Grayson Hill Blog

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Star 94.1 Presents STARFEST

July 22, 2006

Leigha Baugham /  WXIA 11alive.com
When concert promoter, Peter Conlon announced last January that the much-loved music festival, Music Midtown was cancelled for 2006, many an Atlantan braced for the void left by such a dominating presence in the Atlanta music scene.

The cancellation was blamed on slipping profits for the festival’s last three years, due in no small part to the torrential downpours that seemed to accompany the talent-packed event.

So, I thought, without the pull of one of the most lauded music festivals in the Southeast, the amps would fall silent and the stages would go dark.

I thought wrong. Star 94 attempted to answer the sound check with Saturday’s Star Fest in Atlantic Station, and with it, there was once again music in Midtown.

Though on a much smaller scale, lasting only one day instead of three, Star Fest managed to pull in acts like Pink and Train, and dedicate a stage to many of the local Atlanta favorites, such as Last November, Poolstick, Grayson Hill, Beyond Tomorrow, and 13 Stories.

It now seems like a familiar song to anyone that has attended an outdoor concert this time of year, but rains threatened to drench the concert-goers before the sun even went down. After a few, short showers, the weather held out for the rest of the evening. Phew...we dodged the raindrops.

Our website, 11alive.com, streamed the local talent stage live to those who weren’t able to get tickets, or didn’t want to take a chance on the weather. But for those who did, it was definitely worth it, they even got bright orange parkas from the Star 94 crew to keep them dry.

As the bands played in the grassy quad, children played and tried to stand on their hands with parents looking on and nodding their heads to the music.

Those that wanted to dine in style while they watched the festivities sat on the outdoor patios at the restaurant, Spice. Star 94 took over one of the restaurants top balconies to broadcast live.

The bands, undeterred by the earlier rain, stayed on schedule and the next band up was ‘Grayson Hill’. Now later in the evening, the crowd thickened.

The golden-haired front-man had a strong voice, and the backing vocals were nicely in sync. The band had tight composition and catchy verses that could easily earn them airplay on the radio.

Atlantic Station was definitely abuzz. As I left, most of the outdoor tables were full as people dined and sipped cocktails at the various eateries lining the quad. I was sad to go, but I enjoyed the bands I got to see. You never know here in Atlanta, they just might be the next big thing!

While the future of Music Midtown, or any festival like it, remains uncertain, one thing I think we all can agree on, is that Atlantans do love their music.

Star Fest offered people a chance to get out, enjoy Atlantic Station and hear some great music for free. The weather held out for the most part and the sun went down with people smiling and enjoying life.

I guess where there’s a will, there’s a way and Star Fest proved that there will always be a way to hear good music in the heart of Midtown.

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New York - Business Wire-

Sep. 6 2006

New York- Business Wire-
The RZA executive produced soundtrack to the #3 box office hit, and Miramax film DERAILED, soundtrack is due in stores November 22. RZA, who also stars in the movie, assembled a provocative cast of artist's for the soundtrack that gives adults a diverse range of eclectic stylized R&B and urban music that was inspired by the movie.
RZA brings this production to light with tracks from talented newcomers, Queen's native, Rular Rah who takes you on a gritty journey with his rap track "Johnny, " Thea, the Holland-born singer entrances you with her melodic, sexy sound on "I Love You" and "My Love, " Grayson Hill puts a urban blues spin on a remake of Paul Simon's "50 Ways To Leave Your Lover, " Maurice lends a seductive R&B sound to his adult themed tracks "Sabotage, " "I'm Sorry" and "Better Man." The soundtrack is a worthy listen for those who can appreciate music that they never saw coming from one of hip hop's most creative and influential personas.

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Northeast In-Tune Magazine

Sep. 6 2006

Two songwriters armed with guitars, a harmonica and a piano, this duo has taken their experience on the college circuit and turned it into a successful record deal with a loyal and much deserved following. This duo has been blessed with remarkable talent and the much sought after radio-ready sound that makes their music so infectious. Taylor Mullins and Griffin Hamsley are polished, charismatic and truly entertaining; Unrefined brilliance in its truest form.

When listening to some tracks for the first time, I immediately felt as though I had stumbled across a diamond in the rough, with a vivid and clearly perfected sound. After further discovery, it turns out that Grayson Hill re-recorded Paul Simon's 50 Ways to Leave Your Lover for the soundtrack to the major motion picture, Derailed. Not to mention the fact that the track was produced by multi-talented and much respected Wu Tang founder; RZA. Its apparent that the duo is off to a raging and astute start to a successful career.

As for the music itself, Unbreak Me is an instantaneous hit, with smooth guitar rhythms and strong vocals. Coupled with thoughtful lyrics and highly-flavored vocals, this duo is a multifaceted talent with staying power. Heather brings it down to a smooth acoustic medley of thoughtful lyrics and expressive melodies. And, for my personal favorite, Ode to You is a sensitive and raw track. It's a reminder of the internal choices one must make to become the master of ones own destiny.

Overall, Grayson Hill's sound reflects the smoothness and impressionable sound of such artists as Stuart Mathis and John Mayer. With the perfection that they possess, there is not one bad or constructive critique that can be given. With the drive and determination this duo maintains, Grayson Hill will definitely be around for years to come and will continue to influence all generations of musicians.

By: Melody Geear

Northeast In-Tune Magazine

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