Toronto-based alternative artist Delyn Grey recently released the music video for “Ghost Town.”
Speaking to “Ghost Town,” Delyn shares, “I wrote this song two days into quarantine. Feelings of helplessness, shock, and disbelief became suffocating. Funnily enough, this is probably the only ‘uplifting’ and ‘unifying’ song I’ve written. The world is in turmoil. That can’t and should NOT be ignored. We have to do our part in taking this seriously. Use your voices. Not to delegate or to sway opinions, but to optimize this opportunity to share, connect, support, and heal. Don’t hide behind your screens and wait for someone else to make the difference, find the answers, and feel the feelings.”
Delyn grew up encouraged artistically by her music-geek parents. She listened to Elvis, The Beatles, Elton John, and David Bowie. Her dad played guitar and led the Peter Bloom Band. Trained as a pianist, she taught herself guitar and sang in the choir.
One day she discovered Amy Winehouse, who made an enormous impact on her. Delyn says, “She’s always been it for me. Not only was her singing so effortless, but she also kicked ass. She didn’t have to be a pristine pop princess to succeed. That’s what really stuck with me.”
Appearing on “Ghost Town” are Delyn Grey (vocals, percussion production, keyboards), Christ Macfarlane (guitar), and Kyle Texiera (bass).
“Ghost Town” opens on a haunting piano topped by Delyn’s redolent, nuanced voice, projecting dark somber tones, imbuing the lyrics with sad savors. It’s a bewitching voice – complex and expressive, suffused with mysterious timbres. Wavering guitar textures, trembling on weeping colors, give the tune afflicting quivers.
The video, shot in black and white with thick shades of gray, mirrors the melancholy hues of the song.
Poignant and wistful, tinted by hints of nostalgia, “Ghost Town” is both starkly beautiful and emotionally affecting.
