As a kid growing up on the Southside of Indianapolis, Jarred “Grey Granite” Patterson used the solitude of being an only child and his hopeless surroundings to fuel artistic and musical creativity.
“That’s where I came from, but that’s never really been in my heart. I always knew there was something more, something better, so I’ve been striving to do that since day one,” said Grey Granite.
He found that outlet through music. Growing up in the ‘80s, Grey Granite says music was escape and once he found hip-hop, he knew that was his answer in life. Drawing from a wide variety of music genres, his love for hip-hop, rock, R&B among others, it’s that versatility that’s reflected in his lifestyle and music.
In the early stages of his quest for fame, Grey Granite struggled to find his place among failing groups and the so called demise of hip-hop, but has recently resurrected his passion for beat driven songs and insightful lyrics into a new project and countless live performances.
While Grey Granite stands out among other musicians in Indianapolis, according to Shadowkat Nightson, CEO and president of Nightsons LLC, a production company that also manages artists such as Nappyville and Rhymefest, it’s Grey’s energy and ability to be innovative that will help him reach his goal.
“The artists who make a statement and are truly here for the long term, they think outside of the box,” said Nightson. “One weekend I came to a show here in Indianapolis and this dude came on stage and killed it! He’s a rock star! He made a fan out of me that day, and I’m not a fan of many. He has the potential to do great things and be a great artist.”
The dynamic stage presence, mega watt smile, and carefree attitude may show up on stage but some are looking to his latest album “Grey Granite Amplifies The Killers” as the beginning of something special.
Working with local artists such as DJ Cool Hand Lex, Bob Barker, BTAM or producer on the rise, J. Brookinz, the pair sampled music from rock band The Killers and has created what some are calling a classic.
“Grey Granite Amplifies The Killers” is fun, energetic, rock inspired, but has all the elements of hip-hop in the truest sense of the term. On track “Guns & Killers & Drugs,” Grey Granite describes Southside Indianapolis existence as a cross between the movies “Gummo” and “When the Levees Broke.” On more upbeat tracks, the eclectic musician discusses using his predicted celebrity to expand his creativity on “The Intro/Welcome” and “Got Soul” he encourages listeners to not let life bog them down but instead enjoy themselves.
“Grey Granite Amplifies The Killers” may be something that gets heavy rotation among CD players and computers, the album is downloadable, but where the universal musician really shines is on stage.
“I like to create a theme, vision or plan. I’m not that dude that gets up and raps for 30 minutes. I don’t get off on showing how lyrical I can be or rapping to the crowd. I get off on having the crowd have a good time,” said Grey Granite.
A rock star indeed, Grey Granite has also developed a strong and loyal following that is passionate about his music, which he hopes to parlay into more exposure and eventual celebrity status. Whether on stage solo or with a full funk band providing a superabundance of energy, Grey Granite’s music and live performances always promise stellar music, quality production and entertainment.
“He’s got presence; a lot of artists don’t have presence. You notice Grey when he walks into a room,” added Nightson. “Indianapolis is not really ready for him but has a market of people who will see Grey Granite and buy whatever he puts out.”
For more information or to download “Grey Granite Amplifies The Killers,” visit www.myspace.com/greygranite.
