INTERVIEW: Grete
Grete steps into a new era with the release of her second EP, Cry in Colour. The project marks a striking evolution from her 2024 debut Grey, trading in its shadowy, jazz-infused tones for glossy, R&B-tinged pop with funk flourishes and rich, emotional storytelling. Packed with groove-driven beats, slick production, and vibrant vocal arrangements, Cry in Colour captures Grete at her most confident and dynamic yet. We caught up with her just as the EP was dropping to talk about her musical transformation, her journey from Lithuania to the UK, and how Cry in Colour reflects exactly where she is right now.
You began performing at just 3 years old. Do you remember what first drew you to music that early?
I was really lucky that my mother recognised my interest in music so early. She dedicated her time and money into my passion and I am so grateful for that. I started singing in different ensembles, participating in concerts and contests around the country and abroad. I think from a very early age it was clear not only to me but also to others that this will be my life, and I would never change that!
From Lithuania’s biggest stages to the RNCM in Manchester, you’ve had a truly international musical path. What were some defining moments along the way that shaped your identity as an artist?
I think one of the biggest defining moments for me was the experience in The Voice in Lithuania 2018. I was only 16 and being on TV that early in a competition where they want big personalities and they want to control everything, for a young girl who’s only finding herself was very difficult. I received a lot of angry comments, and in the moment it was difficult, but now I feel like I grew a thicker skin for it. Moving forward and being surrounded by many talented people in RNCM and Manchester in general, helped me start shaping my own sound. All the experiences from the past - competition, angry opinions, sometimes injustice, stress and many others, have helped me become a strong fighter that wants to be heard and show the love for what I do.
What made you decide to step away from the function gigs and session work in Lithuania to build a new start in the UK?
I have always wanted to move to the UK, I love the language and it was always my dream to write my songs in English. Session work is great, I still do it here in the UK, but there’s something about creating your own thing and people connecting to it. I have so much music in me that I want to share to the world.
Your first EP, Grey, had a moody, jazz-leaning vibe. Cry in Colour feels like its opposite, brighter, groovier, more pop-forward. What led to this creative shift?
It sort of follows the idea of everything being grey and super sad and emotional in my first EP Grey and now with this brighter, pop-forward project I am introducing a lot of colour, not only in the artwork but also in the music itself. The songs, if you go deeper into the meaning behind the lyrics are still quite sad (hate, distance, doubt and even loss), hence the word “cry,” but the sad stories are told in a groovy, funky and colourful way, hence the words “in colour.”
What does Cry in Colour mean to you? Is it about emotional freedom, contrast, reinvention or all of the above?
Most of my songs are quite personal, because they are about me, what happened to me or someone close to me. I wouldn’t be able to say which one feels more vulnerable, because both EPs talk about quite sensitive things. Maybe it’s a little easier to perform Cry in Colour because most of it is backed by a positive instrumental, whereas performing Grey my vocals and every little tremble feel very exposed.
Did writing Cry in Colour feel more personal or vulnerable in any way compared to your debut EP?
It happened very naturally, I was in my final year of university and that was my mood, that was the music I listened to in the moment and I also bought a bass guitar which I started writing on, which influenced the shift quite bit. I think with every project my music will shift somewhere new every time, but there’s some things that I will never run away from— creative untraditional harmony and strong message and vocal performance.
“Skinny Bones” has such a fun and funky sound, yet it’s rooted in anger and frustration. Can you tell us about the emotional tension behind that song?
Yes, it’s a fun pop song, but it’s actually talking about hating someone. I wrote this when the anger was very intense and I think it was like some sort of therapy for me. Letting it all out, but putting it under a positive backing track feels like actually I’m over it and I can sing about it in a pop song! So writing this was a great way to move on from some unpleasant feelings. I recommend this!
“Juice” feels like the EP’s standout groove moment. How did that track come together? Was the bassline the starting point?
Absolutely, the bassline was how it started and I wanted it to be the main focus of the song. The track came together very quickly, the bassline already had some sort of sassiness to it, so I matched it with bold and confident lyrics, talking about doing everything the way I want to do and no one can stop me.
“Different” was praised even before it was released. What made that track feel like a level-up for you as a writer and producer?
I think it’s the catchiness of it and really making the most of it. The 4 lines of the chorus are repeated so much, it can’t not get stuck in your head. I believe that with every new song I improve as a writer and producer. Sometimes the song connects with more people, sometimes it connects with less and I learnt to accept it. But I do promote this song as my most quintessential offering to date.
You’re planning to release a live arrangement of “See U More” with a piano and string quartet. What was the inspiration behind reimagining it that way?
I love a song “Sideline” by Niia, featuring Jazmine Sullivan, it has a live video with a string section and I wanted to do something like that. “See U More” has lots of space for something like that and what better instrument than strings to enhance the emotion of heartbreak. I wrote the arrangement and gave it to my string player friends from RNCM. They did an amazing job and I can’t wait to show the result.
If listeners could walk away from Cry in Colour with one feeling or thought, what would you want it to be?
Don’t be afraid to talk about uncomfortable things and try it in untraditional ways - while on a roller coaster, while dancing in the club or shouting it to your favourite pop song!
LISTEN TO ‘CRY IN COLOUR’ OUT NOW
WHERE TO FIND GRETE
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