Main page
Community Hub0 subscribers
Community Hub
Gretta Ray
View on Wikipediafrom Wikipedia
Key Information
.jpg)
Gretta Louise Ray[1] (born 22 May 1998) is an Australian singer-songwriter from Melbourne, Victoria. In 2016, she was the winner of the national Triple J Unearthed radio competition for bands and songwriters, and the 2016 Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition, with her song "Drive".[2] To date, Ray has released two studio albums – Begin to Look Around (2021) and Positive Spin (2023) – as well as the EPs Elsewhere (2016) and Here and Now (2018).
Originally making music reflective of indie folk influences, Ray came to embrace pop music as her primary genre with Begin to Look Around. Her songwriting has been described by the Sydney Morning Herald as "conversational, unambiguous lyrics" that "[come] across simply and powerfully",[3] and by Australian music critic Bernard Zuel as "quietly grand pop".[4]
Early life and education
[edit]Gretta Ray grew up in Melbourne, Australia, attending Princes Hill Secondary College. She sang in choirs from the age of five, latterly singing and touring with Young Voices of Melbourne, and as the youngest member of If You See Her, Say Hello, a group of 21 Melbourne-based singer-songwriters.[5]
Career
[edit]2016–2020: Career beginnings, Elsewhere and Here and Now
[edit]In February 2016, Ray released her debut EP, Elsewhere. In August 2016, she won the national competition for emerging new artists called Triple J Unearthed High, for her song "Drive", which was produced by Nashville-based Australian music producer Josh Barber with Jonathan Dreyfus, recorded by Nick Edin and Fraser Montgomerey and mixed by US producer Ryan Hewit.[6] The song received high-rotation airplay on Triple J.[7] The announcement was made by Triple J presenters Matt Okine and Alex Dyson, who snuck into a school concert while she was performing to surprise her.[8] Unearthed music director, Dave Ruby Howe called her a "...bold and exciting new talent who seems to win over everyone that comes into orbit of her music".[9] Ray also a nomination for a J Award for Unearthed Artist of the Year at the 2016 J Awards.[10]
On 27 October 2016, Ray won the 2016 edition of the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition, which carries the largest first prize for any songwriting competition in the world.[11] In August 2018, Ray released her second EP titled Here and Now. The following year, Ray released two stand-alone singles: a cover of Bon Iver's "re: Stacks" with Dustin Tebbutt in September, and "Heal You in Time" in December.
2020–2023: Begin to Look Around
[edit]On 20 May 2021, Ray announced her debut album Begin to Look Around, which was released on 27 August 2021.[12] The album debuted at number 13 on the ARIA Charts. In April 2022, Ray announced the Begin To Look Around album tour, which occurred in June 2022.[13] Later in 2022, Ray joined Gang of Youths on their Australian arena tour in support of their album Angel in Realtime, serving as both their opener and a backing vocalist. The shows also saw Ray duet with lead singer David Le'aupepe on "The Deepest Sighs, the Frankest Shadows", which Ray had previously covered on triple j's Like a Version segment.[14]
2023–2025: Positive Spin
[edit]On 3 May 2023, Ray released "Dear Seventeen", a song she described as a "focus track" intended to introduce fans to her upcoming release.
On 24 May 2023, Ray held an event in Melbourne's northern suburbs for fans on her official Discord server. The event was a scavenger hunt that led fans to letters which spelled out the name of her sophomore album, Positive Spin, and culminated in its announcement. The album was released on 18 August 2023, and will be followed by a national tour titled The Big Pop Show in September.[15] The album was preceded by the singles "Heartbreak Baby", which was later nominated for Song of the Year at the APRA Awards, "Don't Date the Teenager" and "America Forever", which features vocal contributions from British singer Maisie Peters and American singer Carol Ades.
