An exclusive Q&A with the rising rap star.

Kay Greyson is a name rapidly gaining recognition in the music world. Hailing from Newcastle Upon Tyne, her unique blend of rap with influences ranging from punk to jazz and afrobeat sets her apart in a vibrant music scene. In this exclusive Q&A, Kay opens up about her creative journey, the inspirations behind her latest single "On The Table" and the ambitious projects that are taking her from local fame to international acclaim. Join us as we delve into the mind of this dynamic artist, exploring her roots, her music, and her vision for the future.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

My name is Kay Greyson. I’m a proud born and bred Geordie from Newcastle Upon Tyne and I make rap music with a sometimes punk, jazz or afro twist depending how I’m feeling that day.

Congratulations on the release of 'On The Table'! Can you tell us about the creative process behind this single? What inspired you to write it?

Thank you! I feel like I’ve been inspired to write this song for a long time. When I was a teenager, I was a massive fan of the Vampire Diaries and in one episode my favourite character said the line ‘I just invited him to the party, love, he’s the one dancing on the table.’ It’s stuck in my head for all these years and when I heard the beat (produced by the fantastic John Elliot) I thought this is the one to finally make my ‘I don’t care’ party anthem. 

'On The Table' captures the heat and excitement of your live shows. How do you translate that energy into your studio recordings?

I always get excited to be in the studio, when I’m recording, I always say to myself ‘this is how the record is going to sound’ so I make sure to give it my all.

The title 'On The Table' suggests a sense of freedom and abandon. How does this track reflect your personal experiences or moments of letting go?

Anyone who knows me, knows I love a party. I have a core group of friends who I’ve been blessed to hang out with for the past ten years and this song is very much how I feel when I’m around them. I am at my most comfortable. I think of the opening line ‘she going Dubai too much it’s making me nervous’ – it’s honest and definitely something I’ve said to my friends at a club. 

Your forthcoming album 'Chekhov’s Gun' sounds intriguing. Can you give us a sneak peek into the themes and stories you'll be exploring in this album?

Chekov’s Gun has gone through many iterations in the two years it’s took to create it but at its core it’s a whirlwind diary of all the things I’ve been going through. It’s very sex, drugs, and rock & roll but with a retrospective and vulnerable base that should give a picture of the person I’m becoming.

You've mentioned that 'Chekhov’s Gun' is a global project with contributions from creatives in both Newcastle and LA. How did these collaborations come about, and what has the experience been like?

In 2022, I went to LA. It was my first time ever leaving the UK and I met a young creative called Zavy Howze who I’m now lucky enough to call one of my best friends. He is a fantastic music video director and all-around great mind who I got some funding to work with long term. We named the project ‘NCLxLA’, and it meant we were able to merge his US team and my UK team to help make some of the movie magic we needed for the project. In particular, one of the songs ‘Hollywood’ which is inspired by my time in LA, he made the music video for that song and it’s wonderful. 

How has growing up in Newcastle and your experiences there shaped your music and lyrical themes?

It’s in everything. I am so proud of where I’m from because of the traits it’s instilled in me - resilience, determination, and a good sense of humour. All of which make my music what it is. Geordies don’t give up and nothing slows them down. That’s me all over. 

Your music is noted for its socially-conscious lyrics. What are some of the key messages or issues you hope to address through your work?

Growing up in Newcastle was amazing but didn’t come without its downsides. I suffered racism, witnessed drug & alcohol abuse destroy lives and had homelessness affect those closest to me. That means everything I do comes back to having a positive impact on my community as I believe that is the most important thing. I want to use my music to make you dance and smile when it seems like there isn’t any other option and I want to be a figurehead for change from whatever platform I climb up to. 

Can you tell us more about the 'NCL x LA' project and the documentary that accompanies it? What can fans expect from this unique collaboration?

NCLxLA is an international exchange, a group of artists from diverse ethnic backgrounds who live and love in two cities that are either underrepresented or misrepresented in the media coming together to make music, film and programme events that are all about fun and sharing work of the highest quality in unexpected ways. It’s the most exciting project I’ve been involved in in my career. I can’t wait for people to see what we’ve been up to and to watch the documentary that will show the full creative process start to finish. 

Your journey from performing at house parties to releasing music under major labels like Soul Kitchen and EMI North is inspiring. What have been some of the biggest challenges and triumphs along the way?

Looking back is always strange for me as I so clearly remember being the kid performing in social clubs in Sunderland at fourteen years old still wearing my school uniform, performing for a label when I was eleven and being told they weren’t interested in female artists and performing countless times to completely empty rooms with only bar staff who don’t want to look me in the eye. Then I am also the person who played for thousands at the Royal Albert Hall, who played in Finsbury Park for Sam Fender’s legendary festival, the person who signed with Soul Kitchen and EMI North and who’s singles have been played on Radio 1. It’s a real rollercoaster and you go up and down no matter how far in you are, but I’ve genuinely loved every minute and long may it continue!

With 'Chekhov’s Gun' being described as a bold and welcoming piece of work, how do you hope it will impact your listeners and the wider music community?

I hope it’s someone’s favourite album or has someone’s favourite song on it. That would be a massive honour for me because I know in my darkest times, it’s been music that has kept me going so I hope it does that for someone. I hope it shows the world that music from the North of England isn’t a monolith and it can be just as boundary defying as music from anywhere else. I want to put the city on the map in a way it never has been before. 

What do you love right now?

My new chair. I got it so I could play my games in maximum comfort, and I sit in it every day. Also, my friends & 1970’s Nigerian Highlife music. 

What do you hate right now?

Cost of living. People are losing so much now and putting their dignity on the line to feed themselves and their families. It never should have gotten this bad and the people whose fault it is aren’t feeling the effects like the kids are.

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you? 

Doctor Bird by The Mighty Sparrow. It’s my Dad’s favourite album. He played it every birthday, Christmas, Sunday morning and it just got into my soul. I love Soca music and the way Sparrow tells stories in a way anyone can understand and jumps from serious topics like politics and poverty to more trivial things like relationships and island antics. It’s amazing. He’s one of history’s greatest storytellers to dance to.

Looking ahead, what are your plans after the release of 'Chekhov’s Gun'? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re particularly excited about?

I plan to make more music and release more music. I’ve already started getting back in the studio with EKA (the genius who produced most of the album) and I’m already excited to show people where we’re going to take it next. Of course, NCLxLA is continuing, and I can’t wait to share that too. It’s just more music, more love, and more life.