Toronto, ON-based indie alt-rocker Delyn Grey has released her new single, “Ghost Town”, which follows the tremendous success of her previous single, “Battle”.
Steadfast throughout, “Battle”’s monochromatic, melancholic masterpiece of a video enveloped audiences into Grey’s world, offering a real-time exploration into what depression looks and feels like for someone in the throes of it.
Given the rapid changes this year to date so far, “Ghost Town” unexpectedly picks up where “Battle” arguably leaves off, as Grey harnesses her unique perspective and dynamic lyricism to observe our quickly-changing world as it wrestles a viral pandemic.
“This song came out two days into quarantine,” Grey says of “Ghost Town.” “Feelings of helplessness, shock, and disbelief overpowered too much of my psyche, and had to come out.
“These are desperate times. We’re watching individuals, towns, cities, and countries so harshly impacted with the unknown, and will continue to do so until the ‘storm’ settles. =
“Funnily enough, this is probably the only ‘uplifting’ and ‘unifying’ song I’ve written…” she continues. “The world is in turmoil, and that can’t and should not be ignored. We have to do our part in taking this seriously.”
Just how to do so, Grey sends a simple signal.
“Use your voices,” she says. “Not to delegate or to sway opinions, but to optimize this opportunity to share, connect, support, and heal…
“Don’t hide behind your screens and wait for someone else to make the difference. Find the answers, and feel the feelings.
“May we support each other in this dire time. May we embrace the opportunity to learn, heal and seek answers. Be kind to your neighbours. Be sensible and prudent. Be hopeful.
“Walk as one.”
Check out “Ghost Town” below, and find out more about Delyn via our mini-interview.
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hey! I’m Delyn (DEL-IN) and here are some things you should know about me (you may already know if you caught my past interviews with Canadian Beats):
- I’m a musician from Toronto, Ontario
- Sarcasm is my fuel.
- Horse Riding is my therapy (other than music of course). Yoga’s pretty great too.
- Being in the spotlight off stage makes me extremely uncomfortable. But do I ever love all eyes on me up there. It’s a feeling I chase.
- Most people don’t know that I have pretty insane social anxiety. Performing helps me get past it. It’s the only time I feed off of my environment without getting overwhelmed.
- I’m quite happy being alone, in fact, I prefer it. I don’t get a lot of downtime.
- Wrote my first song when I was 7. It was for my sister, called ‘You’re the Best’. No lie, it was good, especially for a 7-year-old. Ha!
- I make a point of knowing very little about artist I respect out of fear of becoming a superfan.
- Talking about my music makes me uncomfortable. I like to think that the songs speak for themselves. They say everything I needed to say.
- I want to be best friends with Dave Grohl.
Tell us about the recording process behind ” Ghost Town”?
I wrote this song two days into quarantine (March 2020). The tsunami wave of feelings that hit me became really suffocating. I tend to suppress my feelings until they pour out in some way I can’t control. That’s kinda what happened here. I didn’t intend to write this song but I’d been needing to say something for some time. It all just kinda poured out as soon as I sat down at the piano. It was a really cool experience and I feel lucky to have been the song’s vehicle (without getting too hokey). Funnily enough, this is probably the only “uplifting” and “unifying” song I’ve written.
Lots of firsts came along with this song. The first time the song was written before I could do it myself, first self-produced track, first recording in our garage studio, first virtual recording experience with my incredible team (Kyle Texiera, Chris Macfarlane, Vic Florencia, and my dad), the list goes on. Needless to say, I’m proud of it.
What was the highlight of 2020?
The highlight of 2020 was definitely finding my voice as a creator. I got really used to other people steering the ship and didn’t realize how much it was eating away at me until I called the shots on this song. Definitely uncovered a new-found confidence in the studio. I also worked with a team of incredible humans that made it all the more special.
I’m one to rush things. Always have my eye on the ‘finish-line’, never really knowing what that is. This year has been a total setback and has been pushing me to snap myself out of that mindset and focus more on what’s actually happening, planned or not. I’m a control FREAK!!! Relinquishing SOME (not all) of it this year was pretty liberating. Ha!
What do you hope to accomplish in your career in 2021?
Honestly, as much as this year will permit. I still have big dreams and aspirations and won’t be losing sight of those any time soon. I will, however, give myself a more generous timeline and enjoy the milestones (big and small) that come this year. I’m doing everything I can, and that’s going to have to be enough!
There will be new music released, new collaborations, new content, pretty much everything there would have been anyways…minus the definitive touring. Still crossing my fingers that we can get back to live shows ASAP. I’ll take what I can get. Just hoping that the new music continues to resonate with its listeners.
Is there anyone out there you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
Dave Grohl. Ha! Honestly, I haven’t given much thought to it. There are definitely people I’d like to collaborate with, but mostly because I’m a huge fan of theirs and they’re ‘mainstream’. Some WICKED young female musicians out there right now. If I’m lucky enough, there may be something there.
I’m a huge advocate for organic collaborations. I’d love to work with local artists and other independent acts…an overseas collab would be wild. We’ll see what happens this year. Gotta get my head in the game. Nothing’s off the table!
Dreamin’ (never say never, right?): DAVE GROHL. Emily Haines, K.Flay, Trent Reznor, Taylor Momsen, PVRIS, Grandson, Badflower, JJ Wilde, Royal Blood