A deluxe version of the album, titled Positive Spin +, was released on 15 March 2024. It includes reworked versions of the songs "Upgraded" and "Heartbreak Baby", as well as the tracks "Roses" and "Better", a collaboration with Japanese Wallpaper.[16]
In 2024, shortly after moving to London, Ray was diagnosed with infective endocarditis, forcing her to cancel all remaining tour dates for the year.[17][18][19]
2026: "Swimming, Crying"
[edit]Following a serious illness, Ray released "Swimming, Crying" in June 2026, a song she said "holds that theme of grief that I will continue to explore".[20]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS [21] | ||
| Begin to Look Around |
|
13 |
| Positive Spin |
|
17 |
Extended plays
[edit]| Title | EP details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS [21] | ||
| Elsewhere |
|
— |
| Here and Now |
|
46 |
Singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Certifications | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Unexpected Feeling"[27] | 2016 | Elsewhere | |
| "Drive"[28] | Here and Now | ||
| "Unwind"[30] | Non-album single | ||
| "Towers"[31] | 2017 | Here and Now | |
| "Time"[32] | 2018 | ||
| "Radio Silence"[33] |
| ||
| "Re: Stacks" (with Dustin Tebbutt)[35] |
2019 | Non-album singles | |
| "Heal You in Time"[36] | |||
| "Better" (with Japanese Wallpaper)[37] |
2020 | ||
| "Passion"[38] | Begin to Look Around | ||
| "Bigger Than Me"/"Readymade"[39] | 2021 | ||
| "Human"/"Passion"[12][40] | |||
| "Cherish"/"The Brink"[41] | |||
| "Love Me Right"[42] | |||
| "It's Almost Christmas in Philly"[43] | |||
| "Vienna"[44] | 2022 |
|
Non-album singles |
| "Sweet Disposition" (with Budjerah and Ngaiire)[46] |
|||
| "Dear Seventeen"[47] | 2023 | Positive Spin | |
| "Heartbreak Baby"[15] | |||
| "America Forever" (featuring Maisie Peters and Carol Ades)[48] |
|||
| "Don't Date the Teenager"[49] | |||
| "Roses"[50] | 2024 | Positive Spin + | |
| "Swimming, Crying"[20] | 2026 |
As featured artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Alone" (Noah Earp featuring Gretta Ray)[51] |
2016 | Disinheritor |
| "A Place That I Don't Know" (Odette featuring Gretta Ray)[52] |
2018 | To a Stranger |
| "Mid Sentence" (Xavier Dunn featuring Gretta Ray)[53] |
2020 | Non-album singles |
| "Tous mes copains" (So Frenchy So Chic featuring Gretta Ray)[54] |
2022 |
Awards and nominations
[edit]APRA Awards
[edit]The APRA Awards are held in Australia and New Zealand by the Australasian Performing Right Association to recognise songwriting skills, sales and airplay performance by its members annually. Ray has been nominated for one award.[55][56]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | "Radio Silence" | Most Performed Alternate Work of the Year | Nominated | [55] |
| 2024 | "Heartbreak Baby" | Song of the Year | Shortlisted | [57] |
ARIA Music Awards
[edit]The ARIA Music Awards is an annual ceremony presented by Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA), which recognise excellence, innovation, and achievement across all genres of the music of Australia. They commenced in 1987.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Begin to Look Around | Breakthrough Artist | Nominated | [58] |
Australian Music Prize
[edit]The Australian Music Prize (the AMP) is an annual award of $30,000 given to an Australian band or solo artist in recognition of the merit of an album released during the year of award. It exists to discover, reward and promote new Australian music of excellence.[59]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Positive Spin | Australian Music Prize | Nominated | [60] |
J Awards
[edit]The J Awards are an annual series of Australian music awards that were established by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's youth-focused radio station Triple J. They commenced in 2005.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Gretta Ray | Unearthed Artist of the Year | Nominated | [61] |
| 2021 | Begin to Look Around | Australian Album of the Year | Nominated | [62][63] |
| 2023 | Positive Spin | Australian Album of the Year | Nominated | [64] |
Music Victoria Awards
[edit]The Music Victoria Awards are an annual awards night celebrating Victorian music. They commenced in 2006.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | Gretta Ray | Best Pop Work | Won | [65][66] |
National Live Music Awards
[edit]The National Live Music Awards (NLMAs) are a broad recognition of Australia's diverse live industry, celebrating the success of the Australian live scene. The awards commenced in 2016.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Herself | Live Blues and Roots Act of the Year | Nominated | [67][68] |
Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition
[edit]The Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition is an annual competition that "acknowledges great songwriting whilst supporting and raising money for Nordoff-Robbins" and is coordinated by Albert Music and APRA AMCOS. It commenced in 2009.[69]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | "Drive" | Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition | 1st | [70] |
References
[edit]- ^ "Gretta Ray Discography". Discogs.
