Here’s what went down when the rising singer joined Billie Eilish on tour this week.
Since dropping her debut EP “Grreydaze” earlier this year, south London-born singer-songwriter JGrrey has established herself as one of the most exciting neo-soul sounds in the city.
JGrrey’s introspective tracks reflect on everything from complicated relationships to mental health and self-growth, with frank, conversational lyrics documenting the highs and lows of navigating her 20s in 2019. Blending dark, atmospheric elements with bright percussion and playful interludes, the singer’s fire and blunt honesty caught the attention of Billie Eilish earlier this year, who – after sliding into her DMs – asked her to get involved with her ongoing European tour.
On Tuesday this week, JGrrey opened for Billie at the O2 Arena in Prague – because when you get an offer like that, what else? The singer shares her backstage diary below, as well as what went down, her ideal tour rider and what we can expect next…
How did you and Billie first connect?
She DM’d me and then it kinda just went from there…
What was it like stepping out in front of so many people?
It felt like being high, like it wasn’t real. I don’t remember much of it, I remember taking a second to kind of say ‘Jen, this is about to happen?’ to myself and then that was it. But at the same time, it felt comfortable, like I’d done it before. Overall – very surreal!
What was the highlight moment from the night?
It was just one big highlight, really. I still feel high from it, like it’s the start of something.
Has Billie given you any advice or support?
Yeah, she just let me open for her in front of 18,000 people and then I got to hang out with her! That’s all the support I need really. Definitely hoping to do it again soon too.
How do you want people to feel at your shows?
However they need to feel, however they want to feel, at home, comfortable, accepted, beautiful, whatever. As long as they are happy, I’m happy.
What’s on your ideal tour rider?
How long do we have? Woah, this is such a hard question… My brother Cas always tell me I should have riz and pre-rolled roach, and something really random to see if whoever got the rider likes me enough to try and get it for me… But I guess room temperature water and ice-cold whiskey will be enough for me.
What can we look forward to from you next?
Everything I have coming up next I’ve surprised myself with. You’ll have to wait and see, but it’s gonna be worth the wait for sure.