A case study on the Graystones
In the recent past, Current Hit Radio was the primary source of new music. If a song featured strongly on the Billboard Top 100 chart, it almost certainly had strong support from CHR. With the advent of Internet streaming and various social media platforms, the picture changed rapidly. Listeners could now find what appealed to them from an entire universe of music available on the internet.
Now, new solo artists and groups have the power to shape their own destiny. There is an entire world of potential appealing music available on Spotify, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and others.
As an example of just how powerful these sources are and how they can be used to introduce new talent, I looked at a group of early teens who first appeared in 2023—the Graystones.
Founded in 2023, the Graystones emerged from the collective desire to create music that resonates with the public. The group started with two ten-year-olds when Grayston, on drums, and Max, on bass, met at a community music event. They quickly discovered that they shared similar tastes and that they needed more than just the two of them. They found Harin, who had answered an online post seeking a keyboardist, and Hope performing with her mother’s band. Philip, their keyboardist, and their saxophonist were found busking in the local downtown area. Kyle and Ishan were family friends of Hope’s, and Evan, their trombonist, was part of their school’s music program. The group now does live performances and records with up to eleven
members. They are well supported by a talented recording engineer who contributes to their polished sound and mixes.
The Greystones began to develop their sound and musicianship, covering the best of the best of a variety of superior artists and groups. The way music has been created and recorded has undergone significant changes over the years. New technologies and techniques in music production have influenced the work of emerging artists. This transition allowed the Graystones to experiment freely with their sound. They are now delivering sophisticated overdubs and ever-improving “sound.” At the centre of their production process is their expert recording engineer, Jake Thompson. He plays a vital role in bringing their creative vision to life. The engineer works closely with musicians to capture their performances and perfect their sound. This collaboration is essential, as it ensures that the final product is aligned with the artistic objectives of Graystones. Little information is available about the tools they use but Pro Tools and Ableton are surely the foundation of their sound.
The group began their career by releasing independent tracks on social media and playing local concerts. Their hard work and dedication were unleashed when they attracted the attention of music lovers and professionals in the sector. As their popularity grew, they recently secured a recording contract, allowing them to reach a wider audience. This contract has opened the doors for them in the music sector, leading to collaborations with well-known artists and producers. The support of their label also provided resources to invest in professional recording sessions, which have helped further refine their sound. Their contracts often include specific conditions that focus on digital rights. This
means that Graystones can maintain control over their music and how it is shared, while utilizing various online platforms for their songs. One assumes a professional adult is mainly in control of their path.
They understand that the way music reaches listeners is as essential as music itself. By utilizing digital platforms for their launch, they can find fans worldwide, overcoming geographical barriers that once limited their audience. This strategy has helped them maintain a rhythm with the trends in the music industry, where digital downloads and streams have gained popularity. In general, Graystones’ career demonstrates its ability to adapt to the evolving music industry landscape. By focusing on digital rights and innovative technology, they have managed to remain relevant while building a loyal fan base. Its history highlights the importance of being creative and strategic in a constant change., The Graystones music group has had a significant impact not only with their songs but also in how they connect with their fans and the community. They understand that music is more than sound; It’s about building relationships. When organizing events where fans can participate and interact, the Graystones make their audience feel like part of their musical trip. This commitment enriches their music and helps strengthen their brand. Additionally, Graystones utilize social networks to maintain a continuous dialogue with their fans. They share content behind the scenes, give updates on new projects, and respond directly to comments. This bidirectional communication keeps fans committed and informed. When making their fans part of their history, the Graystones build a loyal following that supports their work.
In addition, the origins of the Graystones play a role in their ability to interact with fans. Each member contributes a unique background and perspective, making their music a vibrant and welcoming event. The group’s diverse experiences enable it to connect with a wide range of people, thereby expanding its reach. They recognize the importance of inclusion.
The band also carefully considers the commercial side of their career. They have intelligent structured contracts that allow them to retain creative control while benefiting from distribution associations. By associating with companies that align with their vision, the Graystones ensure that their music reaches as many listeners as possible. This innovative approach to the music business is crucial in an industry where artists often lose control over their work.
The Graysones work with a recording engineer named Jake Thompson. Jake has solid experience in music production and audio engineering. His deep knowledge of sound mixing and recording techniques helps the band to achieve its distinctive sound. Much of their recordings are done in what appears to be one of their homes’ living rooms. However, they have also recorded at Soundwave Studios, which is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and high-quality equipment.
Therefore, the combination of the musical talents of the members, the engineering experience of Jake, and his sophisticated recording tools plays an essential role in the creation of Graystones’ music. His association exemplifies how teamwork with
qualified professionals can yield outstanding achievements in the music industry.
But it doesn’t stop there. The Greystones hustle! You will find that they feature YouTube instructional videos and even a Patreon site to extend their reach.
The Graystones exhibit what new music is all about. Talent, passion, grit, hard work, and extensive self-promotion. That is how Radio will find new music.
As to the Graystones. I would be concerned about the fact that they have an average age of barely in their teens. They have up to seven sets of parents probably vying for control, and they are subjected to the highs of adrenaline and adulation, all at this early age. Will they survive to maturity and start delivering their own compositions? Will they survive to become a Supergroup? I would suggest that, unfortunately, the odds are against that.
