Rising country artist Frank Ray chatted about his new music, which includes his album “Getcha Some,” touring with Old Dominion in 2023, and making his debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage.
How did you approach the song selection process for “Getcha Some”?
After recording 15 songs for a full album, we realized that we didn’t want to put music out and have it get lost in the shuffle. So the idea behind the EP “Getcha Some” was to select 6 songs that offered the best snapshot of what people could expect from the upcoming full-length project. Each song on the EP represents a unique musical approach and showcases the artist I’ve become.
What inspires your music and songwriting?
I draw inspiration from my life. I’m a dedicated family man with a tendency of having a tequila-induced wild time. That’s pretty much all the ingredients you need for any country song.
Songwriting has always been an outlet for me to escape the everyday stress of the world.
What was it like to debut on the Grand Ole Opry stage?
The Grand Ole Opry is the pinnacle of any aspiring artist in country music. It’s hallowed ground. To think of all the icons who have played on that stage is overwhelming and humbling. God forbid my career crash and burn tomorrow, I could hang my hat on the fact that I’ve set foot on the Grand Ole Opry stage. Again, God forbid.
How does it feel to be on tour with Old Dominion next year? Excited?
When my booking agency presented me with the question of artists I’d love to tour with, Old Dominion was at the top of the list. I just think that our music complimented each other so well and I also selfishly loved the idea of becoming friends with them so I could write a song or two with them. They’re insanely talented and I’d love to be a fly on the wall when they’re crafting songs.
So to say I’m excited to go on tour with them is an understatement. I’m bringing my A-game! It’s gonna be one for the books.
Can you briefly tell us about your transition from a police officer to a musical artist?
I’m grateful for the decade of public service. It gave me a lot of life experience and I gained a lot of perspective about people from different walks of life in the community. However, it was never my life’s passion and so the leap of faith into music was just that, a leap of faith.
I left law enforcement with no intention of returning so I didn’t have that “something to fall back on” mindset. I think that was an important factor in being successful in the music industry.
A person can achieve a bunch of great things when they feel like they have everything to lose.
How does it feel to be an artist in the digital age? (now with streaming and technology being so prevalent)
I think I’m one of the emerging artists who is breaking into the scene of what some would consider “the old-fashioned way” through country radio. I never had a ton of followers on social media or never had that viral moment. It’s worked out for a ton of artists, but the route I’m taking is certainly working out for me too.
Social media is a tool like anything else and I have fun with it, but I’m not basing the success of my career on it either.
Which female artists would you like to do a dream duet with?
I’m a big fan of Lainey Wilson. She’s just someone who is super authentic and has the chops from singing to songwriting. That kind of person is just someone who would challenge you to do better and so I know we’d knock one out of the park.
What does the word success mean to you?
Success to me is doing what you love and being able to put food on the table for your family while doing it. I’m just fortunate that the two go hand in hand for me. If I never get that viral moment or the hardware of a Grammy or ACM/CMA that’s fine, as long as I’m providing for my family and performing, I’m good. But hey, those wouldn’t hurt either.
His new music is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about Frank Ray, follow him on Instagram.
