Today we’d like to introduce you to Unknown Lyric
Hi Unknown, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Unknown Lyric came into formation 15 years ago right here in Decatur Georgia. Violinist Kevin Grayson moved to Atlanta from Fort Lauderdale Florida October 2009. He met Guitarist Jeremiah Turner Spring 2009 on the Marta bus in Decatur on Candler Road. Legend has it, Kevin G approached Jeremiah, who was holding his guitar, and started light banter with him about his guitar he was holding. They exchanged info and set up a rehearsal/jam session to see if any musical magic would take place. Kevin G allegedly had fallen asleep and was unresponsive with text messages and phone calls from Jeremiah upon their first meeting. Kevin G finally awoken from his slumber and the jam session began. There was an instant chemistry. In that moment we both knew we had something. We began to brand our style of music Classical Fusion and went on to compete/perform in local talent shows and open mics around the Atlanta area building our name. Two years later we would compete in the Atlanta’s Next Best talent competition and win a trip to perform at the Saint Lucia Jazz Festival. We also competed at the Apollo Theater’s famed Amateur Night at the Apollo winning that as well.
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?
This road has definitely had a few bumps in it. We thought by us being unique with violin and guitar that we would hypnotize the world and catapult to stardom in no time. Didn’t quite happen that way. One of the main early challenges was being an instrumental group, everyone wanted us to add a vocalist. The music would be understandable if there was a vocalist. Something the people could sing to and identify with. That was not our vision. We did not mind collaborating with a vocalist, but to add one to the group, no way. Our instruments do the singing. And we held steadfast to that. Another challenge was record labels not knowing what to do with us. Again, because we were solely instrumental. The concern with labels was always they did not know how to market us. We knew our aesthetic right from the start. A violin and acoustic guitar playing version of Atlanta icons Outkast. Labels weren’t getting it, so we remained independent. Of course, being independent also proved challenging. As an independent artist(s), everything is funded from our pockets. Studio Sessions, photoshoots, tours, promo material, & merchandise. So that put a strain on us financially. We never lost focus though. We knew we had something special, and the world would soon know too.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Unknown Lyric with violinist Kevin Grayson and acoustic guitarist Jeremiah Turner, is a classically infused instrumental duo based out of Atlanta Georgia. Our musical fusion of Beethoven meets Outkast with the kinetic energy of Michael Jackson really has us standing by ourselves. Our specialty is piercing the soul and touching the heart with a little inspiration for all. There is nothing like an electrifying performer. We are known for being that type of performer. From guitarist Jeremiah Turner’s guitar onstage turn ups to violinist Kevin G’s technically smooth proficiency accents, we leave it all on the stage. We are most proud of winning Amateur night at the Apollo in Harlem New York. The music we create sets us apart from others because what we do has never been done.
Have you learned any interesting or important lessons due to the Covid-19 Crisis?
We learned two very important lessons from the Covid-19 Crisis. They are as follows:
1. Be Grateful. So many people lost their lives during that time. We often complain about a lot of things that really do not matter. Seeing people close to us perish like that was a real eye opener.
2. You Don’t Know What You’ve Got Til’ It’s Gone. Going from being able to play live shows in front of live people was a real privilege. Having to go from in person to virtual killed the musical spirit and our wallets LOL. We realized the importance of being thankful for the little things.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://weareunknownlyric.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unknownlyric/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/weareunknownlyric/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@WeAreUnknownLyric/xregexp
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/unknownlyric
Image Credits
Photography
Vizion Image Media @vizionimagemedia
Andrew Michael Phillips @1fourteenmedia
