Chris Grey , one of the new faces of Dark R&B, opens up about his creative process and the inspirations behind his rising success in 20 Questions with PopFiltr . With over 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify and 500 million streams across platforms, Grey’s self-produced sound fuses nocturnal R&B with cinematic, orchestral intensity. Drawing from his Jamaican and Canadian roots, his debut album, The Castle Never Falls , debuted at number 7 on Spotify's Top Albums Debut Global chart during its opening weekend (October 18-20). Dive in as Grey discusses collaborating with his girlfriend Allegra Jordyn and best friend Christopher Graham, the fan art that left a lasting impression, and the music that inspires him—from The Weeknd to The Marias.
1. What kind of music do you listen to in your spare time? Chris Grey:
2. What’s the most unconventional technique you’ve used to achieve a sound you had in mind? Chris Grey:
3. If your music were a movie, what genre would it be, and who would you get to direct it? Chris Grey:
4. If one day you weren’t allowed to make music—no recording, no producing, no listening—what would you do instead? Chris Grey : I’d probably go into film. As a kid, photography and cinematography were my other passions. I used to want to make movies. I kind of get to do that now with my music videos, so it’s fun to tap back into that side of things.
5. You co-write a lot of your music with Allegra Jordan and Christopher Graham. Does that make the creative process easier or more challenging, working closely with your girlfriend and best friend? Chris Grey:
6. What’s the last book you read? Chris Grey: Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone —it’s a murder mystery. Loved it.
7. If you could create an immersive art installation based on one of your tracks, what would the experience be like? Chris Grey:
8. What’s the strangest or most memorable piece of fan art or message you’ve ever received? Chris Grey:
9. Do you have any pre-show rituals or routines before you step on stage? Chris Grey:
10. Is there one thing you always keep handy during recording sessions—something that helps with writing or recording? Chris Grey:
11. Now, the tough one: If you had to rank your top five tracks—whether from the new album or your entire discography—what would they be and why? Chris Grey: The Castle —that song took the most work and time, and I’m really happy with how it turned out. Then, Let The World Burn —not only do I love it personally, but seeing how it resonated with people made it even more special. Last Breath would be another favorite for sure. I’d say The Shadows as well—it was the first song where I really found my sound. Lastly, Cold-Blooded . I love that one.
12. If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be? (Let’s exclude The Weeknd this time!) Chris Grey:
13. Is there a song you’ve released that you’d like to go back and rework or that you regret releasing? Chris Grey: Prada Versace . It’s one of those songs where I sometimes forget I released it. I’m sure the fans would kill me for saying that, though!
14. How do you see your sound evolving over the next five years? Chris Grey:
15. If you could write the soundtrack to a love story—whether real or fictional—which one would it be? Chris Grey: Suits or business dramas. But since Allegra made me watch Gossip Girl recently, and I got obsessed with it, I’d go with Chuck and Blair. I’d love to write a song for them.
16. What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self or any young indie artist getting into songwriting and production? Chris Grey:
17. What’s been the proudest moment of your career so far? Chris Grey:
18: If someone were to find a hidden message in your music, what would you want it to be? Chris Grey:
19. If music were a language, how fluent do you think you are in it? Chris Grey:
20. And for the last question: If you were stranded on an island, what three things would you bring with you? Chris Grey: PF: Chris Grey
PF: Is there a visual piece of art or a creator whom you drew inspiration from?
Chris Grey:
PF:
Chris Grey:
PF:
Chris Grey: What’s your favorite part of your own music that you feel people overlook?
PF: Make The Angels Cry music video.
Chris Grey:
Want to dive deeper? full interview with Chris Grey , where he reveals more about his journey to find his authentic sound and the creative process behind The Castle Never Falls .
