Interview with Novo Grey

The mix of British melancholy and Americana soul gives these songs a strong emotional foundation. I can hear the influence of The Beatles, Oasis and Springsteen in the approach, but the emphasis lives on honest storytelling The idea of writing songs to hold stillness in a noisy world really fits that perspective.

Interview with Novo Grey

(^)> Your motto, “Working-Class Hero,” immediately connects your music to ideas of honesty, struggle and everyday experience. What does that phrase represent for you beyond its connection to John Lennon?

"For me, 'Working-Class Hero' isn't just a nod to John Lennon—it’s my actual life. I work a real, physical job every day in logistics, far away from any glamorized music industry bubble. It represents the reality of millions of everyday people who get up early, put in the work, and carry their own quiet struggles, dreams, and heartbreaks.

Beyond the title, it stands for absolute honesty and grounding. It reminds me to stay grounded, write about authentic emotions, and create music for people who live in the real world. My music comes directly from that lived experience—no filter, no artificial bullshit."

(^)> You describe yourself as someone who writes songs to “hold stillness in a noisy world.” What does that mean in practice when you sit down to create music?

In practice, this means stripping away everything superfluous until only the core emotion remains. Our world constantly clamors for attention, with endless digital noise, hectic activity, and the pressure to perform. When I write, I try to create a space where time slows down.

It is about focusing on a single moment, a genuine lyric or a sincere melody, that gives both me and the listener room to breathe, allowing us to feel something deeply rather than just letting it fleetingly pass us by.

(^)> Your songwriting draws from real-life experiences rather than manufactured stories. Do you usually begin with a personal emotion, a specific memory or a musical idea?

For me, the text always comes first; that is how it all began in early 2024. I originally started writing to shed the burden of the years and the emotional baggage I was carrying. The catalyst was a series of personal blows and the loss of my one true love, sadly, due to my own foolishness. So, I would say that emotion, observation, and experience are the wellspring of my writing.

(^)> You mention that your songs can be melancholic, romantic, cynical or combative. How important is it for you to explore uncomfortable emotions rather than only creating uplifting music?

This is essential. Life is not an unbroken stream of pure positivity, and music shouldn't pretend that it is. Unpleasant emotions, such as heartbreak, doubt, or frustration, are part of the human experience, and often, these are the very moments when we need music the most. Engaging with melancholy or cynicism does not mean being negative; it is about honesty. True comfort comes from knowing that someone else feels exactly the same way.

(^)> Coming from a working-class background has clearly shaped your artistic identity. How has your personal journey influenced the subjects and perspectives that appear in your lyrics?

It keeps me grounded and humble. A regular job teaches you the value of time, effort, and perseverance. In my writing, I don’t focus on abstract fantasies, well, occasionally I do, or unattainable lifestyles; instead, I write about real human connections, weariness, hope, and the quiet beauty of everyday life. My background reminds me to tell stories that resonate with people who lead truly ordinary, everyday lives.

(^)> John Lennon is one of your greatest inspirations, but you emphasise that you are not an imitator. What aspects of Lennon’s artistry have influenced you most, and where do you feel your own voice differs?

What draws me to Lennon is his absolute vulnerability and unfiltered directness. He never hid behind complex poetry when a simple, raw truth was needed. That's what I strive for. Where my voice differs is my own context, my Swiss roots, my daily work, and my own personal history. I'm not trying to recreate the 70s; I'm using that same raw, honest mindset to process my own modern reality and personal struggles.

(^)> Your sound combines British melancholy with Americana soul. What attracts you to the emotional worlds of artists like The Beatles, Oasis, Bruce Springsteen and early Coldplay?

It is the balance between deep melancholy and magnificent, uplifting melodies. Artists like Springsteen or Oasis write songs for the working class that feel like anthems; they take everyday pain and transform it into something monumental and unifying. Coldplay and the Beatles mastered this bittersweet realm where sadness and hope coexist. This combination of British edge and American soul authenticity is precisely what defines Novo Grey.

