Meet Kierra Gray | Singer-Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kierra Gray and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kierra, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up in a musical family, I quickly realized that music wasn’t just a career path. It was literally a part of my life, and it came in every avenue. From school to afterschool, to church, to home, music was interconnected with my life. And I can honestly say I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved exploring various instruments, joining the school orchestra and choir, and playing in summer bands. It was thrilling.

When it came time to choose a career path, music was a no-brainer. The only issue was choosing the right path in music for me. I learned how to play so many instruments, but I couldn’t see myself “settling down” with any of them. It was confusing. I knew that music was what I wanted to do, but how was I going to do it? Then I discovered songwriting… and everything finally clicked. I could write my own songs, sing them, and bring them to life with all of the instruments I played. This was how I could do it.

Songwriting helped me find my place in music, and singing my own songs helped me find my voice. I’ve come to realize that being a singer-songwriter is about delivering the messages you’ve received and the life lessons you’ve learned. It’s on purpose and not by accident. Every lyric is intentional, and that’s why I love writing songs.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Being a singer-songwriter, my overall message is to inspire and uplift. I’m a lyricist at heart, so I’m always intentional about the words I write. Each time someone hears one of my songs, the goal is to tell a story that they can imagine themselves being in. To foster a connection between me and the listener that says “Though we’re different… we’re not different at all. Yes, we’re separate people, but I’ve experienced what you’ve experienced too. You’re not alone.”

I look at the songs I’ve written as of late, and I’m so proud of them. The lyrics, the arrangement, the performance… However, it was definitely a process getting here. I started writing songs at age 15, but I started music at age 4. The piano was my first instrument, and then it kind of grew from there. I took drums, guitar, voice, and violin. When I started writing songs, my first few were honestly mediocre at best. But I started. And after finishing one song, I’d begin another, and another, and eventually… I began to win awards. I started performing live. I wrote for other artists, wrote songs and jingles for companies, did clinics and workshops, created music for film/TV, and began teaching.

Easy is not a word I’d quickly associate with my musical journey. Challenging, beautiful, eye-opening… yes. But easy? Probably not. One of the biggest challenges that I faced early on in music was believing that I was good enough… to do it. And as basic as that sounds, this self-doubt, this lack of confidence, can keep you indefinitely immobile. You’ll become stagnant and wonder why there’s no progression. So as a teenager, and with help from my parents, I learned how to critique myself. I learned to be proud of what I did well, and acknowledge what I could’ve done better. This helped me find the balance between celebrating current opportunities and bettering myself for future ones.

I’m not going to lie, self-doubt is not a challenge you stop facing. It’s there to meet you at every level of success. But taking the time to remind yourself of who you are, and focusing on the message behind what you do, can always conquer any lingering feelings of insecurity… all you have to do is remember.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
If you’re ever in my neck of the woods (i.e. Columbia, SC), definitely check out Riverbanks Zoo and Garden. Our zoo has been ranked one of the largest and nicest zoos in the nation, and the garden is beautifully whimsical. Perfect for taking pictures. Soda City is our downtown outdoor market, a wonderful way to try a plethora of different foods and shop from over a hundred vendors. I tried some delicious Lebanese donuts there for the first time. I also highly recommend catching a show at Koger Center for the Arts. The “Broadway In Columbia” series they host is a must for seeing world-class productions locally. Their showing of “The Lion King” was top-notch!

As for eateries, some of my favs are Another Broken Egg, DiPrato’s, and smallSUGAR for brunch. Halls Chophouse, Tazza Kitchen Trenholm Plaza, and Pontiac House of Pizza for lunch. For dinner, I suggest Saluda’s, California Dreaming, and Midwood Smokehouse. And if you still have room for dessert, Sweet Cream Co has some of the most unique and delicious ice cream flavors. Their housemade waffle cone is also a must!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to dedicate this shoutout to my parents. I’ve never met two people more hard-working, lovingly supportive, and genuinely wise. Because of them, I grew up in an environment conducive to exploration and creativity. I not only learned to enjoy the process of creating art but also the process of learning who I am. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you guys for all you’ve done.

Website: https://www.kierragray.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kierragraysingersongwriter

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kierragraysingersongwriter

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn75eqWxPHb0-SRKeoPwWgQ

Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2fz8D5bHFIEBCGKmyC15Fo?si=X8T1fGx3Tbq3gAkDav5bXA&nd=1

Image Credits
I own all rights to photos.