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Vents Magazine: Tell us a little about your story and background.
Jupiter Grey: I was born in North London but my parents moved to South West London when I was 7. I’m a Christian and grew up singing in church. Gospel music was one of my favourite genres to sing as a child, and I still love it today. It wasn’t until high school where my passion for music grew stronger and at every opportunity I had I would be showcasing my talents from school plays to talent shows. Word got around fast that I was the guy who could sing, and this led to me meeting my first manager. I then decided I didn’t want to be a solo artist at that time and wanted to create a UK version of Boyz II Men. Being in a singing group was the foundation to my career. It taught me how to harmonise and project my voice, but ultimately I was a solo artist and here I am today.
Who are your biggest influences?
I would say my first biggest influence was my dad. I don’t think he even knows how much he influenced me growing up but he was such a diverse music fan – he would listen to genres like country, gospel, Motown, rock and R&B. I think he’s the reason my taste in music is so diverse. In terms of music, I would say the first artist I really got into was Stevie Wonder. I think he has the best male voice of all time. I then got into a lot of ‘90s R&B and indie rock like Brian McKnight, Brandy, Usher, Radiohead and Muse. These are some of my biggest influences when I really got into music.
How have friends and family reacted to your journey so far in music?
My friends and family have been very supportive of my journey in music this far. I have been quite lucky to have such a supportive circle around me. The biggest reaction I’ve had this far would be releasing my debut album. The love that has been shown has truly been a blessing.
Congratulations on the release of your debut album Fires on the Moon. What’s the meaning/message behind the album?
Thank you so much. Fires on the Moon is the first volume of a 3-part trilogy project, produced by the great VagueEightySix. This album is a concept album based on the origin story of Jupiter Grey. With my debut I really wanted to showcase who I am as an artist and give the listeners a real musical experience. The meaning and message behind this album is knowing your purpose in life and not being afraid to step out on faith despite what your reality looks like. I feel like my purpose on earth is to spread positive messages of hope through my music, and no matter what you’re going through you can always get through it if you just believe.
Who are some artists or producers you’d love to work with in the future?
There are a few artists I would love to work with in the future. Brandy, Frank Ocean, Sampha, Blood Orange, Tame Impala, Kelela, SZA, Kanye West and Kendrick Lamar. All of these artists have influenced me in some way. VagueEightSix is my sole producer and collaborator and will produce every album I ever release but I would love to collaborate with Pharrell and Pop and Oak on a record – that would be a dream.
If you could only listen to 3 albums for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?
Wow only 3! This is almost an impossible question to answer for me. If I had to choose, I would say the first album would be Songs In The Key Of Life by Stevie Wonder. This album is a masterpiece from top to bottom. It was the first album I couldn’t turn off and it came out way before my time but it just shows you how timeless his music is. The second album is Never Say Never by Brandy. I think Brandy is the best female vocalist to come out of R&B, and that album proves it. That album had hit after hit and the songs really showcased how truly gifted she is. The third album would have to be Ctrl by SZA. Sonically this album really influenced me. SZA has a sound like no other and that was my aim for Fires on the Moon – just to have a sound like no other which since release of this album I’ve been told this.
What are your plans for 2023? What can fans expect?
Fans can expect more music and content from me. I will continue to promote my debut album with content to support it and then I will start the second era later in the year.
What are your goals for the future that you want to achieve in your career?
My goals for my career scare me as I’m a big dreamer. But my immediate goals are to have a song of mine enter the UK official charts. I want to have a sold-out headline show and then to go on an international tour. I also want to do more acting and eventually have my own imprint.