(^)> Switzerland has its own unique cultural landscape. How does being a Swiss artist influence the way you approach songwriting and storytelling?

From a Swiss perspective, nothing really shaped me. Ever since I was young, I’ve never been able to identify with the Swiss music scene. It was the Beatles who shaped me. They showed that you don’t have to exist in a bubble. When you listen to their albums, you realize that each one has its own style, its own message. And that is something I’ve always admired.

(^)> Many contemporary artists focus heavily on production and image. You seem to place greater importance on authenticity and direct expression. Why is that approach important to you?

So much music today is produced for short attention spans and algorithms, but trends fade quickly. A song rooted in an honest voice and an authentic story will still hold meaning twenty years from now. I would rather be imperfect and real than flawless and hollow. Nowadays, too much is polished to a sheen and manufactured to suit the mainstream. Where is the authenticity in that? Where is the genuineness? I can’t really connect with most songs these days; they lack soul and heart.

(^)> Your lyrics are described as occasionally cynical or combative. Do you see songwriting as a form of confrontation, reflection, or both?

It is definitely both. Songwriting begins with inner reflection, a way to honestly confront my own weaknesses, flaws, and feelings. But it becomes confrontational when it turns outward to call out misguided views, empty promises, or the noise of modern life. Being combative in a song doesn’t mean looking for a fight; it means standing up for what is real. I also view songwriting as a way to make a difference. And that’s where John Lennon comes back into the picture. He sparked something, provoked people, and opened their eyes with his direct, unflinching style. That was lost when he died. Now, 46 years later, I want to carry that on; it is just as important today as it was in the 70s. Not as a copy, but as something of my own, yet sharing the same DNA.

(^)> Is there a particular song in your catalogue that best represents the person and artist Novo Grey has become?

It is radical and confrontational, stripping away societal nonsense and labels. The core message is simple yet powerful: beneath all the artificial boxes people try to put us in, gender, status, origin, the same red blood flows through us all. Lines like “Tame birds sing of open skies. Wild ones fly and leave the lies” and “Cut the skin and watch it flow, the blood is red, that’s all we know” embody everything I stand for as an artist. It is an anthem for genuine human connection and for standing up uncompromisingly for one’s convictions.

(^)> When listeners hear your music for the first time, what emotion or thought would you like to stay with them after the final note?

I want them to feel a sense of genuine connection and relief. I hope they walk away thinking, "Someone actually understands me." If a song can make a listener pause, reflect on their own life, and feel a little less alone with their problems, then the song has fulfilled its purpose.

(^)> In an era dominated by fast consumption and short attention spans, do you think there is still space for songs that ask listeners to slow down and truly listen?

Absolutely; I actually think people need it now more than ever. Fast-paced consumption creates a lot of noise but leaves behind a sense of emptiness. Deep down, listeners crave real substance, music that doesn’t just flicker through their feeds but stays with their souls. It might be a smaller, more dedicated audience at first, but those are the connections that truly last.

(^)> What have you learned about yourself through writing and releasing music?

I have learned that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a strength. Admitting one's own mistakes, pain, and doubts in a song takes courage, but it is the only way to heal and grow. Writing music has shown me who I really am when all distractions fall away.

(^)> What can listeners expect from the next chapter of Novo Grey’s journey?

More unflinching honesty, uncompromising music, and an ongoing story. I focus on bringing these songs to life, both visually and sonically, while staying true to my working-class DNA. No chasing trends; just real stories, clean lines, and music that stands the test of time. Whether it’s aggressive, cynical, or perhaps humorous, dealing with love, loss, or anger, it is always 100% honest and authentic. That is Novo Grey. Of course, it depends on how my debut single takes off, after all, I financed everything myself, and naturally, my dream is to play live with a band and touch people's hearts. Unfortunately, that isn't possible without money, so keep your fingers crossed for me.

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(•)> That's all, Folks! Check out Novo Grey on the Pigeon Opinion Playlist