- ^ "Gretta Ray wins $50,000 Vanda & Young songwriting competition: "It's unbelievable!"". Triple J. 27 October 2016. Archived from the original on 28 October 2016. Retrieved 26 May 2021.
- ^ Bailey, Michael (28 August 2018). "Gretta Ray review: Triple-threat is here to stay". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
- ^ Zuel, Bernard (31 August 2021). "GRETTA RAY – BEGIN TO LOOK AROUND; CHVRCHES – SCREEN VIOLENCE: REVIEW". BernardZuel.net.
- ^ "A Chat With...Gretta Ray". Mismatch. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
- ^ "Gretta Ray - Drive". Gretta Ray. Retrieved 25 March 2017 – via YouTube.
- ^ "Gretta Ray wins Unearthed High 2016!". Triple J Unearthed. Retrieved 21 August 2016.
- ^ "Matt and Alex surprise Unearthed High winner Gretta Ray". Triple J. Retrieved 21 August 2016 – via YouTube.
- ^ Jones, Ruby (18 August 2016). "Melbourne musician Gretta Ray wins triple j's Unearthed High". ABC News.
- ^ "J Awards 2016: Nominations for 2016". Triple J. 2 November 2016. Retrieved 2 November 2016.
- ^ "Gretta Ray's "Drive" wins 2016 Vanda & Young Songwriting Competition!". APRA AMCOS. 27 October 2016.
- ^ a b c Langford, Jackson (20 May 2021). "Gretta Ray announces debut album 'Begin to Look Around'". NME Australia. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ "Gretta Ray Announces June National Tour Dates". Music Feeds. 14 April 2022. Retrieved 14 April 2022.
- ^ Newstead, Al (August 2022). "Spoiler Alert: what went down at Gang of Youths' first Perth show in three years". triple j. Australian Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 18 August 2023.
- ^ a b c "Gretta Ray announces new album and The Big Pop Show tour". triple j. 25 May 2023. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
- ^ "Gretta Ray Releases Deluxe Edition Of 'Positive Spin', Shares 'Roses'". Music Feeds. 14 March 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ "Gretta Ray Is Recovering From Health Ordeal: 'It's Been a Scary Time'". Billboard. 16 July 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ "Gretta Ray cancels all upcoming shows whilst recovering from severe heart infection". The Line of Best Fit. 31 July 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ "Gretta Ray has cancelled her shows to recover from a rare heart disease. So what is endocarditis?". ABC. 31 July 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.
- ^ a b "'The Most Honest Music of My Life': Gretta Ray Returns with New Single "Swimming, Crying'". Rolling Stone Australia. 12 June 2026. Retrieved 18 June 2026.
- ^ a b "Discography Gretta Ray". australian-charts.com. Retrieved 25 August 2023.
- ^ "Begin to Look Around". JB Hi-Fi. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ Citations for the vinyl release of Begin to Look Around:
- "Begin to Look Around (Vinyl)". JB Hi-Fi. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- "Begin to Look Around (JB Hi-Fi AU Exclusive Coke Bottle Green Vinyl)". JB Hi-Fi. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ "Begin to Look Around by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 27 August 2021. Archived from the original on 20 May 2021. Retrieved 21 May 2021.
- ^ "Elsewhere – EP by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 16 February 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ "Here and Now – EP by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 10 August 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ "My debut EP 'Elsewhere' is now available for online purchase WORLD WIDE, including my single 'Unexpected Feeling'". 20 March 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2018 – via Facebook.
- ^ "Drive – Single by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 1 August 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ "Gretta Ray's post". Instagram. 14 January 2025. Retrieved 14 January 2025.
- ^ "Unwind – Single by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 26 September 2016. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ "Towers – Single by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 15 March 2017. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ "Time – Single by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 23 April 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ "Gretta Ray unveils her new single "Radio Silence"". Ind Scene. 6 August 2018. Retrieved 16 August 2018.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2021 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 7 July 2021.
