Moving The Grey Mountain
By Delaney Clifford
Skylar Grey has released her new single to a resounding acclaim, but only wants more. Her single, “Moving Mountains” was released at the beginning of April in addition to a masterfully created video for the song being released last week. The five-time Grammy-nominated artist produced the song with Mike Elizondo and Mark Batson, creating a sound that perfectly fits the subtlety and underlying motivations of Grey, who is finally putting her unrelenting ambition aside to make room for some personal happiness in her life.
Her recent video was shot and directed by Peter Handler in the rural snowy mountains of Park City, Utah— a perfect location to make a comment on appreciating the moment and letting everything else slip to the side to exist in the present. This seems to be exactly what Grey needed in her life, as she said, “Most of my life I’ve let ambition get in the way of happiness— too focused on the future to enjoy the moment. Now living in Utah, I’ve realized the importance of taking the time to sit back and appreciate a mountain view. It's amazing how just being present has the power to elevate your mood.”
Grey seems to know better than most what that mountain view can do for someone, and Handler’s artistic video production has conveyed that feeling to viewers in volumes. Featuring the gorgeous views of the Utah mountains as well as the heartwarming scenery of a log-cabin fireplace, those who watch this video will feel right at home in that cabin, perhaps even more so on the icy slopes as the sun peaks over the mountain ridge. All of this natural beauty captured by Handler pales in comparison to the beauty of Grey’s voice. Almost haunting, her voice glides right over the near Mumford and Sons guitar sound that she brings to the table. This combination creates a sound that you’ll want to listen to over and over again.
This song is almost a complete backflip compared to her previous song, “Cannonball,” a soulful pop anthem that seemed to base Grey on the large-scale music scene. “Moving Mountains” is exactly that; Grey has decided to move a mountain in her life, whether that be the shift in genre or maybe a shift in her life overall. One thing is certain, Grey won’t be going anywhere but up anytime soon. Keep your ear to the ground for her new record, a follow up to her debut record in 2013, and expect some serious earth-moving material.
You can catch Skylar Grey on tour with Atlas Genius, presented by Journeys at the following dates and locations:
04/23 Charlotte, NC Visulite Theatre
04/25 Tulsa, OK The Vanguard
04/26 Dallas, TX Granada Theater
04/27 Houston, TX House of Blues
04/29 Phoenix, AZ Crescent Ballroom
04/30 Los Angeles, CA El Rey Theatre
You can follow Skylar Grey at the following media outlets: