Interview: Grey DeLisle Talks about The Zombies, Petunia and The Vipers, and the Musical Holy Trinity
By: Randall Radic
Tags: Grey Delisle, O Holy Night, Interview, Christmas Music, Music

Grey DeLisle — ‘O Holy Night’

Interview: Grey DeLisle Talks about The Zombies, Petunia and The Vipers, and the Musical Holy Trinity Randall Radic Follow Dec 17 · 4 min read

Grammy-winner Grey DeLisle unveiled the music video for her interpretation of “O Holy Night” a while back.

You already know who Grey is because you’ve heard her voice on myriad cartoons. Not only is she a grand singer, but she’s a stellar voice over artist. Her roles include Vicky of The Fairly Odd Parents, Samantha “Sam” Manson of Danny Phantom, and Mandy from the Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy.

In 2021, Grey is releasing a new album, Willie We Have Missed You, via Regional Records, along with a music video for each track.

Grey’s rendition of “O Holy Night” trembles with passion and hints of country gospel, resulting in intimate, dazzling textures. The video shows Grey in the studio recording the song amid an array of sound equipment which, when juxtaposed against the simple beauty of the song, imbues Grey’s voice with a transcendent quality.

Catching up with Grey DeLisle, Pop Off spoke with her about how she got started in music, her influences, and what she’s up to right now.

What three things can’t you live without?

Strong coffee, humor, and I hate to say this but, apparently, my PHONE because I recently lost it and my entire world ground to a halt and I thought I was gonna die.

What motivated you to cover “O Holy Night” rather than another Christmas song?

It’s always been a favorite. I remember growing up in church and not being very moved by any of the Christmas music there….but ‘O Holy Night’ and that soaring chorus always got me.

What do you hope your fans/listeners take away with them when they listen to your music?

Well…with everything that’s happening in our world right now, I know I’m taking lots of comfort in my favorite music so I hope I’m able to offer a bit of that to others as well. A musical hug!

How did you get started in music? Does it tie into your career as a voiceover actor?

I come from a very musical family. My grandma Eva Flores used to sing with the Latin bandleader Tito Puente and my mom was always in local bands when I was growing up. My uncle always had a guitar at family gatherings and we would make tapes of us all harmonizing and singing Grandma’s old boleros or The Beach Boys.

Which musicians/vocalists influence you the most?

I’m a giant fan of the Musical Holy Trinity (Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris, and Dolly Parton!) and my dad used to play a lot of old-time country when I was growing up. The Carter Family, Hank Williams…he also loves Slim Whitman!

Grey DeLisle

Which artists are you listening to right now?

I just acted in a short film called “The Musicianer” by the Grammy-Nominated filmmaker Beth Harrington (Welcome to the Club, The Winding Stream, etc.) and my co-star was Petunia of Petunia and the Vipers! Since we wrapped, I’ve become a huge fan! Download “The Cricket Song!” Glorious! I’ve also been listening to Odessey and Oracle by The Zombies. It’s an old favorite. It makes me happy.

In 2021, you’ll be releasing a new album, Willie We Have Missed You, via Regional Records. What can you share about the album?

Well, it was initially supposed to be mostly older unreleased material, but I’ve been writing like crazy so we might add a few new originals. I have worked with so many incredible songwriters in the past and always wanted to cover their songs. I finally got to do my own renditions of Murry Hammond’s “Valentine” and Marvin Etzioni’s “You Are The Light,” and I’m so excited to share my take on those beloved tunes.

Do you have a guilty music and/or entertainment pleasure?

My favorite TV Show right now is PEN15. It’s a genius show…so that’s not the guilty part. The guilty part is that I watch it with my 14-year-old son. It’s pretty racy at times, but Tex assures me that he’s seen worse on TikTok so….

Any advice for young females out there who want to do music or get into acting?

Create your own content! Never let anyone else tell you what you can and can’t do. If you make your own art, you don’t have to ask permission anymore. Nobody gets to decide if you are worthy but yourself! I started my own label (Hummin’bird Records) when I was 25 so I could put out my own records. The internet has made it even easier now to get your art into the world!

What’s next for you?

Well the cartoon stuff is keeping me pretty busy! I recently joined the cast of The Simpsons and I have some incredible roles in the new Invincible series with JK Simmons and John Hamm…still doing Daphne on various Scooby Doo projects…and I’m also homeschooling 3 kids during a pandemic so my plate is FULL.

But I’ve written 8 new songs in the past week so there will surely be more than one new record released in 2021!

When the world decides to re-open….I’ll be READY!

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