“I think this EP is the soundtrack to a movie where the dream girl is given the chance to be so much more.”
About the music
Eryka Gray has crafted a world of her own in her debut EP “Dream Girl Complex”. The second you hit play, you feel this iridescent swirl of emotion. Each song has the power to stand alone, while at the same time, go together beautifully like their own movie script.
Get to Know Eryka Gray
1. Going into the making of “Dream Girl Complex”, did you have a clear idea of what you wanted to say? Or do you feel the songs almost wrote themselves to unravel the story as it went?
This EP actually came to be from a collection of songs I’d written between the ages of 15-18, and I had no idea what I wanted to say. It was a lot of me finding my voice and getting comfortable in the idea of being so vulnerable. But then I wrote ‘massachusetts’ and it all clicked into place: the story I felt like I’d unintentionally been telling through the years, and it all fell together to make ‘dream girl complex’!!
2. The title of the EP feels so intentional. How did you land in it? And what does it mean to you personally?
I’ve always been super caught up in people’s perceptions of myself, and wanting to label myself with some sort of archetype to brand myself with. And although most people see the trope as degrading, I always kind of saw myself in the manic pixie dream girl type. Elusive, complicated, shiny. The kind of girl you think you understand, but you really know nothing about. When I was thinking about what I wanted this EP to be, I really felt like I needed to show the industry who I was. And I think, in turn, that meant talking about my stupid little dream girl complex. The manic pixie dream girl in media is widely known as being the quirky character that is only there to help a man make some story-turning life revelations. I think this EP is the soundtrack to a movie where the dream girl is given the chance to be so much more.
3. If you had to describe the world of “Dream Girl Complex”, like if it had colors, textures, a temperature, what would that world feel like?
Oh my god, I love this question. I think I’ve got synesthesia, so this is great for me. ‘dream girl complex’ is so rich with visuals in my head. At its core, it’s sparkling, iridescent, vibrant pastels. It’s craft store gems and drugstore glitter eyeshadow. Sheer pink slip dresses and brown buckle boots. I mean, I definitely see different things for each song, but the EP as a whole has this feverish Sofia Coppola visual to it that really builds the world.
4. The EP has this cinematic, indie-film energy. Do you see it carrying one central message, or do you see each track being their own experience?
To be completely honest, I think that the EP definitely feels like a film altogether. It takes you through hope, heartbreak, lust, turmoil, and back to love all over again. But in saying that, each track feels like its own chapter in a story that can stand on its own two feet. Each track is so different from the rest that, in true dream girl fashion, makes you feel like you’re on a bit of a rollercoaster. It’s cinematic, but unpredictable. Like a story that ties together, but you never really know where it’s taking you.
5. When someone is listening to “Dream Girl Complex”, where is the ideal place for them to be? With friends? A late night adventure? Alone in their room with headphones and mood lights?
It definitely depends on what you want to gain from the EP, because I think there’s so much to take from it for everyone! Personally, I think this is the kind of EP that you listen to in your airpods in the Uber on the way home from the bar. Looking out the window, super dramatic, a little wistful. Definitely drunk. But I also think the right person will find this project to be the perfect thing to cry to on their bathroom floor. And for somebody else, getting ready. You can choose the kind of dream girl you want to be, I guess!
Final Thoughts
Eryka gray has the heart, the passion, the talent, and the vision to get to exactly where she sees herself being. Excited to watch her evolve!
Will you be giving “Dream Girl Complex” a listen? (you should):)
Leave a Reply