Local teenage music producer Andrew Gray is creating beats for artists and content creators locally and globally and is working towards running his own music production business to meet a growing need in the music industry.
“My dad does the same thing- he’s a music producer. He works with jingles and with country and rock artists,” Andrew Gray said.
Gray’s father, Matt Gray, owns Gray Sky Music, Owensboro’s only full-service recording and jingle production studio. Gray’s mother, Nicole, said that Matt was instrumental in shaping her son’s passion for music.
“That’s how Andrew got into music, by watching and listening to his dad,” Nicole said.
In the biography portion of his website, Andrew wrote, “I was inspired by him to make music for people, but I wanted to do my own genre.”
Andrew’s musical background which was influenced by his family, combined with his interest in hip-hop, which he describes as a genre on the rise, sparked his interest in producing hip-hop, trap and rap music.
Despite being influenced by his father’s career path, Andrew’s training and motivations are completely his own.
“I taught myself everything I know about making beats,” Andrew said. “It was fun for me, and I did it all the time initially. I started a couple of years ago and I haven’t quit since.”
Even though Andrew had full access to his father’s equipment, his beginnings were humble.
“I started out with a laptop, a crappy pair of headphones and Garage Band,” Andrew said.
As his interest grew, Andrew invested in professional-grade equipment and began taking courses online to expand his knowledge. Eventually, Andrew realized that producing beats for artists and content creators could be lucrative, so he began to pursue it more seriously.
“I started making money here and there when I was starting out,” Andrew said. “I didn’t want to do it for money at first, it was all for fun, but if I can turn it into a job- that’s my dream. That’s my dream right there- to do what I love while making money.”
Andrew is open to working with any artist or content creator who is interested in his creative work. He makes beats for hip-hop, rap and trap artists to use in their songs, but his offerings are not limited to songwriters.
Andrew also produces beats and samples for content creators, such as YouTube and Instagram influencers, to use for background music in their videos. He offers a custom beats service for clients who prefer customized beats to those Andrew has already produced.
“I’m happy to create beats for any client, regardless of the project,” Andrew said.
After Andrew finishes his upcoming senior year, he plans to pursue business at the collegiate level.
“I feel like I know a lot about music and the music industry, but I feel like I need to focus on the business side of it,” Andrew said. “I want to learn how to sell and promote what I’m creating.”
Andrew has his sights set on Kentucky Wesleyan College and is continuing to work in his at-home studio for now. Andrew splits time between his personal studio and his father’s separate studio on the property.
Until his studio and career aspirations are realized, Andrew is continuing to grow in his craft. He continues to create beats that he uploads to Soundcloud where users can listen at no cost or purchase for a fee. He regularly contributes on the international site, Airgigs, where producers and musicians offer their services to an international audience, allowing Gray to reach clients worldwide.
“My dream would be to have it like my dad has it,” Andrew said. “I want my studio separate from the house but easily accessible.”
For more information on Andrew Gray and his services, please visit his webpage.
