Quarantine has done anything but slow singer-songwriter Loren Gray down.

When she was just fifteen years old, this Philadelphia native moved herself to Los Angeles to pursue a career in music inspired by her love for classic rock, country, heavy metal and hip-hop. Three years later, Gray has quickly moved up the ranks landing a deal with Virgin Records, releasing a song on Spotify’s top global chart and becoming a social media icon. Amid the global pandemic, Gray has worked on a series of projects including an upcoming music video and recently released single “Alone.”

Joining the re-launch of Gigi Journal Part II, V sat down with Gray and got the scoop on what’s next for this rising star.

V: As you know, the Gigi Journal Part II is a melting pop of art and stories inspired by the current pandemic and BLM movement. What drew you to be part of the relaunch of Gigi’s limited edition book? 

L: I was so excited when I was asked to be a part of it! I can’t wait to read about the artists and their creative processes. Everyone’s process is different, it’s amazing how everyone has a unique way to create. Gigi herself is an activist and role model for so many people, and I really admire that she is using her platform to blend fashion and art with important causes. 

V: You wrote your latest single “Alone” during quarantine. What propelled you to write this track and what was that process like?

L: “Alone” is my first love song, which is really exciting because I’ve gotten to share a more vulnerable side of myself with my fans. This was the first time in my life that I actually felt inspired to write a love song, so that was pretty cool! I also cut it myself in my home studio which was a really fun experience.

V: “Alone” is part of a series of tracks you have dropped during quarantine. What about this time of isolation is making your creative gears turn?

L: I set up a home studio because of quarantine, and it’s been really fun to explore the more technical side of making music like recording, cutting and producing my own vocals. I’ve also had a lot of alone time to reflect and write about experiences and feelings that I’ve never really felt compelled to write about before which has been super interesting. Overall, I’m in a more creative headspace than I think I’ve ever been in before, so I’m trying to take advantage of that and make music that I’m really proud of and that my fans will love.

V: Starting your career on TikTok, how have those roots influenced your current music and creative process?

L: My music doesn’t really sound like  “TikTok” music, and that’s ok. TikTok is how I really grew my fanbase into the community that it is and I’m so thankful for that, but musically I’m really inspired by some of my favorite artists’ careers like Eminem, Taylor Swift and My Chemical Romance.

V: Are you working on any upcoming projects or collabs we should know about?

L: I can’t share too much yet, but I have some really exciting projects I’m currently working on that I can’t wait to share with everyone. I’m always writing, and I also shot my music video for Alone this week which was so much fun! It’s definitely my favorite video I’ve shot so far and I think people are going to be a little surprised, but in a good way.