- ^ "Re: Stacks (with Dustin Tebbutt) – Single by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 6 September 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
- ^ "Heal You in Time – Single by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 13 December 2019. Retrieved 22 December 2019.
- ^ "Better – Single by Gretta Ray & Japanese Wallpaper on Apple Music". Apple Music. 11 November 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "Passion – Single by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 4 December 2020. Retrieved 5 December 2020.
- ^ "Bigger Than Me / Readymade – Single by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 12 March 2021. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
- ^ ""Human"/"Passion" – Single by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 20 May 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
- ^ ""Cherish"/"The Brink" – Single by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 23 July 2021. Retrieved 23 July 2021.
- '^ "My debut album Begin To Look Around is OUT NOW! As is my new single "Love Me Right", and my favourite music video we've done for this campaign". Twitter. 27 August 2021. Retrieved 27 August 2021.
- ^ ""It's Almost Christmas in Philly" – Single by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 26 November 2021. Retrieved 8 June 2022.
- ^ "Vienna – Single by Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 6 May 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
- ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2024 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. March 2024. Retrieved 18 March 2024.
- ^ "Sweet Disposition – Single by Budjerah, Ngaiire and Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 23 September 2022. Retrieved 30 September 2022.
- ^ "first baby of the new era is out in the big wide world. i am so proud of it !!!! i really hope u like it darlings 💛". Twitter. 4 May 2023. Retrieved 8 May 2023.
- ^ "Gretta Ray Releases New Single 'America Forever', Featuring Maisie Peters and Carol Ades". Music Feeds. 4 July 2023. Retrieved 5 July 2023.
- ^ "Gretta Ray's Sound Advice: 'Don't Date the Teenager'". Rolling Stone Australia. 4 August 2023. Retrieved 6 August 2023.
- ^ "Gretta Ray Shares A Love Letter To London With New Single 'Roses'". The Music. 14 March 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.
- ^ "Alone (feat. Gretta Ray) – Single by Noah Earp on Apple Music". Apple Music. 28 October 2016. Retrieved 28 March 2022.
- ^ "A Place That I Don't Know (feat. Gretta Ray) – Single by Odette on Apple Music". Apple Music. 29 November 2018. Retrieved 30 November 2018.
- ^ "Mid Sentence (feat. Gretta Ray) – Single by Odette on Apple Music". Apple Music. June 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "Tous mes copains – Single by So Frenchy So Chic & Gretta Ray on Apple Music". Apple Music. 20 May 2022. Retrieved 28 June 2022.
- ^ a b "Tones and I leads nominations for 2020 virtual APRA Awards". Noise11. 7 April 2020. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- ^ "2020 Awards". APRA AMCOS. 7 April 2020. Archived from the original on 9 April 2020. Retrieved 11 April 2020.
- ^ "G Flip, Genesis Owusu, RVG & More Shortlisted For 2024 APRA Song Of The Year". The Music. 22 February 2024. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
- ^ Kelly, Vivienne (20 October 2021). "ARIA Awards nominees revealed: Amy Shark & Genesis Owusu lead the charge". The Music Network. Archived from the original on 20 October 2021. Retrieved 24 October 2021.
- ^ "About the AMP". Australian Music Prize. Retrieved 24 January 2023.
- ^ Brandle, Lars (28 November 2023). "Troye Sivan Shortlisted for 2023 Australian Music Prize". Billboard. Retrieved 29 November 2023.
- ^ "J Awards: 2016". Triple J. 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- ^ Kelly, Vivienne (1 November 2021). "Triple j reveals J Awards nominees". The Music Network. Retrieved 1 November 2021.
- ^ "Genesis Owusu leads this year's 2021 J Awards winners". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 18 November 2021. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ "Check out all the nominees for the 2023 J Awards". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 1 November 2023. Retrieved 1 November 2023.
- ^ "G Flip, Hiatus Kaiyote, Ninajirachi Dominate Music Victoria Awards Nominations". The Music. 2 September 2024. Retrieved 2 September 2024.
- ^ "Music Victoria Awards 2024 Winners". Scenstr. 24 October 2024. Retrieved 26 October 2024.
