Today we’d like to introduce you to Lanell Gray
Hi Lanell , so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey in music started with a deep passion for creating sounds that move people. From a young age, I loved experimenting with different genres, diving into the worlds of country, rap, hip hop, and R&B. That passion eventually turned into something bigger—an intense desire to make music my career. This led me to enroll in the Music Production program at Full Sail University, where I set out to sharpen my skills and grow as a producer.
At Full Sail, I honed my technical abilities, mastering tools like Logic Pro and the Scarlett interface to record and edit vocals with precision. I expanded my expertise into areas like creating music for short films, TV, and video games, blending creativity with technical knowledge. Along the way, I’ve faced the challenges of interviews, public speaking, and navigating early career missteps, but each step has made me more confident in my abilities. Now, I’m focused on perfecting my craft and collaborating with artists and organizations to shape unique musical visions. I’m excited to continue building my presence in the industry and bringing new sounds to life.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. Like most creative journeys, mine has had its fair share of challenges. One of the biggest struggles I faced early on was learning how to balance the technical side of music production with the creative flow. There were moments when I felt overwhelmed, especially when using new tools and software like Wwise for game design projects. I had to push through the frustration of not always getting things right the first time, but it taught me resilience.
Another challenge has been dealing with interviews and public speaking. As someone who prefers to express myself through music, I’ve had to work hard on becoming more comfortable with putting myself out there, whether it’s during interviews or just promoting my work. There’s also the fear of making mistakes early in my career, but I’ve learned that those mistakes are part of the process, and they’ve helped me grow.
Despite the struggles, each challenge has strengthened my skills and my confidence. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of my craft, and now I feel more prepared to handle whatever comes next in my journey.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in music production, working across a variety of genres, including country, rap, hip hop, and R&B. I focus on bringing out the unique sound and style of each project I work on, whether it’s collaborating with artists or creating music for short films, TV, and even video games. What I enjoy most is helping artists and organizations bring their musical visions to life—whether it’s creating an emotional score for a scene or crafting the perfect beat for a song.
One of the things I’m most proud of is how far I’ve come in mastering the technical side of production. I use tools like Logic Pro and the Scarlett interface to ensure that everything sounds clean, precise, and polished. I’ve also taken on challenges like game design and sound design projects, which helped me broaden my skills. Those experiences have made me more versatile as a producer.
What sets me apart from others is my ability to adapt across genres and my attention to detail in crafting music that connects with the audience. I don’t just stick to one sound—I like to push boundaries, and I’m always open to experimenting with new styles or techniques. Plus, I’m passionate about storytelling through music. I’m not just producing beats—I’m creating a narrative that fits the vision of the artists or projects I work on, which makes my work feel personal and dynamic.
What I’m most proud of is the progress I’ve made on this journey. Each project I complete and each new skill I learn brings me closer to where I want to be in this industry, and I’m excited for what’s next.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up, I was always curious and creative. Music has been a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember, and I was the type of kid who would spend hours listening to songs, trying to pick apart the layers of sound and understand how everything came together. I’d experiment with different instruments, especially the keyboard, and even back then, I loved the idea of creating something original.
Personality-wise, I was pretty laid-back but determined when it came to things I was passionate about. I’ve always been a bit of a perfectionist, especially with music. I wanted everything to sound just right, and that’s something that’s stuck with me to this day. At the same time, I’ve always been open-minded, willing to try new things, and explore different creative outlets.
Beyond music, I had a wide range of interests. I was fascinated by technology, which naturally led me to explore how tech and music could intersect. That curiosity is part of what drew me into music production and sound design. I wasn’t just interested in making music—I wanted to understand the mechanics behind it, from the software to the sound engineering side.
While I was always passionate about my creative pursuits, I was also a bit reserved when it came to public speaking or putting myself out there. It took time for me to become more confident in sharing my work with others, but growing up, I think that drive to constantly improve and explore new areas is what helped shape me into the person and producer I am today.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://play.reelcrafter.com/kYRtyoGjR8Kn4p6OjXMJug
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tha_mini_lab
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@thaminilab
