Nautical songstress conjuring up twisted sounds on the Dorset coast.
"...a mysterious, highly talented artist who combines weirdness & melodic brilliance perfectly – une performance tout à fait fantastique…”? - 50THIRDAND3RD
"Bridport polymath serves up arresting debut...a beguiling whole...balancing strong melody with consistently inventive sonic texture..." - UNCUT, Graeme Thomson, 8/10
ALBUMS
INFO
Gris-de-Lin is a singer/songwriter & multi-instrumentalist from Dorset. Her music is a heady mix of post-rock, blues and alt-folk peppered with warped electronics; the songs are narrative and lyrical.
Her debut album Sprung was recorded in a nursery school and saw her playing virtually all of the instruments herself – from guitars and synths to drums and saxophone. Working with producer/engineer Chris Hamilton (Torres/Kite Base) she also drafted in Rob Ellis (PJ Harvey/Anna Calvi) to play drums on several tracks.
Two songs from the album ‘Your Ghost’ (track 01.) and ‘Birthday’ (02.) were initially released as a handmade 7” double-A-side single along with DIY videos. This was followed by the digital release of ‘The Kick’ (03.) EP leading to glowing reviews, radio play and a live session for BBC Introducing.
“From cut-up art-installation pieces to pure pop balladry Gris-de-Lin has a lovely way with a melody and a brilliant concept around how outer textures can titillate and captivate.... A magical slice of songwriting and performance here. All of the elements aligned.” - Off The Tracks
The title track of the album ‘Sprung’ (05.) was released as a digital single on 25th January and is getting its first airplay now. Musically it is another example of her imaginative approach, blending pop, folk and post-rock influences into something unique and personal.
“Sprung is a fine introduction to Gris-De-Lin’s sound... both very original and very exciting: the album from which it is lifted might just be one of the most intriguing releases of the year.” - For The Rabbits
Live she alternates between instruments and recent tours have seen her play shows in Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Austria, Australia and New Zealand. Her live band includes John J Presley on guitar, Andy Zammit (Gemma Ray) on drums and Philip Wrixton (Second Smile) on bass.
Gris-de-Lin has also been working with other artists including The Duke Spirit (she plays saxophone and piano on their latest album ‘The Sky is Mine’ as well as playing live with the band), Tunng, Joe Gideon & Jim Sclavunos (Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds) with whom she is currently recording a new album and Berlin- based artist Gemma Ray. She also composes music for TV and television.
Gris-de-Lin (a name inspired by a character from Turkish folklore – a wise bird that could speak!) grew up in the West Country, with parents who were big into the folk and world music scene. She played instruments from a young age, initially piano and saxophone before gravitating towards electric guitar upon discovering alt-rock in her teens and most recently the drums. After years in London (working all kinds of jobs from selling pianos to cooking fry-ups) her heart lured her back to the sea. Bridport, where she’s now based, is a quirky place with a dramatic coastline, a hearty pub-culture and a thriving arts scene for a small town. Local festivals embrace the mundane (hats, onions, cider!) while eccentricity is celebrated too. It’s proved an inspiring place to be for songwriting and inspiration and getting back to nature.
"Mysterious and intense, silent and loud, dreamy and passionate – a spooky beauty of a debut – parfait!’ – Turn Up That Volume
‘In terms of originality, Gris is probably at the top of the otherworldly pile and while the most wondrous melodies flow through the soul of her songs, there hangs over them the most unique and spiritual aura, not akin to anything we’ve previously come across.’ – Dervswerve
„…brilliant artist. From cut-up art-installation pieces to pure pop balladry Gris-de-Lin has a lovely way with a melody and a brilliant concept around how outer textures can titillate and captivate….“ - offthetracks
„...But the most wonderful thing about this EP is the magically beautiful voice of Gris, which leaves you deeply moved…Groundbreaking, experimental Folk music…“ - Snoozecontrol
(On ‘Birthday’ –) ‘This was my standout track of the week – in a sea of great songs – what a stunner of a tune! Songs like this give me renewed faith that the UK music scene is bristling with great music. For me the best of it lives underground, emerging with new artists like Gris-de-Lin’ – Johnno Casson, Fresh on the Net
"...a mysterious, highly talented artist who combines weirdness & melodic brilliance perfectly – une performance tout à fait fantastique…’ – 50THIRDAND3RD
‘Wasn’t that long ago I was plugging the hell out of Courtney Barnett. Well, here is a new video from someone I liken to Barnett in terms of her adventurous musical spirit: Gris-de-Lin.’ – Frank Gutch Jr
(On The Kick EP:) ‘It’s frightening to think that this is Gris’s debut. It’s confident, it’s inventive, it’s beautiful and if this is a sign of things to come then strap yourself in because it’s going to be a wonderful ride.’ – The Devil Has the Best Tuna
"... in a world that loves to put things in boxes, you're gonna need a new box...." Steve Harris/ FOTN BBC Introducing
