NY

Those that claim to be 'in the know' as far as the hot new prospects currently emerging from within the UK unsigned scene, should no doubt then have already heard of Nyomi Gray.

Nyomi aged 20 who performs under the name of 'Ny', was born and raised in Kentish Town North London and has already in a relatively infant career made quite a profound impression. If industry hearsay and the proverbial music 'grape vine' mean anything in this game! then this escalating interest and widening recognition for her unique vocal prowess and song writing skills is almost certainly going to culminate in 2006 with her translating this notoriety into the UK mainstream.

Although it is almost impossible to pigeonhole her, Ny is best described as a promising vocalist who posses a soulfully unique voice which is effortlessly combined with her highly respected songwriting skills which she first acquired throughout her early teenage years while writing poetry and spoken word. Her innate traits and talent combined with her enigmatic serenity have seen her assume on her young shoulders such great expectations being branded by many music industrialists, including established and world renowned artists as being future star whose feet are already firmly through the door.

Aside from her skill in the highly elusive field of being able to write her own music, perhaps her greatest strength is her ability to deliver such words by completely engaging and captivating live audiences through her phenomenal voice. Her voice and particularly the strength of her life performances is something Ny clearly places a great deal importance… "For me, a Vocalist or a Singer should be exactly that; someone who can perform their material live, and who has the ability to reach out and touch the audience" she says effortlessly with a supremely confident yet diffident smile.

When asked about who has influenced her Ny mentions from a dynamic list of other; artists, friends, and family. “As far as role models and people who have supported me and my music I will have to say firstly my mum who raised me through enough troubled times and dramas. I owe her, and love her so much. Then my close friends and family particularly my four sisters and friends Fusnarah and Grace. In life you need good friends and I am lucky they help keep me grounded and on point."

Her mum's influence is evidently not just maternal. She like Nyomi is very passionate about her music and has assumed the role as her co-manager. It is also no coincidence that a lot of Nyomi's musical influences derive from her mum's affinity for roots and reggae music. 'As far as artists go, I grew up listening to people Like Burning Spear, Peter Tosh, Beres Hammond.. I really like their material… Being raised is such a culturally rich and diverse environment and being exposed to such artist from young meant that I quickly realized what makes quality music and artists”.

But also like others of her age Ny cites artists from the 'more modern era' who have also really influenced her. “Artist like Aretha Franklin, for whom I have the most respect, who hasn't been inspired by her? I am also a massive fan of Roberta Flacks her stuff is really special, possessing real meaning. There are quiet few others more than I can mention but Lauren Hill and Mariah Carey stand out they both have written many great songs over a period of time and both are fantastic when they perform live"

The influence and the quality of these inspirational icons of music are clearly evident in places within Ny's own material. Her material can be categorized as either possible club anthem party tunes based on uplifting vibes or altogether more real, stark but always positive portrayals of the harsh realities of life, that she has gained through many of her own life experiences while living in the unforgiving streets of London. It is clear that though Nyomi's material is real and confronts serious issues unlike many other Urban artists she is not one to glorify or propagate any negative aspects of her life Instead she says ' I would like to use my music as a positive medium to both old and young, helping to lift and to elevate people in all types of negative situations and to provide hope.

Using the old adage' birds of a feather flock together' only helps to further reinforce any assumptions of Ny's pedigree. In a short career to date Ny has managed to work with the likes of the globally respected Jaz artist Joanne Baptize (Mercury Award nominee) on a commission for Radio 3. She has also featured on the debut album of Sway (MOBO AWARD WINNDER) co-writing and performing the tune 'Back for You'. She has also featured as a featured vocalist on the widely anticipated 'The Steets' (MOBO AWARD WINNER) second album, and also Plan B and the Mitchell brothers debut albums all of which were all commercially charted in 2006.

On from these exciting projects in 2006 Ny is currently in the process of releasing her second mixtape Split Endz Volume Two through the label True Tiger Recordings. The mixtape which features 100% original and exclusive material should be available in all good record shops in early 2007. Check out the news and audio sections of the website for news, clips and release dates on some of the tracks featured on this widely anticipated mixtape including the hit track 'Fire' featuring Purple.

'Fire' has been taking the UK underground by storm already and has received extensive airplay support from the likes of BBC Radio One, Ixtra, Kiss and Choice FM also a music Video for 'Fire' is currently play listed on MTV base. With a bright future ahead of her Ny is certainly set to make her mark and in keeping with the theme of 'Fire' 2007 will be the year she turns up the heat on the music Industry!