Personal Note . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Hey! Welcome to my page! Thanks so much for stopping by and listening.
Most of the music on this page is just me and my Dell laptop. They're all old recordings which I plan to replace with new versions by the end of the summer.
(Update, um, the Dell Laptop died. yea. I'm heartbroken too.)
I'm a Christian man who likes to do music - so I guess that makes me a Christian artist. lol
No, I mean, I have a philosophy on that . . . if the life I live and the images I portray in my songs line up to a lifestyle pleasing to and a blessing for God, then I think I'm a Christian artist - whether a specific track or two is considered a "worship song" or not.
Anyway, thank you so much for taking the time to visit my page - and to read all of this. It's really appreciated. I do most of my updating and such on MySpace, so you can always catch me there - even if you just feel like chatting! You can check out some of my other music and get more info on booking and such at my (MySpace page).
Alright . . . you know how this ends . . .
Imperfectly,
Marc
News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
May 9, 2007
And . . . we're done!
That project I had you voting for a couple months ago is now finished!!
"Talk With You" is an older song I wrote in '06. I had recorded a simple version at home with software I found online for free, called Audacity (http://audacity.sourceforge.net), but, as I didn't really know what I was doing, the result was as basic as the rest of the tracks on here are right now. This new version was recorded this past semester as a project in my Fundamentals of Recording class here at UNCC. Featured on the track are Stephen Jared Stowers (Piano and Acoustic/Electric Guitars) and Matt Curl (Drums). I sat out on playing in this one, as my project was, technically, the engineering aspect of the process; so, I only did Vocals and Synth Bass as well as the mixing and editing as part of my assignment.
Once again, I want to thank Jared and Matt with every fiber of my being - in a non-gross way - for all their hard work. They really put a lot of time and effort into this for me, and it is greatly, GREATLY appreciated!
Also, thank you, again, for stopping by and listening to my music. Like I said before, please, drop me a line and let me know what you think. Or just stop by to say 'hey.' I always like that too.
Sincerely,
Marc
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March 30, 2007
Ok, so studio recording has begun! I'm currently working on Talk With You for my Audio Production class, and I should be done in a few weeks. Yay.
And, um, if you haven't gone yet check out my MySpace; there are different songs on that page.
Other than that, um, is it me, or is PureVolume not playing the first track my page? Anyway, I moved the songs around so TWY - the acoustic version - is not first, and may actually get played.
Alright, I'm off! Peace guys!
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January 8, 2007
Shameless plug:
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January 3 2007
I deleted "Song of My Heart" . . . because it sucked. That song's going back to the lab. lol
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January 1, 2007
OK! So here's the news!
1) Happy New Year!
Let me just wish you a very spectacular, amazingly phenomenal, potentially prolific . . . (ok, I'm digging a hole now) Happy New Year! Again.
2) I'm on MySpace Music now. GO VIEW MY PAGE! CLICK HERE AND ADD ME!
3) In case you've missed it . . . THERE ARE NEW TRACKS UP! There is now a new version of "Fairytale" (personally, I think I grew partial to the original, but that's just me) and a BRAND-SPANKING NEW SONG called "Song of My Heart (You Have Been Good)" - I say the part in parentheses cus that's the part that'll get stuck in your head if anything . . . trust me. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. "Talk With You" has been edited for your listening pleasure - You're welcome ;) - and "Speechless" is . . . well, still speechless - Whatdaya want from me?! I'm not Chuck Norris! lol
4) A demo is in the making! I'm planning to have it done by Summer . . . but, hey, I'm a college student, not Chuck Norris - ok, the joke's dead, I get it.
If you have the means and are in the university or surrounding area I'd love your help. If you've got a studio or just some decent equipment I could use I'd be really grateful, contact me here. I'd love the assistance.
I've got a four track "pseudo-demo" right now, but, pretty much you could too, cuz it's just the four tracks you see here. If you want a copy you can download the music here, on my MySpace Music site, or email me for a CD.
Biography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Growing up in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Marc Gray, self-professed "Christian in progress," started his love affair with music in the church; watching his mother sing in the sanctuary choir for most of his childhood, then following suit with the youth and sanctuary choirs during his teens. An only child to a single mother, difficult times arose in his walk with Christ during his early teen years. Eventually pulled back into the church and back into the music ministry, Marc joined his youth group's worship band Dunamis. It was through this ministry that he realized his desire to pursue music ministry outside of the church to reach those otherwise not within the grasp of church walls. It was during this time of transition that Marc adopted the mantra "Change Is Good."
While participating in the Pen. FL Fine Arts Festivals for the Assemblies of God he was given the opportunity to exercise his novice talents, thus introducing him to his newest love: song-writing. Marc began writing songs as a hobby in 2001, describing the style as more "prayers and reflections" than storytelling. Since recognizing his call to music ministry, many doors have been opened guiding his path.