- ^ "NLMA reveal 2017 Nominees". National Live Music Awards (NLMAs). 9 October 2017. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
- ^ "Winners 2017". National Live Music Awards (NLMAs). December 2016. Retrieved 5 September 2020.
- ^ "About the Vanda & Young Global Song Writing Competition". APRA AMCOS. Retrieved 12 March 2021.
- ^ "Past Winners". APRA AMCOS. Retrieved 13 March 2021.
External links
[edit]| International | |
|---|---|
| Artists | |
Gretta Ray
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Early life
Childhood and family
Gretta Louise Ray was born on 22 May 1998 in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.[10][11] She grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick East alongside her parents and younger sister, Holly.[12][13] The family shared their home with a dog named Billi, contributing to a close-knit suburban environment typical of Melbourne's inner-north neighborhoods.[13] Ray's upbringing included a family tradition of singing grace together at the dinner table, which fostered a sense of communal bonding.[12] During her childhood, Ray and her family frequently visited coastal areas along Victoria's Great Ocean Road, including Kennett River, Anglesea, and Aireys Inlet, where they enjoyed outdoor activities and time away from the city.[14][13] These trips provided opportunities for exploration in Victoria's natural landscapes, shaping her early experiences in a blend of urban and regional Australian life.[14]Education and musical beginnings
Ray attended Princes Hill Secondary College in Melbourne, where she pursued studies in music, English, literature, and photography during her final years of secondary education around 2016.[15][16] The school's emphasis on creative arts aligned with her developing interests, providing a supportive environment for her musical growth alongside academic commitments like VCE exams.[17] Ray's musical journey began at age five when she joined the Young Voices of Melbourne choir, participating for over a decade until age 18.[18][12] Through this ensemble, she gained early performance experience, including touring and showcasing in group settings that honed her vocal skills and stage presence from a young age.[19] During her high school years, she expanded her involvement by becoming the youngest member of the Melbourne-based songwriting collective If You See Her, Say Hello, a group of 21 emerging artists where she contributed original material and performed collaboratively.[20] Her songwriting emerged even earlier, with Ray composing her first piece at age seven, though she paused before resuming in her pre-teen years, gradually building a portfolio of personal works.[21][22] These formative experiences—blending choral discipline, collective songwriting, and individual creativity—laid the groundwork for her independent musical explorations by 2016, fostering a blend of introspection and performative confidence.[19]Career
2016–2019: Breakthroughs and early releases
In 2016, Gretta Ray emerged on the Australian music scene with the release of her debut EP, Elsewhere, on 12 February. The four-track project, self-released and featuring songs like "Unexpected Feeling" and "Long Distance," showcased her introspective indie pop style, drawing from personal experiences of youth and emotion. Produced by Josh Barber in Melbourne, the EP marked Ray's professional entry, building on her earlier choral background to establish a foundation for her songwriting voice.[23] Ray's breakthrough accelerated later that year through key recognitions. In August 2016, she won the Triple J Unearthed High competition as a Year 12 student at Princes Hill Secondary College, earning national airplay and performance opportunities that amplified her visibility among indie audiences. Shortly after, in October 2016, her single "Drive"—released independently on 5 August—secured first place in the Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition, awarding her $50,000 and highlighting her lyrical depth on themes of longing and connection. These accolades propelled "Drive" into rotation on Triple J, solidifying her presence in Australia's indie pop landscape.[24][25][26] By 2018, Ray expanded her catalog with the EP Here and Now, released on 10 August through AWAL, which debuted and peaked at number 46 on the ARIA Albums Chart. The seven-track release included singles "Time" (April 2018) and "Towers" (June 2018), blending lush production with vulnerable narratives about relationships and self-discovery, further cementing her indie pop aesthetic. These efforts were complemented by early tours, including support slots at festivals like Falls and Splendour in the Grass, and headline shows across Australia, where she honed her live performance amid growing fan engagement.[27] Toward the end of the decade, Ray ventured into collaborations that broadened her reach. In September 2019, she teamed with Dustin Tebbutt for a cover of Bon Iver's "re: Stacks," released as a single and praised for its ethereal harmonies, introducing her to international folk-indie listeners. This was followed by her original single "Heal You in Time" in December 2019, a poignant indie pop track reflecting on healing and time, which underscored her evolving artistry before her debut album era. These releases and performances positioned Ray as a rising figure in Australian indie pop, known for emotive songcraft and intimate live sets.[28]2020–2022: Begin to Look Around
