April Grey’s musical journey began in childhood but gained serious momentum at age 12, a shift she attributes to discovering American dubstep producer Skrillex. The experience sparked a focused dedication to music, leading her to prioritize her craft intensely during her teenage years. Reflecting on that time, Grey describes herself as somewhat isolated but confident in her musical path, with no alternative plans.
Growing up in Silicon Valley during the mid-2010s, Grey found herself amid a burgeoning scene of future bass producers, including artists like Shawn Wasabi and the Nest HQ label. As a fledgling producer, she was inspired by the proximity to these emerging talents and the vibrant local events they hosted. However, she also witnessed many of these artists move away due to escalating living costs in the area.
In high school, Grey became aware of a social life she had missed out on as she observed peers engaging in parties and other typical teenage experiences. Despite this, she continued to develop her distinctive musical style. Her debut album, *Fishmonger* (2021), released after several years of experimental online music sharing, was met with underground acclaim and positioned her as a critical favorite.
Her follow-up album, *Wallsocket* (2023), marked a departure toward a more expansive, rock-tinged concept album exploring the coming-of-age stories of three young women. While she described its positive reception as somewhat misunderstood, she acknowledged a sense of surprise at having crafted what she called “a rock opera,” given her background in jazz rather than theater. Following *Wallsocket*, Grey saw an opportunity to create a more focused pop record.
That album, *U*, centers on love songs, a theme she had previously struggled to explore due to personal difficulties with intimacy and affection. Grey explained that love songs had not resonated with her in traditional ways, but she intentionally set out to write nine tracks addressing that experience. She also commented on perceptions of Generation Z as “a loveless generation,” suggesting instead that while there may be less sexual activity, love remains prevalent.
Musically, *U* blends influences reminiscent of Britney Spears and Oneohtrix Point Never, elevating Grey from underground acclaim to a broader audience. A recent encounter with Skrillex, who she met at a dinner roughly a month ago, marked a moment of realization about her rising status in the industry. Grey described Skrillex as personable and inclusive, an experience that prompted her to reconsider her own shyness and resolve to be more outgoing as she approaches her late twenties.
Touring with established pop artist Charli XCX has also offered Grey insight into the demands and demeanor associated with larger-scale celebrity. She praised Charli for her supportive nature and humility, noting that such qualities serve as reminders for her own behavior while adapting to greater visibility.
Looking ahead, Grey appears poised for continued growth and increasingly prominent stages. Her upcoming UK and Ireland tour is scheduled from November 9 to 16, beginning in Dublin, signaling further steps in her evolving career.