Marc was afforded the opportunity to record with the Christian Life Center Sanctuary Choir on their 2004 CD Project "I Was Glad" in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, both with the choir and during post-production overdubs. He also performed his originals at various open-mic events at his previous school, Southeastern University in Lakeland, FL, and, toured across the US as a member of the internationally-recognized Southeastern Singers, making appearances on the Inspiration Network and District Council Conferences for the Assemblies of God before retiring from the group in the Fall of 2005. Marc is also affiliated with Ft. Lauderdale Christian R&B group Synurgy, associated with Mercyville Productions. Similar to the Southeastern Singer slogan, it's proof that God truly does use the willing, not just the talented.
Having transferred from Southeastern University in the Fall of '06, Marc is completing his third year at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte, where he is currently majoring in Music. "I'm just kinda waiting for the next rabbit God's about to pull outta the hat for me, you know? I'm excited, and, waiting for the next step - I know it's coming."
For more information on Marc Gray click here or email him.
Friends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
For info on Mercyville Productions or Synurgy click here
hey, again! I really do appreciate you stopping by this page - it's my first attempt at actually getting heard - so I'd like to offer a hand to some of my amazingly-talented friends who can also be found here on PureVolume.com and other sites. Shameless nepotism. i know. W/e. Plus, I tend to use my Add a Friend button like my Add to Faves button - I'M A HUGE FAN OF EVERYONE ON MY FRIENDS LIST - so it's good for me to point some people out. In any case . . .
Check out:
Synurgy
Tyler Huckleberry
Steve Carroll
***MySpace Music Page
***PureVolume Page
Derek Knost
Leaving October
***Official Website
***MySpace Music Page
Ashley J. Rivera
Andrew Strohm
The Orchestra
***Official Website
***MySpace Music Page
***PureVolume Page
January 1
So, this is from my MySpace Music Page, which you can check out HERE.
So, in response to the one I posted from my PV, I figured I'd give an update.
I'm over the flu - or whatever it was - but I've got this cough that's been hanging on for dear life nearly three weeks, now. And, I haven't fully gotten my voice back - hence sounding like crap on the last two song updates 'fairytale' and 'song of my heart'. IT SUCKS.
Anyways, SO, NEW YEARS? Ya, that. Um, you got any resolutions? Other than the basic 'lose 10lbs . . . eat healthier . . . be a better parent/spouse/insert gender here . . . live life to the fullest . . . stop killing kittens . . . yadayadayada . . . ' I mean. For me the New Year's resolutions are 1) duh, lose 20lbs by summer. lol 2) create a presentable demo by Summer - I could use some help/advice here on this PLEASE! I'm clueless. How many tracks? What kinda quality is acceptable? Should I go to a studio, or do the "in-the-bedroom,-with-Audacity-and-my-Dell-mic" recordings cover it? Once I've got it done, then what? Send it to coffeeshops? More? Eh, anyway, ya. I could use a lot of help there. Back on track now. 3) get some photos taken by the end of fall. 4) get a website up and running. 5) perform at least once before the end of the year (I know, right? - You'd think I'd be on top of that.)
I guess, these are just to say . . . that I'm finally getting serious about this thing. I don't know what I have to do, but I feel like God's put on my heart that this year I have to act. I don't know why else I'd suddenly have this urgency to create the demo. It's been a vague thought for a couple years now.
Those aren't really resolutions. They're goals, put into effect starting now, with deadlines. Not resolutions.
Shut up, I know that's the same thing. I'm just saying.
I really want to get a bit closer to God in our relationship. *stereotypical, I know* It seems that since I left Southeastern I lost some . . . something. Something I had with him. To be honest, I'd lost it before I left SEU. But, then again, I knew that. I got to Charlotte, and suddenly had this desire to rekindle something . . . but still wanted to push it away. Does that make sense? I got over that (a topic I talk about in a couple of my more recent songs), but, now I feel like I'm starting over and don't know where to start.
Hmm. It's weird, that's all. It's like, you'd think that growing up in church, it'd be easy for me to pick up where I left off - like muscle memory or something - but it's not. It's just not going that simply. Things have gone wrong. And, I, we, my family and I, have had to face them. These situations have really shown me where I'm at now, though. I didn't have peace in those times, like my mom and grandma had. I didn't have rational thought. Or trust. I was just afraid.
God proved himself. Again.
And, made me realize that I'm nowhere near where I used to be . . . being close to him . . . trusting him . . . knowing him. And . . . something keeps making me afraid to talk to him. With him. Maybe it's that I know that I'm not in that place with him that I should be - comparatively, I guess. But the truth is I'LL NEVER BE THERE. I'll never be, with him, in the place I should be - because there's always something better to attain with him. Some other level. Hmm, I guess I just feel like I fell back a couple levels. And, now, there's shame attached to having to climb back up.
And, why? Why would I feel shame? I mean, I'm doing it to myself. There's no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, right? So why do I feel ashamed when I'm trying to get closer? Hmm - I think something just got sorted out in my head just then - you're probably wondering how anything is making sense after this rambling stream of consciousness. I'm under an attack. A mental attack. To keep me from reaching out to God. Wow.
So, there's my new New Year's resolution. I resolve to search for personal knowledge and relationship with my God despite what I may think or feel.
