The Blues and Greys

If you’re a fan of MTV’s ‘Awkward’ or happen to pay attention to songs on TV commercials, you may know the Blues And Greys. But there’s a lot more to them than their single ‘Bright Lights,’ and their debut EP of the same name (out now on Wednesday Records) showcases the sound that’s earned them comparisons to Lana Del Rey and Lorde. We caught up with lead vocalist Lindsey Waldon via email to find out about how being the daughter of a working jazz musician influenced her sound, as well as how it feels to hear her music on TV.

Why did you decide to call your band the Blues And Greys?

We tend to write songs with mood and atmosphere, and the name seemed to embody those things.

How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music?

Mystical flow jams with a hint of apathy.

I’ve read that you grew up as the daughter of a working jazz singer, which led to you learning to play classical piano, trumpet and bass. But you also became a fan of punk rock at the age of 12, after your sister introduced you to it. Which style of music has influenced your music more? Or have they been equally influential, in different ways?

Jazz definitely influenced me more musically, but the punk enhanced the desire to be in a full band.

You met two of your bandmates when you moved to Santa Barbara for college, correct? How did you meet them? Were they your classmates, as well? How did you start making music with them?

I started making music with Jon and Thom about two years ago, when we were introduced through a mutual friend. We are the three original members of the band. The other three I’ve actually known for over four years but didn’t ask them to play with us until recently. Thom and Jonathan had prior experience being in bands, but this is your first time fronting a band.

Did it make it easier on you to have musicians with band experience to work with? Did they give you any memorable pointers when you started a band with them?

They have been musical gurus for me. It’s been a wonderful experience working with people who have been doing this for a while. They have definitely helped me grow as a musician and songwriter.

What is your process for writing and recording something like your new EP?

We try to figure out what it is we want to write about, whether it be an experience or a feeling. I personally like writing my songs about particular people, but Jon has helped me to expand on my writing content. After that, we get a basic idea of an instrumental structure and go to town on the lyrics and melody.

Have you been pleased with the reaction the EP has received so far? Is it what you’d anticipated?

I am pleased to say it has been nothing but a positive reaction for the EP so far. I had no expectations because you never know what people are going to like. The music scene is a gamble; you put all this effort into an album and have it be either welcomed with open arms or rejected.

How did it feel when you first heard your music in TV commercials — Subaru, Budweiser, etc. — and on MTV’s ‘Awkward?’ Is that anything you’d ever hoped to achieve? Or was it a total shock/surprise?

I was really excited to hear our music on TV. It’s one of those things when you’ve signed the contract and you know what it’s for but you are still in complete shock when you actually hear it for the first, second, third and fourth time. It definitely never gets old.

You also have a solo project, Little Indian – is that still an active project? How is it different to the Blues And Greys (aside from being a solo project)? Is it important for you to have two musical outlets?

The Blues and Greys currently are my main project. Little Indian was a lot of fun, and I got to play some pretty amazing shows, but it’s nothing like TB&G. The band has allowed me to express myself in ways I wasn’t able to with Little Indian. I will play shows if asked as LI, but right now, I’ve put that project to bed for the time being.

You played your first live show with The Blues And Grays about a month ago, correct? How has it been playing live as a band?

It has been a really special experience. It’s really fun to be on stage with all these people I care about and enjoy writing music with. We all have a truly unique connection. I can’t wait to play more shows.

Read More: The Blues And Greys' Lindsey Waldon On Jazz and Punk Influences + New EP | http://diffuser.fm/blues-and-greys-interview-2013/?trackback=tsmclip - Diffuser.fm

The Big Takeover is very pleased to present “Secrets To Shadows,” a new song from the Santa Barbara, California-based band The Blues and Greys, taken from their debut EP, The Bright Lights, slated for release October 15 on Wednesday Records.

