also watching the Spice Girls film and just being in awe of all of them.

Who was your favourite band or artist growing up?
I loved Christina Aguilera as a kid. And in my early teens Lily Allen and Amy Winehouse were all I listened to..’ Frank’ and ‘Alright still’ had a real impact on young me.

When did you know you wanted to do this full time?
I was always performing in some way growing up, I played a lot of sports and loved acting. I didn’t really fit in but with music I felt I had found my place. I wrote my first proper song at 14/15.

How would you describe your sound?
I always find this question hard, because I am ever-changing and don’t think I quite fit into a specific genre or sound as such. But its alternative pop music, it’s honest and soulful. Cinematic and poetic. Someone said I’m an old soul telling modern-day stories, which has stuck. I want to make anthemic music and that’s where my sound is going.

If you could collaborate with one person, who would it be?
I think it would be Prince. I would have loved Prince to write a song with me or just for me.

What do you want people to feel when they listen to your music?
When I listen to my favourite artists I am with their every word. I get lost in the music. I want people to lose themselves in my music.

What’s your favourite of your lyrics?
It’s not out yet…but proud of these lyrics:

“I want to be a rockstar
Dress in suits, drive fast cars
I want to be a tomboy
East of the river, down to the savoy
I want to wear pink slip dresses
Drink margaritas forget my depression
I’m a saint and a sinner
Devils tongue
In an angels figure
Why am I so confused?”

What’s the best live gig you’ve ever done?
I played a show in Walthamstow earlier this year. In an old cinema. My band were incredible and the atmosphere was magic.

Who is one band or musician killing it right now?
Ashnikko, my friend. She is killing it.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
I had this teacher at six form, I left a year early to pursue music and on my last day he told me, ‘’don’t worry if you come full circle because that is life, and as long as you’re living and loving what you do everything will always fall into place’’. I think about this a lot.

What’s your goal for one year from now?
I want to be on a headline tour, in the process of making my debut album. Happy and healthy.

If today was the last day on earth, what would you do or where would you go?
Wow – I really need to think about this…. I’d click my fingers, and I’d be in the desert (Joshua Tree, because this is my favourite place I have ever been; I felt so alive and connected). I would want to be with my family and best friends and their families, because I’m sure everyone would want to be together. There would be music and great cocktails. We would be in a huge glass house, watching the last sunset over the mountains. And then, at night, we would watch the stars.

What are you inspired by?
My friends inspire me: partying with them, hearing their stories about lovers and ex-lovers, sitting on the tube watching the world go by inspires me. Watching films, reading poetry, travelling and my city. I guess just my little life and day-to-day keeps me inspired. I feel like, right now, I’ve got a lot to write about – I have a lot I want to say.