That was diplomatic. lol. Be impressed. Go on. Be it.
Ok, so now, after writing this, I just had this moment of second-guessing whether or not to post it on here. See, I usually have no qualms about posting stuff like this on my LJ - it's personal . . . just friends -, but, I wasn't sure the MySpace audience could handle my . . . weirdness. But you know what? Screw it. Either you like me or you don't. Deal.
Anyway, if I haven't said it already, Happy New Year! I wish you all the best! I'm off now . . . to do I-don't-know-what.
Love and peace,
Marc
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December 7
December 7, 2006
Hey guys,
First off, I wanna thank everybody who just recently added me to his/her faves list. You guys really made my day - several times over! Thanks! It means a lot to me. I wish I had more to give you right now.
Um, I'm sick right now, with the flu . . . I think . . .
I was told it's viral, but not specifically the flu. On top of that, I have a sinus infection. Again.
YAY.
But, yea. Other than that, life is going a little better. I think God was trying to force me into trusting him again, and, now (after a period of serious questioning and doubt) I'm ready to have a little faith again. Eh, I'll just say we've been hanging on by a thread for the past month and a half. When there's nothing left to hold onto, all you really do have is your faith. This time really tested me on where I placed my trust.
My mom posed an interesting question a couple weeks ago, when things were really bad. She said, "What if God decides not to step in and save us from all this, this time?"
Not to imply that she doubted he could, or necessarily would, help us, mind you. She was just referencing all the people who, over the Thanksgiving holiday, had lost their homes in fires, been shot dead in a robbery, disabled in an accident, etc. Surely there were God-fearing Christians and such among those suffering from those tragedies . . . but for some reason, God chose not to intervene and stop the loss. So, then, it's fair to ask, "What if God decides not to step in and save us . . . ?" Really, for all intents and purposes, He's God, He HAS authority, He IS the one who gives AND takes away, the final decision is His.
But then you may add that "why do bad things happen to good people" question, and things start to get sketchy.
Anyway, I'm no theologian or philosopher, so Idon't have the answer. What Iwill say is that I just think the question requires one to accept God's sovereignty over life's circumstances and to find peace in the fact that life is still in his hands . . . no matter how cracked up and broken the circumstances may be.
Know this: WORRY GETS YOU NOWHERE.
Take stock in God's undying love, his faithfulness, and his promise "never to harm you" (Jer. 29:11 - and, yes, I did have to look that up.) Honestly, what's the worst that can happen?
A friend asked me that question the other day when I was freaking out about performing for some class my voice teacher was instructing. I thought, "wow, that's really encouraging. way to go! build me up by having me imagine my worst nightmare. yay." But, really, the worst that could happen there would be what? I suck. And, I say, "sorry guys, bad day."
AND I MOVE ON!
Now, when we were facing not being able to pay our mortgage - hmm, yea, I really did just put that out there on the internet, didn't I? - what was the worst that could happen? We lose the house and move into an apartment for a couple years til we're back on our feet. That's it. Even if death is the worst conclusion, c'mon, we know what happens after death for us. What's the fear?
Wow, I didn't expect to go off writing a blog here *cough*. HA, and KNOW that NONE of this is my own wisdom; I went to several smarter people for insight on that "What if God decides . . . " question. lol
Well, I guess, I'd just want to leave you with this
:
" ISA 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Peace, y'all.
Marc - (Oh, comments/thoughts on this would be appreciated.)
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November 9
November 9, 2006
So I deleted "All the Way Different" from the playlist. It'd been up on here since, gosh, I think . . . the first week of me having this page! Wow. End of an era. lol. Anyway, I might replace it with an updated version sometime, but, since that song was in such DESPERATE NEED of re-recording, I figured I should take it off now, and, not scare away any more listeners who may inadvertently stumble upon this page.
As for now, I'm off to do hw and watch some Grey's Anatomy tonight - I need solace from my life right about now, and watching them all say "Seriously? Seriously." for an hour should help do the trick. lol All right, have an amazing day night week so on and so forth and sixpence none the richer and fourscore and tootsie pops and . . .
you get the picture.
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October 22
I don't think I said it on this page before, but, I want to thank God, my Creator and Savior, for everything he's given me in this life - and for some of the things he's NOT given me.
God, you're awesome. Thanks.
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October 15
"Yay", I know. Please, curb your enthusiasm.
I said I was gonna re-record the old stuff . . . which I've not gotten around to, yet. But, here's a new song to check out. It's rough, so be gentle.
The new song is called "Talk With You". I wrote it in August, while going through a rough time with God, I guess. I was faced with the choice of whether to just abandon my dreams, beliefs, etc. or to stay the course and be serious. Well, I chose the latter . . . which is more difficult, I'll tell you that much. Anyway, give the song a listen - it's my first completed attempt at overlaying tracks and editting with Audacity, so it's a bit rough, like I said, but the bones are still there.
Thanks again for checking out this page! God bless.
Marc
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Chauntecleer
Sounds good man!
posted Mar 16