Country traditionalist Ray Scott has a ‘guitar for sale’ (Includes interview)

Ray Scott’s name first became synonymous with traditional country music back in 2005 (as far as the record-buying public were concerned), when ‘My Kind of Music’ – a passionate celebration of that good ol’ country sound – broke into the top 40.

Fast forward to 2017 and Guitar for Sale is the fifth studio LP from the deep-voiced forty-something, whose songs have also been cut by the likes of Clay Walker (“A Few Questions”) and Randy Travis (“Pray for the Fish”).

The record is the follow-up to 2014’s outstanding self-titled effort (Ray also put out a well-received covers EP, Roots Sessions, Vol 1, in 2015) and each of the 11 tracks were written or co-written by the artist himself. It hits the stores on June 9.

“It’s a sentiment that a lot of musicians can relate to and identify with,” replied Ray, when asked about the title. “I think we’ve all contemplated what life would be like if we gave it up and tried to find a ‘real job’ that allowed for more time with family, and less heartache and stress.”

What themes did Ray address on this record? “Alcoholism, addiction, growing older, loss of loved ones, crazy girlfriends,” he stated, before going on to reveal his standout tracks: “Every one of them except the ones that aren’t on this album.”

Since the release of Ray Scott in 2014, there seems to have been a bit of a return to that traditional country sound, the sound that Ray has always staunchly refused to deviate from, thanks to artists such as William Michael Morgan and Mo Pitney.

“I do think there has been a return recently,” agreed Ray. “I don’t think radio has hopped on board as wholeheartedly, but I think the existence and availability of more traditional country music has increased.

“I think if record labels start thinking it can make them millions of dollars, it will come back. It will come back in a big way underground, as it already has. I don’t see it doing that at radio unless radio splits its format.”

Ray Scott

Webster PR

Commenting on his plans for the rest of 2017 and beyond, Ray concluded: “Tour and play as many shows as I can. Make as many new friends and fans as humanly possible. And to get a haircut.”

Guitar for Sale will be available to buy or download from June 9.

For more information on Ray Scott, visit his official website.