Interview by Angela Croudace
Collin Walsh from Grayscale sat down to chat about the band’s long-awaited Australian debut, musical evolution, and behind-the-scenes moments that have shaped their career. With their first-ever tour Down Under just around the corner, Grayscale is eager to experience the country’s culture and share their music with fans who’ve been waiting for years.
Collin revealed, “We’ve never been to Australia before. It’s a first for us. I’ve done long flights to places like Indonesia and South Africa, but travelling as a band is a whole different beast. We have 20 pieces of equipment, eight people, and always a few hiccups at the counter. It’s slow and tricky, but we’re thrilled for the opportunity.”
The band’s anticipation is also fuelled by their fans in Australia, who have been loyal and patient. “We’ve been trying to come for years, but the pandemic messed up our plans. Finally, we’re here and can’t wait to give our Aussie fans everything they’ve been waiting for,” said Collin.
The band's latest album, The Heart, released earlier this year, marks a refined version of their sound. “It feels like a culmination of everything we’ve done before, but it's more cohesive. It’s us finding our sound,” Collin shared. The album blends rock, punk, and alt influences, but Collin hints at future possibilities for Grayscale’s sound, saying, “I can see us leaning into more straight-up rock in the future. We don’t plan things ahead of time, but we let the music naturally evolve.”
In terms of success, the band is more focused on the live experience than any individual track. Their hit Forever Yours, which recently surpassed 20 million streams, is a fan favourite, but Collin remains humble. “I don’t think of success that way. I love playing the music live, interacting with fans—that’s what it’s all about.”
When asked about their influences, Collin points to a mix of '90s alt rock and classic rock. “Third Eye Blind, Eve 6, Fuel, and Wallflowers were huge for me growing up. And of course, Zeppelin and AC/DC.”
As for future collaborations, Collin’s dream partner would be Led Zeppelin, his all-time favourite band. “I just want to pick their brains. They’re the best rock band ever, in my opinion.”
The band’s longevity is also built on their strong friendship. Having known each other since their teenage years, they’re still as close as ever. “We’ve been through a lot together, and we’ve stayed best friends since we were kids,”.
Looking ahead, Collin is excited to keep creating and evolving. “We just want to keep making music that resonates, connecting with our fans through honest and emotional lyrics. And Australia, we’re coming for you!”
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