John Murry is a half Cherokee American musician, singer-songwriter and composer. With deep, rich vocals and dark poetic lyrics he’s been compared to Nick Cave and Leonard Cohen.
His debut album, entitled "The Graceless Age", released in 2012 and produced by Tim Mooney was a response to childhood and family trauma.
The masterpiece – the astonishing ‘Little Colored Balloons’ described as one of the most beautiful songs ever written, told of his near death experience.
“A work of genius”5 Stars - The Guardian
'The Graceless Age ...is a Classic... from a compelling honest, deeply emotional, singer-songwriter' THE TIMES
'An instant classic. The Graceless Age is a Masterpiece. Murry’s songs are unforgettable' UNCUT 9/10.
'Ink-black gothic country gospel. Formidable stuff' MOJO 5 STARS
The follow-up, ‘A Short of History of Decay’, produced by Michael Timmins was recorded in the wake of Murry’s marriage failing and the sudden death of his mentor Tim Mooney, who passed away just before the release of Murry’s debut album.
“..delivers in gloriously dysfunctional bucketloads” 4 Stars - Mojo
‘The Stars Are God’s Bullet Holes’, produced by John Parish, came six years after Murry left the US for Ireland. It’s starlit and wondrous, like being wrapped in the softest black velvet. It’s an album of startling imagery and insinuating melodies, of cold moonlight and searing heat. It’s a record that penetrates to the very heart of you, searing with its burning honesty, its unsparing intimacy and its twisted beauty.
9/10 Uncut
One of the best collections of fuzzy indie rock and desert-dry Americana you’ll hear this year – The Irish Times
There’s a reason for the volatility in Murry’s writing. “Violence has been a big part of my life,” he says. “It has been inflicted on me in ways that I was unable to control as a teenager, and as a child. You don't realise until later that that becomes a part of the way you see the world. The world becomes this intrusive thing and you're protecting yourself against it. I also realised early on that if you don't fight you're just going to have to fight more.”
The documentary ‘The Graceless Age – The Ballad Of John Murry’ was premiered last year at the Galway film Fleadh and won Best Irish Documentary. This is the story of John who was on the cusp of greatness after the release of his highly acclaimed album The Graceless Age when his world fell apart.This documentary follows John as he embarks on a road trip that takes him from his haven of County Clare, Ireland back to his native Mississippi.
John will release a new album on the 20th September 2024 via TV Records - John Murry And Michael Timmins ‘A Little Bit Of Grace And Decay’. Original Soundtrack Recording for ‘The Graceless Age: The Ballad Of John Murry’ documentary.
Tracks include stripped back versions of songs from ‘A Short History Of Decay’, new songs and sections from the documentary score. Available to order from record shops now. Release date 20th September.