Artist description The evolution of music can at times seem somewhat strange when looking at certain genres. This is a time when acoustic guitars and the prettiest of melodies can be appreciated by the most avid punk rock and hardcore fan. All labels aside, singer/songwriter J. Kip Count started down the path of most young hard rock fans that grew up in the mid to late 80's, making the logical progression from heavy metal, to the most definitive hardcore and punk music ever recorded. "I picked up a guitar for the first time at age 15. At the time, I was listening to a lot of pop-punk, ala Descendents, as well as venturing into the "metal zone" with bands like Anthrax. Both intrigued me enough to make me want to create music of my own" explains Count. Today he fronts a trio of musicians that he calls the Neutral Grey, a name that more than suits the at times melancholy, yet undeniable pop displayed in his songs. The current incarnation of his group includes guitarist Dan Coutant, and keyboard player Lauren Strenge. From repeated listens to their music one can draw a wide variety of references to just about every time period of rock music, from the 60's to the present. "My musical influences come from many directions. The foundation of it all is the Beatles, which I've consistently held as "my favorite band" from my days as a little kid, up until today," continues Count, "The Descendents, Social Distortion, Dag Nasty, and Agent Orange were some of my biggest influences. These days I've found my own musical niche, but still draw influence from a lot of music... ranging from Bob Dylan, to Bad Religion, Built to Spill, and too many others to mention." With such a diverse collection of influences, it may seem difficult as to how he makes it all come together. The reality is, that while Count appreciates and takes something from several different pieces of rock and roll history, his delivery of this marriage of sounds is completely his own. While some of his most deep rooted influences used volume and aggression to express themselves, he finds the acoustic guitar a more suitable and effective voice to share his thoughts and feelings with the world. "Throughout the years, I've actually written most of what I've done on acoustic, then, sort of translated it to fit the electric guitar, and a full band formula. These days, I am leaving what I write truer to its original form. My chords aren't lost in walls of distortion, or melodies lost behind the drums anymore. My music is very driven by melody, and the acoustic guitar provides a perfect foundation to build upon." The songs of the Neutral Grey leave one in a pool of self examination. Count can take anything from an everyday situation to an inconceivable loss and give a perspective that helps the listener gain a reassuring sense of ease. With lyrics that spill introspection like "All these lonely people...But everybody's got their walls. Do I fit inside, or sit outside...Or classify at all?" from the track The Two Sides or "I can honestly say...That I have some regrets...But the time wasn't right. Now the years divide like never before, and never again...Can I let the timing slip. It's too devastating...When time after time, I constantly lose myself" from the song Neverslip, Count accepts the rights and wrongs of life with a bittersweet charm that leaves the listener at an optimistic end. "Each line I write usually reminds me of a different person in my life, or a memory I have about one thing or another. I never really know what I am going to be writing about. I just let the words flow, then, look back on it later to get meaning from it. I guess you could say I attempt to paint a general mood, rather than tell a specific story. If a person can relate to the mood I am painting, then my hope is they will see their own story in the song."

Music Style indie-pop

Musical Influences J. Kip Count, Beatles, Ben Folds, Built to Spill, Dylan, the Posies

Similar Artists J. Kip Count

Artist History The recordings of J. Kip Count have evolved into a band known as The Neutral Grey.

Group Members J. Kip Count - guitars, lead vocals; Dan Coutant - guitars, backing vocals; Lauren Strenge - keys, percussion, backing vocals

Location Harriman, NY - USA

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