Howard Gray facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Howard Gray
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Howard Gray in studio, London
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Howard Gray |
| Born | 15 July 1962 Sydney, Australia |
| Genres | Electronic |
| Occupation(s) | Producer, composer, musician |
| Years active | 1980–present |
Howard Gray (born 15 July 1962) is an English musician, sound engineer, and producer. He helps create music and has worked with many famous artists like U2, The Cure, and Tom Jones. He is also a founding member of the popular dance/rock group Apollo 440.
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Howard Gray's Early Music Journey
Howard James Gray was born in Sydney, Australia. His family moved back to Liverpool, England, when he was very young. Liverpool helped shape his love for music. When he was 15, Howard started his first band with his brother, Trevor Gray, and school friends. They called themselves Alvin the Aardvark and the Fuzzy Ants!
In 1980, while still in school, Howard got a job at Richard Branson's famous Manor Studio. This was a recording studio in the countryside. He also worked at Branson's Townhouse Studios in London. Howard started as a tape operator, which meant he helped set up and record music. Then, he became an assistant sound engineer. He learned a lot from producers like Steve Lillywhite. Howard worked with many artists, including Public Image Ltd, The Stranglers, and Van Morrison. He also helped with Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark's album Architecture and Morality.
Becoming a Music Producer
After working for Virgin's studios, Howard Gray became an engineer for Steve Lillywhite. This led him to work with bands like Simple Minds, The Pretenders, and XTC.
Howard got his big chance as a producer in 1983. The band UB40 asked him to help produce their huge album, Labour of Love. This album sold millions of copies! Howard was credited as an engineer and assistant producer. He also engineered and co-produced UB40's next album, Geffery Morgan.
Howard continued to produce music for many artists. He worked on The Cure's album The Head on the Door. He also produced Terence Trent D'Arby's first single, "If You Let Me Stay." This song was from a very successful album that sold 12 million copies! In the 1980s, Howard also produced music for bands like The Pale Fountains and Age of Chance. He even helped create one of the first albums made using a special sampling device called a Studio 440.
Apollo 440 and Film Music
In 1990, Howard Gray started a new band called Apollo 440. He formed it with his brother Trevor Gray and old friends James Gardner and Noko. In Apollo 440, Howard is known as the "Vibe Controller." He focuses on creating unique sounds and producing the music.
Apollo 440 has released four albums. They have had three songs reach the top 10 in the UK and eight songs in the top 40!
Apollo 440 has also created music for many film soundtracks. These include Lost in Space and Charlie's Angels. They have also worked on music for PlayStation games like FIFA '98 and Spider-Man. The band has also remixed songs for famous artists like Manic Street Preachers, Puff Daddy & Jimmy Page, and U2. They have even worked with music legends like Jean Michel Jarre and Jeff Beck.
Besides his work with Apollo 440, Howard Gray still produces music for other artists. He has worked with Tom Jones and the Manic Street Preachers.
Recent Projects
Howard Gray was a co-producer for the Josh Bray album Whiskey and Wool.
Apollo 440's fifth album, The Future's What It Used to Be, came out in January 2012.
Fun Facts About Howard Gray
- Howard's first production, "Love Chains" by Trevor Herion, featured uncredited singing by Holly Johnson. The very next day, Holly Johnson recorded "Relax" with his band Frankie Goes to Hollywood in the same studio!
- David Slade, who directed the music video for Apollo 440's song "Stop the Rock," later directed Eclipse. This was the third movie in the popular Twilight series.
Film Music Howard Gray Worked On
- The Game Plan (2007) - song: "Heart Go Boom"
- Cursed (2005) - song: "Stadium Parking Lot"
- Gran Turismo 4 (2004) - song: "Hot Rod Honeymoon"
- Agent Cody Banks 2: Destination London (2004) - song: "Time is Running Out"
- EuroTrip (2004) - song: "Make My Dreams Come True"
- Chasing Liberty (2004) - song: "Stop the Rock"
- Resident Evil (2002) - song: "Wall of Death"
- ATV Offroad Fury (2001) - song: "Yo! Future"
- Evil Woman (2001) - song: "Stop The Rock"
- Charlie's Angels (2000) - "Charlie's Angels 2000"
- Bedazzled (2000) - song: "Stop the Rock (Mint Royale Mix)"
- Spider-Man (2000) - "Theme Song"
- Loser (2000) - song: "Stop The Rock"
- Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000) - song: "Stop the Rock"
- Daria (1 episode, 2000) - "I Loathe a Parade" (TV episode) - song: "Stop the Rock"
- Gran Turismo 2 (1999) (Video Game) - song: "Cold Rock the Mic"
- Rogue Trader (1999) - song: "Liquid Cool"
- Lost in Space (1998) - song: "Will & Penny's Theme"
