Gray Gurkin
Richmond, Virginia, United States | Established. Jan 01, 1987 | SELF
Music
Press
Gray Gurkin (The Lost Souls) is proud to be an endorsee for Art & Lutherie / Godin Guitars. Gray has been playing these eco-friendly handcrafted Canadian acoustic guitars for over 10 years. His latest is a beautiful 12 string Cedar Antique Burst acoustic dreadnaught with EPM Quantum 1 electronics.
"I play hard and have never found such a workhorse of a guitar. They sound great plugged in or just strumming in the living room, not to mention you can't beat the price. The Canadian woods A&L uses actually get better with age. I'm glad to be a partner with such a quality product."
Gray Gurkin • www.artandlutherieguitars.com
- Art & Lutherie / Godin Guitars
Gray Gurkin received the Honorable Mention Award from Billboard for his Pop/Rock song “Matchbook”. This song is featured on his band THE LOST SOULS CD, Horseshoes. - Honorable Mention Award - Song: 'Matchbook' Category: Rock
Gray Gurkin received the Honorable Mention Award from the 16th annual Billboard World Songwriting Competition for his inspirational song "Miracle".
- Honorable Mention Award - Song: "Miracle" Category: Inspirational
Gray Gurkin’s diversity in writing music crosses all genres.
Gray received honorable mention in 2007 from the 15th annual Billboard World Songwriting competition for his Pop Country song “Brand New Tattoo”.
It’s easy to see this talented cutting edge songwriter is well on his way!!
- Billboard World Songwriting Competition
Gray Gurkin’s diversity in writing music crosses all genres.
In 2007 Gray received honorable mention in the international John Lennon Songwriting Contest for his song “Show Me The Way” in the Gospel/Inspirational category. This highly respected contest has thousands of entries which is open to both amateur and professional songwriters. It is quite an honor!
- John Lennon Songwriting Contest
Songwriter Gray Gurkin / "Southside Boyz" was selected as a semi-finalist in the 2010 International Songwriting Competition (ISC).
ISC has the most prestigious panel of judges of all the songwriting and music contests in the world, offering exposure and the opportunity to have your songs heard by the most influential decision-makers in the music industry. This contest is open internationally to amateur and professional songwriters and is a exceptionally noteworthy achievement!
- Song: Southside Boyz - Semi Finalist
THE LOST SOULS
Frontman Gray Gurkin speaks of upcoming new TLS CD and the social media effects on music.
“I love the whole social media thing,” he says, “but I would ask people to actually show up at a venue to support the bands instead of waiting for the photos to pop up on Facebook. Be a part of it. It’s fun, it’s real!”
Gray Gurkin of The Lost Souls
- The Richmond Grid
Magazine 33, Charlottesville’s Roots Rock publication writes about The Lost Souls CD release party for Barflies. - Magazine33
Gray was a winner in round one of the 2010 Taylor Guitars and Elixir Strings: Test Drive Acoustic Competition. Gray was 1 of 100 up and coming artist selected to be a part of 2 great music brands! - Test Drive Acoustic Competition - First Round Winner
Discography
SIX PACK - 2000
HORSESHOES -2009
Signs of Hope - 2012
Photos
Bio
Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, Gray Gurkin started writing and performing his original songs at the age of 16 in local coffeehouses. He expanded his songwriting skills playing his unique blend of Pop Rock in local bands during the 90’s. After college he made a living as a solo acoustic act on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. From there he headed down to Atlanta, Georgia, joining forces with the vibrant acoustic community. During the late 90’s Gray was heavily influenced by Americana Roots Music and decided to move to Austin, Texas to pursue his music. Gray performed often with his band "Hubcap Fetish" on Austin's known 6th Street and also recorded an Acoustic CD titled “Six Pack”. Gray moved back to his home town in 2002 and has been very involved in the songwriting side of the music business including hitting the Nashville songwriter’s scene.
In 2007 Gray jumped back in the ring as a performing artist and has not looked back. His music branded projects "Glitter Boot" and "The Lost Souls" took on the big stages with a ton of energy backed by his signature songwriting. This was all possible by the talented musicians that helped back his projects. During this time he released his CD titled "Horseshoes". In 2013 he released an Acoustic CD, Signs of Hope" which showcased his songwriting craft accompanied by passionate vocals.
Gray's 2015 project "Gray Gurkin and the Black Concert Tees" featured Crawford Turner on Bass and Steve Ashby on lead guitar. It was a nice change from solo acoustic and the band played several successful shows. 2016 sees Gray going back to his solo acoustic roots. Stay tuned on upcoming show announcements.
Gray Gurkin Songwriting Awards:
2007 International John Lennon Songwriting Contest
Honorable Mention Award
Song: “Show Me The Way” Category: Inspirational
2007 15th annual Billboard World Songwriting Competition
Honorable Mention Award
Song: “Brand New Tattoo” Category: Country
2008 16th annual Billboard World Songwriting Competition
Honorable Mention Award
Song: "Miracle” Category: Inspirational
2008 16th Billboard World Songwriting Competition
Honorable Mention Award
Song: “Matchbook” Category: Rock
2010 Taylor Guitars and Elixir Strings:
Test Drive Acoustic Competition
First Round Winner
These highly respected contests have thousands of entries, which are open to both amateur and professional songwriters.
Band Members
Links