In 2020, amid the challenges of Melbourne's COVID-19 lockdowns, Gretta Ray focused on recording her debut studio album, Begin to Look Around, building on the momentum from her earlier EPs. The writing process, which primarily occurred in 2019 during extensive touring and personal travels, involved co-writing sessions where Ray composed around 40 to 50 songs, emphasizing a shift toward polished pop structures while retaining introspective, folk-influenced lyricism about self-discovery and relationships.[29] She collaborated with producers including Robby De Sa, known for work with artists like MAY-A and The Kid LAROI, to craft a lush, cinematic sound featuring grand piano, guitars, drums, and string arrangements from a Berlin-based contributor, enhancing her demo recordings into a balanced blend of organic and electronic elements.[30][31] The album was released on 27 August 2021 through EMI Music Australia, debuting and peaking at number 13 on the ARIA Albums Chart, marking Ray's highest charting release at the time.[32] Key singles leading up to and from the album included the duology "Bigger Than Me"/"Readymade" in March 2021, the double A-side "Human"/"Passion" in May, and "Love Me Right" as a focus track upon release, which showcased her evolving pop sensibilities and earned a live performance at the 2021 ARIA Awards.[33][34] Critics praised the record as a coming-of-age milestone, with triple j highlighting its chart-ready evolution and emotional depth, while Rolling Stone Australia noted its soundtrack of post-relationship clarity, and The AU Review named it Album of the Week for its welcoming, nostalgic pop journey.[35][36][37] In 2022, Ray promoted the album with her Begin to Look Around national tour, commencing on 2 June in Brisbane and visiting major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, blending high-energy performances of album tracks with intimate storytelling.[38] The tour included international flavor through planned expansions and her prior virtual appearances, such as at Splendour XR, though primarily focused domestically due to ongoing pandemic restrictions.[39] Additionally, Ray served as a support act for Gang of Youths' Australian Angel in Realtime tour throughout mid-2022, where she provided backing vocals on several songs and joined lead singer David Le’aupepe for a live duet of "The Deepest Sighs, the Frankest Shadows"—a track she had previously covered soulfully for triple j's Like a Version in 2021, earning widespread acclaim for its emotional resonance.[40][41][42]2023–2024: Positive Spin and health challenges
In 2023, Gretta Ray released her second studio album, Positive Spin, on 18 August through EMI Music Australia.[43] The album debuted at number 17 on the ARIA Albums Chart, marking a continuation of her rising profile following the success of her 2020 debut Begin to Look Around.[44] Promotional efforts included the lead single "Heartbreak Baby," released on 25 May, and "America Forever" on 4 July (featuring Maisie Peters and Carol Ades), which showcased Ray's evolving synth-pop sound with introspective lyrics about emotional resilience.[43][45] To build anticipation, Ray organized a Discord-based scavenger hunt for fans in Melbourne's northern suburbs on 24 May, guiding participants to clues that revealed the album's title and fostered direct engagement with her community.[46] The album's rollout culminated in Ray's national The Big Pop Show tour in September 2023, featuring performances across major Australian cities including Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth, with support from artist Cate.[47] These shows highlighted tracks from Positive Spin alongside earlier material, emphasizing Ray's live energy and thematic focus on personal growth. Later in 2023 and into 2024, Ray expanded internationally by supporting Maisie Peters on her UK tour in October 2023 and Australian dates in March 2024, gaining exposure to larger audiences and performing reimagined tracks like "Upgraded." In March 2024, a deluxe edition titled Positive Spin + was released on 15 March, incorporating additional tracks and reworked versions such as an acoustic take on "Heartbreak Baby," extending the album's narrative of optimism amid adversity.[48][49] Ray's career momentum was abruptly interrupted in July 2024 when she was diagnosed with infective endocarditis, a rare and serious heart infection requiring immediate hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics.