Heather
Vocals, guitar
Heather’s interest in music started back in her school days when she used to perform in school shows. Wanting to become more involved in music, rather than acting, she picked up her mum’s old classical guitar and began to teach herself the basics. After about six months of playing (and using a plastic ‘tazzo’ from a cereal box as a pick) her dad took pity on her and added the missing three strings! Armed with a six string guitar she began to learn as many songs as she could with her limited chord skills.
After learning pretty much the entire Beatles back catalogue and auditioning for “Stars In Their Eyes” as the Cranberries, she decided it was time to develop her own sound and style and began writing songs of her own. She took her influences from the artists she’d been brought up listening to: Bonnie Tyler, Stevie Nicks, Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morrisette.
However, Heather continued to perform only at home with her sister Jill. It wasn’t until she found support and encouragement in the form of her new partner in crime, Kristen, that she was persuaded into playing a couple of open mic nights at a local pub. From there the ball just began to roll at an unbelievable pace. Heading to the Edinburgh Festival (2004) she tried out some of her new material at a couple of open mic nights and the response she received was great. By the time she got back to Bolton her mind and heart were set on really getting involved in the music scene.
Phil Zarei (who had spotted Heather at an earlier open mic night) gave Heather her first break by offering her a place on the line-up for the “Ghost Rockers Ball” at Bar Chic. Heather’ friend Gab had offered (when very drunk) to add harmonies to the set and Heather took her up on the offer the following day (though Gab still can’t remember offering).
The set a Bar Chic was a success and led to the introduction of Becky Dowey (fairytale management). Becky could see the potential in Heather and Gab and so offered to take them under her wing and provide guidance. After a meeting to discuss what kind of sound and image the girls were looking for it was decided that they would form a band, rather than promote Heather as a solo artist.
With this in mind, Heather, Gab and Becky set about finding a lead guitarist and, luckily (after seeing Heather and Gab at Bar Chic) Yarky volunteered himself for an audition – and the rest is history. Out Of The Gray was formed (and named) and has since added new members, Gabby (bass) and Andy (drums).