Fronted by North Carolina-born Lindsey Waldon, The Blues and Greys won us over with their big indie-pop sound, reminiscent of The Joy Formidable — and you know how much we love those guys! - The Big Takeover

Lindsey Waldon sings, "There's no need to run," in a captivating live performance that takes center stage at New Noise festival filmed for the premiere of her band's music video release. Santa Barbara's own The Blues And Greys released the music video "Secrets To Shadows" earlier this month.

"Secrets To Shadows" is the band's infectious song that showcases lead singer Lindsey Waldon's voice on an electro indie rock track that will play over and over in your head. The subtle alternative appeasing beats allow Waldon's voice to soar driving the rhythm of the song making it no surprise this band has scored a placement on MTV's Awkward and caught the attention of national brands Budweiser and Subaru.

The “Secrets To Shadows” professionally shot live music video captures the band's recent hometown performance at the New Noise festival and the electric energy in the room. “Secrets To Shadows” appears on the group’s debut EP, "Bright Lights," which was released via Wednesday Records this fall. - See more at: http://lifeofarockstar.com/new_music/top_music_videos/files/the_blues_and_greys_secrets_to_shadows_music_video_premiere.php#sthash.ubGm4vGx.dpuf - Life Of A Rockstar

The Blues And Greys is an indie rock collective from Santa Barbara, California whose soaring tunes and expressive lyrics will surely garner a good deal of notice. Fronted by the luminous vocal inflections of Lindsey Waldon, The Blues And Greys channel such classic acts as The Ocean Blue and The Cranberries, while maintaining their own unique visions with their phenomenally vibrant compositions. Bright Lights EP is a stunning introduction, consisting of five gorgeous tracks that will make you want to take on the world at large.

The recording opens with the opulent title track Bright Lights, where a pulsating beat and hypnotic guitars mesh perfectly with Lindsey Waldon’s alluring vocals. Secrets To Shadows is then unveiled, whose spiraling melodies and infectious choruses will remain in your head long after the disc spins to its conclusion.
“You always get what you want and you know…” Waldon remarks ironically on the standout cut The Assignation, a bittersweet testament that will have even the most jaded music critic singing along with fiendish glee. New Shores then sweeps you off your feet with its empowering lyrics and lush musical soundscapes. “Take me far away from this town” is the glorious call to action in the short but very effective song.

Closing out the Bright Lights EP on a wistful note is Lost Lines, with blissful reveries that will leave an indelible impression. Less than 20 minutes in length, the Bright Lights EP is a striking first effort with a fascinating lead vocalist and timeless songs that are absolutely captivating.

The musicianship found within The Blues And Greys is gloriously imaginative, featuring the participation of the aforementioned Lindsey Waldon on vocals, Thom Flowers and Jonathan Miller sharing guitar, bass and keyboard duties, and Austin Beede on drums. As 2013 spins to its conclusion, one could easily acknowledge the Bright Lights EP as being one of the very best debut recordings of the year. Check into what The Blues And Greys has to offer and prepare to be swept away by this radiant band on the rise. - Highwire Daze

here is a buzz building for Santa Barbara, California indie rock band The Blues and Greys. Even before the official release of their debut EP Bright Lights, the band’s music was licensed for use in TV and film projects as well as national advertisements for Budweiser and Subaru. Due to this exposure their fan base has been growing and it seems there is a strong commercial viability to the bands future.

The group is a musical collaboration between lead singer Lindsey Waldon and musician/producers Thom Flowers and Jonathon Miller. While recording the EP the band drafted local Santa Barbra musician’s Austin Beede (drums) and Michael Million(bass) to fill out the spectrum in the studio. The result was a melodic and spacious soundscape that left me wanting more.

As accomplished as the band sounds overall, Lindsey Waldon is clearly the star of the show. The young singer has an infectiously smooth voice that leads the charge throughout the EP. Key tracks that highlight her polished delivery are “Bright Lights,” ”New Shores,” and “Lost Lines.” I highly recommend checking out this band. It’s a safe bet we are going to hear lots more from them and that will clearly be a good thing. - Speaker Creatures