[50] The condition, which she described as a sudden and life-threatening ordeal, led to the cancellation of all remaining 2024 tour dates, including a planned showcase at the BIGSOUND festival, to prioritize her recovery.[51] Throughout the period, Ray shared updates on her health via social channels, noting the emotional toll but expressing determination to resume activities once stabilized, which temporarily halted her promotional activities and live performances. As of 2024, she indicated that heart surgery would be required in the future due to damage from the infection, though no further public updates on the procedure have been shared as of November 2025.[50]2025–present: Recovery and ongoing performances
Following her diagnosis with infective endocarditis in mid-2024, Gretta Ray underwent a prolonged recovery period that necessitated the cancellation of all remaining performances for the year. By November 2024, Ray had sufficiently recovered to make her return to the stage at the ARIA Awards, where she joined Missy Higgins, Amy Shark, Angie McMahon, and G Flip for a collaborative medley honoring Higgins' induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame; this marked her first live appearance in six months.[8][5] In 2025, Ray shifted her focus toward intimate live experiences, headlining The Liminal Space shows in Sydney (June 23–24 at The Vanguard) and Melbourne (June 29 at Brunswick Ballroom). These stripped-back concerts featured an acoustic set drawing from across her decade-long career, including tracks from her early EPs, debut album Begin to Look Around, and 2023 release Positive Spin, presented as a reflective "transitional" space amid her personal and artistic evolution. Ray described the series as an invitation for audiences to join her in a "liminal" phase of processing growth and healing.[52][9][53] In October 2025, Ray performed a series of shows in London, describing the stint as fulfilling and healing. As of November 2025, Ray has not announced major tours, new singles, or album projects, instead prioritizing selective live engagements to rebuild her performance stamina post-illness. In reflections shared around her return, she highlighted the emotional uplift of resuming music amid recovery, noting moments like morning walks in Sydney while listening to collaborators' work as symbols of renewed inspiration and future creative directions centered on authenticity and gradual reconnection with fans.[5][54][55]Musical style and influences
Influences
Gretta Ray's musical influences draw heavily from indie folk and pop traditions, shaped during her formative years in Melbourne. Early exposure to artists like Joni Mitchell and Paul Simon instilled a deep appreciation for introspective songwriting and melodic storytelling, which she credits with forming the foundation of her compositional approach.[19][21] These genres provided a backdrop for her evolution, blending emotional depth with accessible pop structures as she matured.[56] Her vocal style was profoundly impacted by childhood participation in the Young Voices of Melbourne choir, which she joined at age five and where her first stage performance at the Choral Cafe ignited her passion for communal music-making and harmonic layering.[19] Band experiences further honed her songwriting, particularly through touring as part of Japanese Wallpaper's ensemble during high school, where collaborative dynamics encouraged her to refine arrangements and adapt to live performance pressures.[19] Among key influences, Bon Iver stands out for its raw emotional intimacy; Ray has described "Re: Stacks" as one of her favorite songs, leading her to record a cover with Dustin Tebbutt in 2019 that highlighted her affinity for folk-infused vulnerability.[57] Sufjan Stevens' intricate orchestration and personal lyricism also resonated with her, appearing in her curated playlists alongside works evoking similar indie introspection.[58] Other pivotal figures include Laura Marling for contemplative folk craftsmanship since age 15, Rufus Wainwright for timeless melodies and emotional pivots, and Regina Spektor for warm, expansive soundscapes that soundtracked her adolescence.[56][29] These artists, alongside pop icons like Taylor Swift and Dua Lipa, informed her blend of heartfelt indie roots with polished production.[3][29]Style and themes
