With her soft, smoky tone and heart-felt lyrics, singer-songwriter Uri Grey has one goal when approaching music. “I want to write moving songs. I want people to remember how they felt when they listened to my songs, and have the need to return back to them for that same feeling. That’s the goal."

Uri’s passion for music began at an early age, as she ventured into learning instruments like the violin and alto saxophone, before become serious about the piano. Born Shameka Dwight, Uri decided to use a name that represents her purpose and goal in the music. Uri represents "light" and Grey is a color of intellect. "I've always wanted my life to be a light to those I encounter. I want the words that I express to be honest, thoughtful, and inspiring." Although she was encouraged to pursue a career in medicine, the music could but be forsaken and she eventually allowed that passion to take over her pursuits in life. In college, Uri studied music therapy, where she began writing songs as a means of self-expression. It was there when she learned to tap into her innermost thoughts and allow them to be translated into lyrics. “Music saved me. It was my comfort. I never knew that it would become something that I needed to share with others.” She also learned the guitar, classical piano, and percussion during her years in college. 

Uri’s talent as a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer are all evident in her first self-penned and produced album “Lovelations” under her given name Shameka Dwight. Each song on the album is unique, and tells an individual story all while being connected under the theme of love. Songs like “Roses Have Thorns”, “Always”, and “Start Again” defined her sound to her public audiences. Those songs have led others to describe her music as refreshing, organic, authentic, and meaningful. Uri’s ability to mix folk, soul, pop, and classical styles resulted in a sound that’s vintage, rich, and soulful. She has worked over the past few years to define her musical style and was greatly inspired by Sam Cooke, Cyndi Lauper, India Arie, Joni Mitchell, and countless others.

Uri has since began to explore new sounds and approaches to writing that will be evident in her EP “Colors”  “I've always wondered what life would be like if we were all naked and unashamed. Not so much in the physical sense, although that is perfectly okay with me, but more within the heart. If we were fully honest with our thoughts, fully exposed with our struggles, and fully vulnerable with our love; what would that look like. I plan to explore that on this next record.”