The Grey Tones Blend the Ethereal and Distorted

The Grey Tones is a duo whose sound blends ethereal and distorted moody surf-inspired textures. Featuring Agent Mar (Marcela Agüero) a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist whose style ranges with post punk elements. Complementing her sound is The Abominable Dr. John (John Messing) The unique approach combines vintage drum machines, layered samples and expressive bass work to create a haunting, cinematic atmosphere at the heart of the band’s music. Sneak a peek at the entrancing sound of several shades as The Grey Tones hop aboard The Jitney.

Why the name, The Grey Tones?

Mar: Our former name was “Agent Mar and The Abominable Dr. John”. It exceeds character limits for almost every platform. It took us a year to agree on a shorter name. The Grey Tones is a very special name for us because we’re both into B&W photography and John is into vintage film. I’ve actually used this name for my side projects for decades. It’s a neutral but meaningful name.

Dr. John: We wanted a name that Reflects not only our music but also our interest in art. We also wanted something that is easy to remember.

What is your practice situation and who and how do you write your songs?

Dr. John: We are able to practice at our home studio since we use electronic drums. It starts with a riff or a melody on the bass. Mar adds the vocals and then I write the drums and any other instruments are added after.

If you can have a guest musician play with you who would it be?

Mar: My first thought is a drummer friend named Ramsey.

Dr. John: The first thing that comes to mind is prog-rock drummer Bill Bruford or I wish I could have played with The Ventures drummer.

Mar: Funny how we both thought of drummers.

Tell us about your next album and when can we expect it?

Mar: We quietly released a demo today. It’s our first! No one knows about it and it has no plays. But it’s everywhere if anyone is curious. We are recording a handful of songs now.

Dr. John: (Laughs) That would be this album right? It will be our first and it will encompass all of the aspects of our music. And, should be available at the beginning of next year.

Share with us something that you wouldn’t usually tell other people

Mar: We used to be in a Goth band and we were also frenemies.

Where do you come from?

Mar: We’re from the old Broward underground scene. Squeeze, Nemesis, ect. Shout out to downtown Ft. Lauderdale!

Dr. John: I was born in Coral Gables, but moved to Fort Lauderdale when I was two years old. I have always been here. The band came about from us knowing each other in the south Florida scene many years ago and we’ve worked on and off together in different projects. We met each other at Squeeze. And just being musicians and having similar interests, things just fell together.

Do you have a video coming out?

Dr John: Why yes we do! We have our first video coming out this month as well as our first release. It’s demo quality but encapsulates our style.

What was the first album you each bought?

Mar: Duran Duran’s Rio. I guess I’ve always loved a good bass line.

Dr. John: The first album I ever received was James Bond Live and Let Die, on 8 track tape. The first album I ever purchased was Tales from Topographic Oceans by Yes. And, the first album I took from someone else was The Ventures Live Album.

Anything else you want to tell me or provide to include into this.

Mar: The Grey Tones is an old and new musical collaboration. Some of the songs we did together in the past with a full band and drummer. For the past decade or so, John has been performing as a solo artist. (how cool is that?! A band that’s just Bass Guitar!) It really highlights the contributions he’s made to each of his bands. He restructured his original bass parts, and created new ones too, adding drum machines, keyboards and samples. Now, I’m adding new and old vocals, flute and ambient parts to his arrangements. It’s taking on such a unique form so far and we’re pumping out songs pretty fast. John’s project is different than the electronic styles I’m used to working on, or the gloom-rock bands we used to be in. Lyrically, it’s easy for me to write sad songs, but we try to keep our vibe positive for The Grey Tones. We even jokingly base the style off spaghetti-westerns, and spy theme movies. Our musical reunion is the best gift I could’ve asked for. We’re grateful to everyone who’s collaborating, supporting or even interested in us. We do it because it’s fun. And we can’t wait share our sound with everyone!

Dr. John: The best is yet to come!