Gretta Ray's music is characterized by a signature indie pop sound infused with folk elements, featuring lush arrangements and emotive vocals that blend silky confidence with emotional depth.[59][60] Her early work leaned into organic, country-folk instrumentation, creating an intimate and reflective atmosphere, while later releases incorporate dynamic, layered sonics and upbeat melodies that mask underlying vulnerability.[61] Lyrically, Ray's songwriting recurrently delves into themes of heartbreak, self-reflection, and personal growth, often processing grief and relationships through diaristic storytelling that balances realism with optimism.[62][61] In albums like Positive Spin, these themes manifest in fragile narratives about ageing, romance, and artistic challenges, where dark introspection is lifted by an emphasis on silver linings and forward momentum.[60] This evolution from the minimalism of her EP era—marked by sparse, acoustic-driven tracks—to the orchestrated pop of her full-length albums reflects a maturation in her artistic voice, allowing for richer emotional expression without losing her core introspective edge.[61][60] Influences like Bon Iver have subtly shaped her folk-infused beginnings, evident in her emotive delivery and thematic intimacy.[3]Discography
Studio albums
Gretta Ray's debut studio album, Begin to Look Around, was released on 27 August 2021 through EMI Music Australia. Primarily produced by Robby De Sa and Dylan Nash, the album peaked at number 13 on the ARIA Albums Chart.[32][63] Critics praised its lyrical maturity, noting how it soundtracks moments of clarity emerging from relationship trauma.[36] Her second studio album, Positive Spin, followed on 18 August 2023, also via EMI Music Australia, and debuted at number 17 on the ARIA Albums Chart.[44] Featuring production contributions from Alex Hope and Japanese Wallpaper on select tracks, it was lauded for its optimistic tone and exploration of personal growth amid heartbreak.[64][60] A deluxe edition, Positive Spin +, was released on 13 March 2024, adding new tracks such as "Roses".[65]Extended plays
Gretta Ray's debut extended play, Elsewhere, was released on 10 February 2016 as an independent project, marking her entry into the music scene with a collection of introspective indie pop tracks recorded at The Aviary in Melbourne.[66][67] The EP, consisting of four songs, showcased her early songwriting style influenced by personal experiences and featured the lead single "Drive," which gained attention through Triple J's Unearthed program.[68] Her second EP, Here and Now, followed on 10 August 2018 via AWAL, debuting and peaking at number 46 on the ARIA Albums Chart and demonstrating a maturation in her sound with more polished production and themes of vulnerability and growth.[69][70] Comprising seven tracks, the release built on the foundation of Elsewhere by incorporating richer instrumentation and heartfelt narratives, earning praise for its emotional depth and charm.[19]Singles as lead artist
Gretta Ray's singles as lead artist have served as pivotal introductions to her EPs and albums, often showcasing her evolving pop sensibilities and receiving notable airplay on Australian radio. Her debut single, "Drive", was released on 1 August 2016 as the lead track from her debut EP Elsewhere. The song earned high rotation on Triple J and peaked at number 27 on the station's Hottest 100 countdown for 2016.[71][72] In 2018, Ray released "Time" on 23 April as the lead single from her second EP Here and Now. The track highlighted her introspective songwriting and contributed to the EP's debut at number 46 on the ARIA Albums Chart.[73] From her debut album Begin to Look Around, key singles included "Human" (20 May 2021), "Bigger Than Me" (3 September 2021), and "Love Me Right" (27 August 2021, the fifth single), which she performed live at the 2021 ARIA Awards, exemplifying her blend of emotive vocals and polished production.[74][75][76] For her second album Positive Spin, singles included "Heartbreak Baby" (24 May 2023, lead single), "America Forever" (4 July 2023, featuring Maisie Peters and Carol Ades), and "Dear Seventeen" (18 August 2023). These tracks previewed the album's themes of growth and reflection, garnering attention ahead of the record's release.[77][78][79]Singles as featured artist
In 2016, Gretta Ray provided guest vocals on "Alone" by Noah Earp, a track from his debut album Disinheritor. The song blends folk and roots elements, with Ray's harmonies adding emotional depth to Earp's introspective lyrics about isolation and self-reflection. It was recorded at Hothouse Studios in St Kilda, Australia, and received positive attention on platforms like triple j Unearthed for its delicate production.[80][81] Ray's next notable appearance as a featured artist came in 2018 on Odette's single "A Place That I Don't Know," which also appeared on the album To a Stranger. This duet explores themes of urban alienation and longing, with Ray's soaring vocals complementing Odette's lead in a piano-driven arrangement. Released independently, the track was praised for its cinematic quality.[82][83][84]| Year | Title | Lead Artist | Album/Single | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | "Alone" | Noah Earp | Disinheritor | Guest vocals on folk-roots track; recorded in St Kilda.[80] |
| 2018 | "A Place That I Don't Know" | Odette | To a Stranger | Duet single.[82] |