The Gray Area

Started in 2014, by members Mike Spurlock(Bass), Joey DeWitt(Drums), Carl Shank(Guitar), the band to become The Gray Area had a few rough patches to overcome. Finding the right chemistry and goals can be challenging. The beginning of 2015 saw the final pieces come together with the additions of Jesse Lizana(Guitar) and Amanda Foucault(vocals). Once they had chance to learn their individual strengths and talents they began working on writing music and nothing has stopped them since. The Gray Area was born along the Gulf Coast of Mississippi in late February 2015. Their name represents the fact that while they may play rock music their united sound is just as diverse as each member and hard to define. They can stretch and tango with everything under the rock flag from metal to alternative and places in between. Each person comes from, not just different musical backgrounds, but varied geographic locations as well. Joey DeWitt hails from the great state of Georgia, while Mike Spurlock has his heart in Alabama. Carl Shank comes from the motor city where he represents Michigan and his hometown with pride. Jesse Lizana is a local gem born and raised in Mississippi. Finally, last up, Amanda Foucault has ties to many different places she has called home. She grew up on the coast of Mississippi, but spent equal amounts of time in Virginia and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She can even claim California, Colorado, and Nevada as well. There are various ways to describe the sound and style of The Gray Area. They are unrivaled along the coast as well as the state itself. They bring to the table a sound that you need to hear. Comparison to any band that exists today or even before would be unfair to the eclectic sound they present. To see them live is where you can experience their explosive, interactive and passionate stage show. Many bands can claim a unique and well formed chemistry between members, but The Gray Area has that and so much more. They have magic and that is something not everyone can say. As a drummer Joey DeWitt brings a classic rock styling, but that's not where his hard hitting sound stops. He can play fast, hard and heavy as well as keep it low and slow to allow others to shine. He blasts a powerful sound that demands to be heard and his stage presence is a spectacular event to witness. He is a power to behold for sure. Mike Spurlock does more than just play the bass. He owns it! He is talented in a way some could only dream. He has metal influences as well as classic rock and even industrial sounds like Tool. He is truly a Jack of all styles when it comes to the way he guides and pumps his hard hitting rhythms. There is no comparison of his contribution to their sound. They should count themselves lucky for having him as a cog in their wheel. His in your face bass-lines would be missed if it were anyone else. One of the many contributions of guitarist Carl Shank is experience. Being from Detroit, he has several different influences just as diverse as his former hometown. He can play an extensive range of genres, sweeping across his fret board with sounds ranging from heavy metal all the way down to smooth jazz and blues. His diversity shows in his musical contributions to their original songs. His speed is something to be seen, but his interaction with the crowd is unforgettable. He is a multi-talented asset that is necessary to the band. Don't miss out on witnessing his character and sound. Both guitarists play lead as well as rhythm and this does not go unnoticed in both their live sets as well as their recordings. Jesse Lizana has a homegrown Mississippi sound with country influences as well as southern rock. He is able to integrate sounds of alternative and hard rock in a way that punches as he picks his strings beautifully through solos and breakdowns in many of their original songs. As the youngest member of the group he has the chance to grow and incorporate newer and a more modern sound that will transcend time. Catchy riffs and upbeat hooks make his donation to their style unmatched as he is an amazing talent. As a performer on stage, he is fun and goofy, allowing a down to earth connection with him while also being mesmerized by his skills on guitar. You won't be bored with him around. He lights up the audience like no one else. Without him, there would be an element of lacking something special. He completes the musical circle of The Gray Area. Last of all is the vocal and lyrical styling of Amanda Foucault. To say that she is unique or different would be an understatement as her sound is unlike any other. She is a force of powerful, in your face, vocals. As different as the numerous places she's lived, she has influences in all genres, from R&B to hard rock. There is no voice like hers, but some similarities as to how original her voice is could be Fiona Apple, Natalie Merchant or even Alanis Morrisette. As each one of those singers are able to be recognized immediately by how their voices are unlike any other, this is also the case with Amanda. There is no way to confuse her voice with another as there is simply no other sound like hers. Her one of a kind voice and vocal styling is not the only thing she shares with their audience. She is a lyricist that has the ability to step out of the box and disregard format as well as theory in the unique way she tells a story that comes together vividly. It is hard not to listen over and over as her catchy phrases will get stuck in your head. You won't be able to forget her sultry, sexy, raspy and yet harmony pleasing tone. Without her The Gray Area would not be the same and would not be as memorable as they are now. Getting to know each member of The Gray Area is something that doesn't do them justice simply in writing. You must see this fabulous collaboration of passionate individuals and witness the undeniable magical entertainment only fully appreciated in person. Don't miss out, see them live, you won't be disappointed! Influenced by many different musical styles ranging from hard rock, alternative, classic rock and blues.