The Frst, a project by Mikei Gray, released a new song with a positive message. The song, titled “Trust Fall”, is a song spreading a message of hope during difficult times. Gray takes on more of an opera rock style and is reminiscent of Queen’s greatest hits. The genre is unique and powerful combining the passion and emotion of opera with the energy and excitement of rock music. Not sure if this was the intention of Gray, but they touched on this style with great effect in their new song, creating a powerful and moving anthem.

It’s time to hear what Gray has to say about their project and how “Trust Fall” came to life. 

Hey, super nice to meet you. We are very impressed by your accomplishments with your project. You have achieved quite a bit since 2018. Achieving these accomplishments involves a lot more than just music. Can you share with us your recipe to fulfilling these milestones with such success?

Hey there, likewise! …And thank you so much! As simple as it sounds, I think showing up every day and giving it your best even when you’re tired or sick or don’t feel good…it seems to add up slowly over time…As long as you don’t quit! (Laughs)

We all know how terrible it was to experience the pandemic. Many people took advantage of the time to take a step back and reflect on the past, present, and future or to accomplish something they have been putting off. What did you reflect or accomplish during this time?

I actually lost my home in the Nashville tornadoes just a few days before the U.S. went into Covid lockdown. We were so lucky to be alive, our neighbor’s house was flattened. But performing live was how I made a living, and I didn’t have family or parents I could fall back on, or for the most part even speak to…so honestly just ‘survival’ was my goal! (Laughs) And we did it! I’m proud of accomplishing that. Fortunately, I had recorded the entire second half of Prelude right before the tornadoes hit…So I was couch surfing when The Frst started to catch on. That positivity kept me alive quite honestly….Shout out to all ‘The Frst Family’ that supported us during that time!

We are very interested in how you started your adventure with music, and did you know from the beginning that this is what you wanted to do?

I got a guitar when I was 10, although It’s worth noting that the year prior I was sporting a leather jacket and jeans every day in that crazy Florida heat! (Laughs) So music was definitely the final missing ‘piece of the puzzle’ for me. 

Congrats on your new release, “Trust Fall”. Can you give us some insight into it?

Thanks! Well, it was written after moving into a new house and new studio, in a very transitional part of my life. A lot of my problems were now gone, but emotionally there was still a lot of weight from my past. Lyrically, it’s a bit of a nod to the music everyone is reminiscing about right now…It’s got that ultra-confessional quality… (Laughs)

What are you doing to ensure you continue to grow and develop as an artist?

Oh wow…I mean….My entire life revolves around that! (Laughs) Exploring new genre’s and constantly learning new tricks and techniques, it’s all about adapting. Listening to new music helps.

What should we expect from your next releases in terms of style and sound?

Wooaahh hey now, hey now…I can’t give away all our secrets here! (Laughs). I can firmly say the next 2 releases sound unlike anything The Frst has done yet….And at the same time, the next releases also don’t sound anything like each other either….See, that’s kind of the thing about The Frst…you NEVER KNOW what’s going to happen next!

Where are you based? Can you tell us how the music scene there has inspired your sound at all?

Nashville. I was tangled up in the hired gun scene, and then wrote for other artists on music row for awhile. Very blessed for those opportunities. The Frst was kinda the antithesis of all of that though. Fun and freedom for sonic exploration, that kind of thing. 

If you could perform at any venue in the world, where would it be and why?

Wow, that’s hard to say! The Ryman might be my favorite so far, I’d love to get back there. But I cmon…any stadium gig anywhere is a ridiculously fun time, and I don’t care what anyone says- that’s an adrenaline high you just can’t buy! (Laughs)

Finally, have you got anything to share regarding upcoming gigs, and what have you got planned for 2023? 

Absolutely, well let me start by saying thanks so much for chatting and to The Frst Family for reading! I’m actually wrapping up the 2023 singles as we speak. Expect more genre dabbling (Laughs)! As far as dates, it was so great to get back on the road this year; I’m really excited to announce more shows for 2023 soon!

Thanks for chatting, and you can find The Frst on all digital streaming platforms. 

https://open.spotify.com/track/4ENrjB5gdnzGEuW4wqrZdl?si=57641bf9e641481b

You can keep up on their upcoming releases and shows by giving them a follow. https://www.thefrst.com/