Tanner Lee Gray is a songwriter who understands that growth in the music industry is about the miles on the van and the willingness to stay open to the journey. As a founding member of the Birmingham-born indie-rock outfit Certainly So, Gray has helped steer the band from its college-town roots to major festival stages like Shaky Knees and Bourbon & Beyond. In this episode of Curious Goldfish, Gray talks with Jason English about the evolution of his craft and the "nervy" transition from being the first band on the smallest stage to hitting major milestones.

After releasing their polished debut Future Self and the follow-up Dreams of What We Were, Gray and his bandmates are shifting their philosophy for their upcoming third record. Rather than striving for studio perfection, they are chasing an authentic, lived-in sound. "I think the new version is going to be a little messier," Gray notes, explaining that he wants the recordings to reflect the raw energy of a live show. This shift represents a move away from over-production toward a sound that values character and vulnerability over clinical precision.

For Gray, travel is more than just tour logistics; it is a vital source of curiosity. He views every new city as a chance to discover a new perspective, often seeking out local venues just to soak in the atmosphere. This wanderlust fuels his songwriting, allowing him to weave the specifics of the American landscape into the band’s indie-folk and rock sensibilities. Whether it’s the coastal vibes of the 30A Songwriters Festival or the grit of a Kentucky bourbon fest, Gray uses his surroundings to inform the narrative arc of his music.

The journey of Certainly So is marked by steady, hard-earned progress. Gray reflects on the significance of their slot at Bourbon & Beyond, noting that for the first time, they aren't the very first act of the day. "That's moving up in the world for us," he says with a mix of humility and pride. This milestone serves as a testament to the band's resilience in an industry that often rewards quick hits over long-term development. By focusing on the craft and the community around the music, Gray is building a career defined by longevity rather than just a moment in time.