An Interview with Awesome Ray Ray
An outlandishly addicting new single from Awesome Ray Ray brings with it an unbelievable swagger in the form of a song that blends genres and blurs the lines between country, rock, and pop.
"On The Run" is robust, from the southern-tinged guitar work, bringing rustic, dirty tones, to the boisterous and massive vocals that just call your attention immediately and give you attitude-riddled approaches, and an endless energy that's completely infectious right from the get-go.
The first thing that grabs you about "On The Run" is certainly that guitar work. You have that gritty tone, but the riff is what's really addicting about it. That riff is just pure soul, and again, it has that southern rock undertone flowing through its veins, and this riff basically drives the song.
The whole intro to the song is just that one guitar riff and these soulful, belting, powerhouse vocals, and that's really all you need, to be honest.
The percussion starts building, and the whole thing leads right into a chorus that hooks right in.
This is unbelievably fun. The song has such a unique blend of color and edginess, along with this unique sonic drive, almost live performance energy, and a fusion of sounds that all ooze with that same soul, giving it a full-bodied and lush feel, packed with character.
I think that's probably what hits the hardest about this song. It's got so much character attached to it, and it comes with an amazing music video that showcases even more of the band's character and presents visually.
This is one of those songs where you listen to it, and you immediately want to see the band performing live, in your face. If they can capture this kind of energy so well on record, then seeing it live must be amazing.
It's like a cross between New Orleans soul and classic rock, with all kinds of country influence under its belt, and it all comes together like puzzle pieces, somehow.
The track has a natural flow to it, and one of my favorite things about it is that chorus. It sticks with you for hours or even days after the song has ended, and the only way to satiate that is to go and listen to the track again.
Even if you don't listen to it again, that hook will be bouncing around in your head, and you'll be singing it to yourself.
It's cool because the pop aspect is mainly in that chorus. You expect it to explode into this ultra-heavy rock feel or something, but it doesn't. It keeps the same level of energy but goes the pop route instead.
I totally loved this because it brings a different flavor to the palate of the song, and you just don't expect it.
It's whimsical. There's an element about this release that lets you know the band doesn't take themselves all too seriously. Don't take that the wrong way. This is an amazing song. These guys definitely know how to write a song, and put it out there with attitude, amazing musicianship, memorable guitars and vocals all over the place, but it's something that's meant to be fun.
As I mentioned earlier, the video is really outstanding. The whole thing is shot well; it shows more of their big presents as a band and gives you some backbone to chew on as well. This was also loads of fun, maybe just as much as the single itself. When you listen to it for the first time, I suggest doing it by way of watching this video.
This is a track meant to be listened to at a nice, loud volume. It's a sing-along, hands in the air, absolute banger, and again, the way that they blend genres so incredibly naturally is outstanding.
With the release of such a killer track, I knew I wanted to have a sit-down with the band to find out exactly where this came from and what might be coming up next for them.
So, while you listen to this track, take a read through of our interview with Awesome Ray Ray below.
You do not want to miss this one.
Let's talk about "On The Run"! This was a super fun track with some southern swag on the guitars and huge vocals! Where did this singlecome from?
It came from me just experimenting with my voice. By trade, my background is drums and percussion, but I’ve always messed around with rapping and singing.
I'm hearing a few different approaches to this record! Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
I’m a big rock, blues, and hip hop fan. I’d say I’m heavily influenced by artists and bands like, Gary Clark jr., limp bizkit, linkin park, shinedown, cypress hill, saving Able, James brown and many more.
Did you record this at a home setup, or at a big studio?
So the rough demo recorded in my truck during a massive storm in Baltimore MD. I got it cleaned up then re did the vocals in Hollywood CA. Then polished off the instrumentation in Nashville.
Do you guys write songs together, or are there a few main songwriters that bring ideas back to the rest?
So Awesome Ray Ray is actually a multi genre solo artist. I normally right alone, then run my demos/ideas by close music friends and producers, and go from there.
How did this all start for you as a band?
So I’ve been apart of lots of bands and projects over the years since I was a teenager. After drumming for my last band in NYC ( Year of the locust), I decided in 2019 to step out on my own as a solo artist.
Are you performing live right now?
I am.
The video for this single was great! Did it take long and come out how you expected?
It was a great and exhausting time making this video. It was about a 20 hour day. It came out absolutely amazing! I’m so incredibly thankful for everyone involved that helped make vision and dream a reality.
Now that this is out, what's next for you as a band?
I’ve knocked out a few festivals, and some pretty awesome shows since this release, and I’ve even dropped more music. My plans are to continue more of the same. Shows, tours, festivals, more music, more following my dreams and encouraging others to do the same.
Who's in all your headphones right now?
A lot! Big Krit, devil wears Prada, sleep token, Tyler the creator.
What would you tell people they can expect on this release?
High energy! Strong instrumentation, and vibes all the way!
Before we go, what would you like to express to fans of the music?
I’d like to say thank you for listening, and supporting me, and I hope that my music leaves listeners feeling hopeful, inspired, loved, and ready to conquer whatever challenges they may face.
