Grey Sun Unveils Hypnotic New Single "Not So Special"

(Erik Grayson Gillies-Nielsen)

Born on April 1, 1994, in Toronto, Ontario, Grey Sun is a musician, songwriter, and producer whose deep love for music is reflected in his work. His earliest and fondest musical memories come from long car rides through southern Ontario with his dad, listening to classics like Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Beatles, and Led Zeppelin. These moments sparked a passion that would shape his life.

Though he took piano lessons as a child, it wasn’t until he received his first guitar at age nine that his musical obsession truly began. He started formal lessons soon after, studying for a decade. At the time, The Beatles were his daily soundtrack, but his world expanded dramatically when he discovered Green Day and Blink-182, marking the beginning of his love for punk rock.

Exploring New Sounds & Overcoming Shyness

Starting a new school in grades 7 and 8 exposed Grey Sun to different styles of music—most notably hip-hop. Artists like Kanye West, 50 Cent, and Mike Jones quickly became staples in his rotation.

Despite his growing passion for music, shyness often held him back from pursuing it beyond his bedroom. High school introduced him to a small, tight-knit friend group, including another guitarist with an outgoing personality and a love for Bon Jovi. Though Grey Sun preferred and excelled at guitar, he was often pulled into unexpected roles—like playing drums for Bon Jovi covers at school talent shows.

His musical tastes continued to evolve, shifting from black metal bands like Darkthrone and Mayhem to classical composers such as Erik Satie and Rachmaninoff. Studying classical guitar reignited his interest in piano, and later, he immersed himself in indie music, admiring artists like Feist, Broken Social Scene, and City and Colour.

Even with his broad musical knowledge and instrumental skills, he struggled with confidence in his own compositions. This, combined with battles against depression and anxiety, led him to put his creative dreams on hold. But a turning point came when he discovered The Red Hot Chili Peppers—particularly the work of John Frusciante. His admiration for Frusciante’s raw artistry reignited his love for songwriting and recording.