Feeling Guilty with Loren Gray
[UNPUBLISHED:] Your new song “Guilty” is so raw and honest, what’s it like putting out something that is so vulnerable?
[LOREN GRAY:] Putting out honest music can be intimidating and difficult at first because I tend to be quite a private person, but after seeing how many people relate to “Guilty” and feel the way I do, it’s liberating to know that I’m not alone and I can be a voice for someone who may feel like they don’t have one. Being in such a privileged position I feel as though I have a responsibility to be transparent with the people that support me and that includes expressing the highs and lows of my life through my music.
[UNPUBLISHED:] How have your friends, family, and fans reacted to the new release?
[LOREN GRAY:] My friends and family have been alongside me this entire process and I think they’re all so proud to see that I am finally able to release music that is true to me and I have full freedom with. As for my fans, I am beyond grateful with the way they have stuck by me, especially after 2 years of being unable to release music. “Guilty” is so close to my heart, and this level of honesty is something I’ve been fighting for so long. My number one goal is making sure that the people who support me can feel as close to me through my music as they do online. I just want them to feel heard and understood.
[UNPUBLISHED:] How do you think other artists can learn to be more vulnerable with their emotions in their music like you have?
[LOREN GRAY:] I think it’s important for everyone to write music that represents them. Music is such a therapeutic, expressive gift that has the power to bring people together. I’ve always listened to music to feel less alone, to feel understood, and I want to create music that has the same level of depth. It doesn’t always have to be sad, but raw music that is authentic to the artist always carries the most weight.
[UNPUBLISHED:] Being honest and vulnerable seems like something that is important to you. As someone with a fan base of over 88 million across all platforms, why do you think it’s important to be honest and share those intimate moments about your life with your fans?
[LOREN GRAY:] Social media can make anyone’s life look perfect but if we’re being honest that’s not always how it is. I never want to create a false reality for my fans. I always want them to know the truth of what’s going on in my life, even if it’s not pretty.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What was the creative process like for your new song?
[LOREN GRAY:] My friends and I had a writing camp and allowed ourselves to write everything on our hearts and “Guilty” was one of the songs that came out of that process. Writing with friends who understand me and give me space to feel freely has been so liberating. I was never used to feeling safe in writing environments. Most of the time I felt judged or misunderstood. This was genuinely the first time I was able to let go and be honest.
[UNPUBLISHED:] The music video for the song is so fairytale-like and dreamlike, what was your inspiration behind the video?
[LOREN GRAY:] The video is the first of four videos that tell a story. I wanted the videos to be representative of a mental health journey, with the bear being a symbol. I don’t want to give too much away yet, so you’ll have to wait and see!
[UNPUBLISHED:] Do you have any memorable moments from shooting the music video?
[LOREN GRAY:] This video was so special to me because I was surrounded by friends who understood my vision and pulled out all the stops to make it come to life. The creative environment and the people involved make such a difference, and I’m so grateful for everyone involved.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What do you like to do when you’re not making music?
[LOREN GRAY:] Honestly, I’ve been trying to figure that out myself. I love painting, reading and writing, but music is where I spend most, if not all of my time. It’s hard to work on other things when there is always music to be made.
[UNPUBLISHED:] What is one fun fact about yourself that not many people might know?
[LOREN GRAY:] I feel like most people assume I’m extroverted based on my online personality, but I actually tend to be quite introverted and struggle with social interactions. It’s something I’m working on, but I really enjoy being alone.
