Ready to form another band after a five-year hiatus from music, Hailey went to see Grey perform with Mellowdrone. “I had been waiting to meet someone who had her talent and drive,” Hailey says. “After hanging out a couple of times, it was obvious we were a great match.” For her part, Grey says she was ready to leave behind session work and focus on a creative collaboration. “I’ve wanted to write and produce my own music, but was too busy touring as a background performer.”

      The result of their efforts is I See Red, which was recorded over several months in a bedroom at Grey’s Los Angeles home. (“Vocals were done in the bathroom,” Hailey says, “it was very sexy.”) Produced by Grey and mixed by Al Clay (who has worked with the Pixies, Frank Black, and Blur), I See Red, with its laser-sharp melodies, ethereal harmonies, lush string arrangements, and muscular drums, is a great introduction to the duo, who are currently writing songs for a full-length album to be released next spring.