Hiya Gray, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
Thanks for joining us today… Tell us bit about where you are from and how you got into music?
Hi everyone! My names Gray and I live in York. Growing up, I remember music being an integral part of my upbringing, whether it was CDs in the car, on a jukebox at family parties, playing Britney Spears and Lady Gaga on my bright pink boombox, or many other ways.
My parents always made sure I listened to a range of music; pop, rock, indie, metal even! I’ve always felt connected to music, specifically indie music growing up with a 90s indie dad!
I first met you signing at This Feeling by the sea, tell us bit about your story?
I was diagnosed as Deaf at age 4, and started wearing hearing aids (pink, of course!).
Despite growing up in a hearing family, they made sure I got to experience both the hearing world, and the Deaf world. My mum went to British Sign Language lessons, and took me to Deaf clubs.
I struggled growing up with being bullied by my hearing peers at school, but I would go to Deaf clubs on the weekends and school holidays, which always made me feel so welcome.
I’ve always felt like I have a place in both communities, even if there have been challenges along the way. I feel a true sense of privilege at getting to grow up in two different worlds, and truly believe it’s shaped me into who I am today.
I started learning British Sign Language here and there from a young age, but became truly interested in it as I got a bit older, around age 12.
I was determined to be fluent, and make sure I could communicate with my friends at Deaf clubs I went to. I did, and still do, feel so much pride in my Deaf community, something that is so intertwined with deep and rich history.
I started posting sign language covers on social media, and getting feedback on how to improve my skills.
How did you first get involved with signing at live music events? Was there a particular gig or moment that started all this?
I’ve always been fascinated by interpreters at concerts. I knew it was something I wanted to do, but didn’t know if I’d ever be able to do because I’m Deaf.
The first time I ever signed for a band, it was at the Fulford Arms in York for a band called King No One. I was introduced to their music by a close friend, and loved everything they stood for in their lyrics.
I emailed them asking if they would be interested in having an interpreter at their concert, thinking it would never go anywhere, and there wasn’t even a chance of getting a response. I woke up the next day to them saying yes!
I’ll still remember how shaky I was before I went on stage. All I could think about was making sure I didn’t fall over or look silly!
The next day, I woke up to messages from loads of people, telling me how great they thought it was. There was a message from a Deaf girl that really stuck with me; she’d thanked me for signing, and told me how much of an impact it had.
Because of that message, I promised myself that I’d keep doing this, because if I can make a difference to even one person, it’s worth it.
And I’ve gone on to sign at many many more King No One concerts since that day, feeling so loved and welcomed in the beautiful community they’ve created.
People who aren’t deaf might wonder what a gig actually feels like for you. How would you describe experiencing live music?
All I’ve ever really known is being Deaf, so I have no idea how music is actually supposed to sound, or if I’m hearing it “properly”.
What I do know though, is there’s nothing quite as fun and exciting as hearing live music. It’s one of the best things for me as a Deaf person, loud speakers blasting music everywhere, and vibrations so heavy you feel you can almost float.
There’s no pressure to have to be anything, no worry I won’t hear anything, and no exhaustion of lip-reading for hours on end. I just get to dance, and be around people who are all united by one thing, their love of music. Gigs are where I feel most “normal” and most me.
Do you experience different artists or genres differently? Are there certain types of music that work particularly well for you live?
I love so many different genres of music, but have always felt connected to music with heavier elements, whether that’s metal, rock, or even indie with strong guitars and drums. My experience of live music is heaving influenced by the vibrations and beats.
This being said, I enjoy all different styles of music at concerts, and never limit myself to just one genre of music!
When you’re signing a song, are you translating the lyrics literally, or are you also trying to communicate the emotion, rhythm and personality of the performer?
First I translate every word into British Sign Language. Then, I change those words to fit the BSL grammar structure, which is completely different to English!
Once I’ve done this, I start working on how best to sign the song, thinking about the emotions the song is trying to convey and how to make sure my signs are clear and easy to read, but also flow into each other well. I have two jobs, to make sure Deaf people are provided with the access they need, and to make people who know no sign language at all realise just how much it adds to live music.
