We recently connected with Natalie J. Gray and have shared our conversation below.
Natalie, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges, and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I have learned the importance of being present and getting inspired.
These two elements allow me to take stock of what’s going on in “the now.” Inhale the moment. Embrace it fully. Process it. And then…exhale it all into my art.
I also learned that I must be intentional with these two elements. There are so many factors that can distract us and cause us to lose focus. And if we are not careful, the same experiences meant to inspire us will instead overwhelm us and silence the song within.
So as an artist, I aim to stay tuned to “the now” and find every moment possible to get inspired. I know that my creations and ideas live there.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
There are so many Shades of Gray. I am a Singer. Songwriter. Arranger. Producer. And so much more. But ultimately, I am an Artist, a Visionary, and an Inspirer.
Whether I am on the stage or creating a masterpiece, my goal is always to inspire people. Sometimes people need to be inspired to think. To feel. To heal. To party. To worship. To be ignited. To fight. To love. To change. Regardless of the need, I always aim to create an experience that will breathe life into people and resonate with them along their journey.
That being said, I am pleased to announce that I will be releasing new music in the coming weeks. I am so excited about this new era in my artistic journey and beyond proud of my new body of work. This process has been going on for a while now, and I can’t wait to show the world what’s been happening behind the scenes.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
- “Be You. You are enough.” As an artist and a person, this is by far one of my greatest lessons to date. The concept seems so simple. Yet it can take years to discover, accept and embrace. I encourage you to learn this now. I know that certain circumstances and environments can make you think otherwise. But I want you to know that who you are and what you have to offer is unique, intentional, enough, and necessary. So take the time to discover who you are. Accept it. Embrace it. And then…Flaunt it!
P.S. Don’t worry if people will like you or not. Your tribe will find you. They will love, accept, and support you. Those who are not for you are just that..not for you.
- “Remember: It’s a process.” Life is a journey. Artistry is a journey. There are so many gems that you learn along the way. Vital gems that can add immense value to your life. Don’t be in such a rush to get “there” that you miss them. Grow as you go. Keep developing your gifts and self-awareness. Be willing to learn. Be open to change and new possibilities as it relates to your purpose. Great things are ahead. As my Granny would say, “Just keep on living, baby.”
- “Hold on to your ‘why’.” Life is filled with ups and downs. One minute it feels like the best time of your life. The next, you can’t tell if you’re going or coming. But no matter the circumstance, always remember your “why.” You will find your reason there. Your purpose. Your passion. It will breathe life into you when you feel like you have nothing left to give. It will inspire your creativity. It will cause you to change and develop. It will bring out the best in you. So hold onto it. Guard it. And never let it go.
Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
“If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present.”
― Lao Tzu
This quote has been so monumental in my life as of late. It reminds me to breathe, be present and take moments as they come. There’s nothing that you can change about the past. All you can do is embrace it as part of your story and learn from it. And while it is advantageous to plan for the future, you cannot allow the unknown of the future to weaken you with worry.
All you have is right now. So take a moment. Breathe. Let go of the unnecessary weight. And be present.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.ngraymusic.com
- Instagram: @ngraymusic
- Facebook: @ngraymusic
- Twitter: @ngraymusic
- Other: Definitive Measure Website: www.defineyourmeasure.com •
Image Credits
Trent Dang Javonce Medley Jalen Turner Anthony Hester
