Scott Gray grew up in a small town in rural Illinois, in an extremely sheltered community, without much access to discovering popular music. He saw a local news story about Christian singer/songwriter Amy Grant, and suddenly found he had a favourite artist. He started playing piano, and chose to learn every song by Amy, and her contemporary Christian artists, such as Michael W Smith. All changed however when Gray’s step-uncle said to him – “If you ever want to make something of yourself in the music industry, you’re gonna have to write your own songs” – and started working on his own tunes immediately.
Scott attended Southern Illinois University, and left with a degree in Political Science, after which he moved to Nashville, and took courses in Music Business at Belmont University. The first day of classes, his professor uttered words which had a similar effect on him as his step-uncle’s: “You can start a record label”. His imagination was fired up. After taking a few internships, even becoming Amy Grant’s secondary personal assistant, Scott founded 500 Hats Music Company.
Scott Gray launched his debut EP, ‘Raincoats & Other Short Stories’, on March 9 this year, released through 500 Hats Music. He talks of his past and shares the wisdom taught to him on his wild musical journey. ‘Maybe It’s You’ a smooth track with a jazz club vibe, is the second to come from the EP, and is complemented by a music video, shot in New York. The brainchild of photographer, filmmaker and artist Alexey Wind, it’s a feast for the eyes as well as the ears.
Visit Scott Gray’s website for updates and further information about the man and his music.