I am an interpreter, but also a performer. I refuse to be stuck off to the side of a stage looking bored and standing still the entire time simply going through the motions.
British Sign Language is such a beautiful and intricate language, and it deserves to be performed on stage with energy and passion. This is something that will always be non-negotiable for me. And of course, my dance moves just come with that!
How much preparation goes into signing a gig? Do you get lyrics and setlists beforehand, or are there occasions where you’re basically thrown in at the deep end?
I always aim to get a setlist 1-2 weeks in advance, as this gives me the best opportunity to learn everything! There have been times were this hasn’t gone to plan of course, and I’ve done the best I can with the time given.
What I’ve learnt is that concerts and festivals are unpredictable, and often times bands have to change the setlist last minute, so I just have to adapt.
There have been many a time in a dressing room where I’ve had to quickly learn the lyrics an hour before stage time!
What happens when a singer changes the lyrics, starts chatting to the crowd or goes completely off-script?
I have to adapt! Any time an artist speaks, I don’t know what they’re going to say, as they usually don’t have a script beforehand.
I’ll look at them to lip-read, and then interpret from there. The way I look at it, no one is perfect, and sometimes artist mess up lyrics or timing or go off script, and I simply follow their lead.
I recently signed for The Covasettes at Kendal Calling, where we had an on stage engagement that I didn’t know about until I got there! At times like that, I just go with the flow, and it usually ends up being super fun!
What’s been the most difficult song you’ve ever had to sign?
Definitely Gravestone by The Ks at Neighbourhood Weekender last year! I got on stage and when the song started playing, I realised my IEMs were completely broken and there was no sound at all. Being Deaf, I usually don’t use them, and when I do, if they aren’tworking, it’s basically like wearing ear plugs, which is not what you want when trying to hear music…!
I managed to get through the song by feeling the beat and lip-reading what the crowd was singing (thank god for fans!), but that most one of the most stressfulmoments of my job so far.
On the other side of that, what’s been the most fun song or artist you’ve ever signed?
The answer has GOT to the The Rosadocs! I first signed for them at This Feeling by the sea festival earlier on this year, and have since gone on to sign for them at Tramlines and Kendal Calling. Their songs are so fun to sign for, with lots of opportunity to dance and bounce about.
They are such a lovely bunch of lads, and they truly care about providing access to their fans.
There was no hesitation from them or their team about me joining them on stage, and they’ve continued to root for me from day one. I have nothing but thank yous to give them!
My favourite song of theirs to sign has to be Cross to bear, a slower more intimate song, which gives a real opportunity to connect with the crowd, and really lets Keelan’s vocals shine through. Seriously, if you haven’t checked them out, nows your opportunity!!
What’s the live music scene like in York right now?
There’s nothing for me to complain about really! York has two absolutely fantastic small venues, Fulford Arms and The Crescent.
The Fulford Arms continues to be one of my favourite venues of all time, it’s incredibly run by a fantastic team, and has such a raw and unique atmosphere to all of the gigs I’ve attended there.
What’s your view on the Music industry today?
It’s come so far in the last few years with providing access, that’s for sure. I believe there’s much more progress to be made, but that comes with time. Many people have said I’m the first BSL interpreter they’ve seen at a concert, and I want to change that! I think access should be built into concerts, and not just for Deaf people. Everyone, no matter who they are, should be able to enjoy live music, no matter what.
The music industry can be tough, it can chew you up and spit you out, but it’s also the best job I have ever had, and I wouldn’t change it for the world. The people I have met along the way, and will continue to meet, inspire me every day.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Thank you so much for reading this far, and I really hope you’ve enjoyed it! If there’s one thing I can ask of you today, please support small artists, bands, and grassroots music venues. The venues and artists with £10 tickets are worth checking out, you never know if you might discover your new favourite!
And of course I have to say, you should learn some BSL! 😉
FOLLOW GRAY SIGNS BSL HERE
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📸 CREDIT SCOTT ANCLIFFE