With her soulful vocals and unapologetic lyrics, TS Graye is fast becoming a force in the alt-R&B scene. Now, she’s back with her most daring release yet — ‘Flowers’. We sat down with the rising star for an intimate one-on-one to dig into the inspiration, the evolution, and what’s next.
Creative Process & Songwriting
- ‘Flowers’ feels incredibly raw and intimate—can you walk us through the writing process? Where did the first spark of inspiration come from?
Thank you so much! The writing process for this song was actually so fun as it’s the most up beat song on the EP & so I just wanted it to feel playful and easy but wanted some of the lyrics to catch the listener & for them to be like, wait… is this a sad song?
The inspiration came from feeling really empty after a huge betrayal from an ex and filling that void with partying and strangers. It always feels fun at the time but then you get home and always feel worse lol. “Please don’t bring me flowers” has a double meaning:
1 – Please don’t bring me flowers because I don’t want anything long term
2 – A fuck you to the ex asking not to bring me flowers as an apology
2. How do you usually approach writing about personal experiences without feeling too exposed, or is that vulnerability something you lean into?
I guess that’s something I’m still figuring out, but I’ve learned the more honest I am, the better the song. I would be doing myself a disservice by holding back too much, otherwise what’s the point? You can’t think about it too much otherwise you’re not present whilst making your art. And if you’re not present, how are you supposed to do or write what’s best for the song? I think it’s really special to put trust into yourself to tell your story the way you want to, and to turn whatever you’re going through into something beautiful that people will create new stories & memories to.
3. You’ve mentioned that ‘Flowers’ explores the “in-between” post-breakup moments. What drew you to explore that emotional space?
Feeling lonely I guess! Sounds sad but it’s honest & it’s something I’ve never written about. I just think it’s interesting that the more you try to push your feelings down & distract yourself with partying instead of sitting in them and acknowledging them, the worse it gets.
4. How do you know when a song is finished, especially one that taps into such complicated emotions?
Sometimes I never do, but being a perfectionist doesn’t exist when finishing songs because you could be finishing them forever and still not be 100% happy, so I try to work on feelings instead of worrying over every little thing. If it feels finished, it’s finished. Over complicating something can be the worst thing for a song!
Artistic Evolution
- You started recording music on your mum’s phone back in Trowbridge—do you still carry any of that DIY spirit with you now?
Always! I think my phone has over 2,000 voice memos on it haha
2. Looking back at your breakout track ‘MY2’ and now with ‘Flowers’, how would you describe your artistic growth?
I would say my writing is more honest, and when I’m making music now, I feel I mostly know what I want, or the direction I want to take it instead of figuring things out!
Influences & Identity
- You’ve cited Lana Del Rey and Frank Sinatra as influences—how do their styles shape your music or storytelling?
I just love the drama of both of their lyrics and production & grew up listening to their music, so I feel like there’s a lot of ingrained influence from both of them!
2. ‘Mother’s Genes’ was such a beautiful tribute—what role does your upbringing or family play in your music today?
Thank you so much! They play a huge part! I would be nothing with out my family. They are my entire heart. Mothers Genes is an ode to my mum & I hope one day I can give her the entire world like she gave and still continues to give me hers!
3. You explore themes like love, detachment, and emotional fatigue in a really nuanced way. Do you feel a responsibility to be emotionally honest with your audience?
I definitely do, I think it’s important to be honest so fans and listeners can relate & not feel alone. We’re all human & I think shared experiences are what bring us together and connect us all!
Industry & Recognition
- You’ve had support from BBC Radio 1, Notion, Apple Music, and more—how has that shaped your confidence or opened doors?
It’s always so amazing to be recognised by such amazing names! I’m very grateful!
2. What’s been the most surreal moment of your journey so far—from Wiltshire to the wider alt-R&B scene?
Definitely the people I’ve met & gotten to work with! That’s always the best part for me
3. How do you navigate the balance between being an artist and managing the business side of your career?
I never struggle navigating making art that I love, but the new “influencer era” of making content is quite fatiguing, and I think a lot of artists feel that way. Although, I do think it’s a double edged sword as there’s never been a time like this before where marketing your music is so easy yet so hard at the same time.
Just for Fun / Personal Touch
- What’s a song you wish you’d written?
Definitely “how can you mend a broken heart” it’s such a beautiful song and is just so perfect in every way.
2. If ‘Flowers’ were a scene in a film, what would it look like?
Haha I love this question!! This is probably a bit morbid but it would look like me in a coffin being suffocated by all of the flowers being thrown in we love an emo moment <3
3. When you’re not making music, how do you reset or find inspiration?
Spending time with friends, family and my cats. I also love playing backgammon and painting, so any of the above or all of them!!
TS GRAYE DROPS PLAYFUL SINGLE ‘FLOWERS’
