On July 8, country star Michael Ray sat down and chatted prior to his headlining show at Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall in Wantagh on Long Island.
American track and field legend Jesse Owens once said: “We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort.” Michael Ray is an individual and country music recording artist that embodies this wise quote by the late four-time Olympic gold medalist.
Throughout his respected career in the music business, Ray has earned over one billion global streams, over 650,000 album equivalents, and over 100 million views on YouTube; moreover, he has performed at the hallowed Grand Ole Opry 65 times.
The country crooner is thrilled to be performing at Mulcahy’s since it encompasses his mutual love for both Irish pubs as well as music, so he feels that it is a natural fit.
‘Holy Water’ latest single
His latest radio single “Holy Water” is in the Top 40 making its way up the country charts, and rightfully so. It is a captivating story tune that follows a Florida preacher and his lucrative midnight side hustle.
A native of Eustis, Florida, Ray grew up going to a small old church, and he heard stories of his grandparents running moonshine up the East Coast, so he knew instantaneously that he had to record the song. “Holy Water” was co-penned by Ashley Gorley, Ben Johnson, Hunter Phelps, and Michael Hardy (who was an ACM Songwriter of the Year winner).
Ray was drawn to his song’s music video, which was eloquently directed by Spidey Smith since it depicts the moving tale in a cinematic yet authentic fashion.
‘Whiskey and Rain’ single
Most recently, Ray garnered his fourth No. 1 single and his first multi-week No. 1 single on country radio thanks to the success of “Whiskey and Rain”; it was subsequently certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which was another bright feather on May’s cap.
His previous chart-topping singles include “Think A Little Less,” “Get to You,” and “One That Got Away.”
Ray remarked, “When I first heard ‘Whiskey And Rain,’ I was drawn to the idea of letting yourself really live in a moment where it can wash over you. I am very grateful that the fans dig it. I couldn’t do it without the fans and my team behind me from Warner to my management side.”
He noted that they cut “‘Whiskey And Rain ” during COVID, at a time when nobody was in the studio together, and tours were at a halt.
He was doing “Honkytonk Tuesday” livestreams on social media, and it reached the No. 1 spot on country radio.
Honkytonk Tuesday
Ray spent time connecting with fans through his “Honkytonk Tuesday” virtual series, where he plays his favorite ’80s and ’90s tunes and has welcomed guests such as Clint Black, Mark Wills, Marty Raybon, Aaron Tippin, Steve Wariner, Deanna Carter, and Terri Clark, among many others.
“Honkytonk Tuesday” garnered him the No. 32 spot on Pollstar’s 2020 “Top 100 Livestreams” list, where it accumulated well over 750 million views.
‘Higher Education’
At the moment, he listed “Higher Education” as his personal favorite song to perform live due to its fun nature, s
Speaking of “Higher Education,” it’s a soaring collaboration with such artists as Kid Rock, Lee Brice, Tim Montana, and Billy Gibbons. This defiant and rebellious anthem was penned by Montana, Derek George, Jeremy Bussey, Monty Criswell, and Frank Rogers, and it was subsequently produced by Rogers.
Ray worked with Grammy-nominated producer Ross Copperman on “Higher Education,” where they melded their musical influences in an effort to create a unique blend of vintage country and modern country’s best sounds. It is safe to say that they succeeded in that goal.
Musical Influences
Ray grew up playing traditional country music in a family band, “The Country Cousins,” along with his father and grandfather Amos, who was the inspiration for his sophomore album, which was also named in his honor.
As a traditional country fan and cultured in ‘90s country, Ray was heavily influenced by such diverse artists as Gary Stewart, Earl Thomas Conley, Tim McGraw, and Steve Wariner.
He was also thrilled that his late musical hero, Keith Whitley, will finally be inducted into the coveted Country Music Hall of Fame posthumously later this year. “That honor was long overdue for Keith Whitley,” he said.
The greatest lesson that the music industry has ever taught him was to “stay humble” as well as to be “authentic” with the music.
‘Label Me Proud’ Tour’
He noted that he is pumped to be re-joining country star Lee Brice on the “Label Me Proud” Tour, which starts on August 11, 2022, at the Pensacola Bay Center in Pensacola, Florida, and it will wrap up on September 24th at the Smart Financial Center in Sugar Land, Texas. “I am very excited to be on the road again with Lee Brice,” he said.
Dream duet choices
In the dream duets department, he listed Gary Allan, Miranda Lambert, Ashley Cooke, and country queen Reba McEntire as his dream collaboration choices. “I might have to fight Dustin Lynch for the Reba duet because she’s his favorite too,” he said. “I would love to sing with Patty Loveless too.”
In the bluegrass genre, he would love to duet with Rhonda Vincent, who is affectionately known as the “Queen of Bluegrass.”
Ray also complimented Lainey Wilson for her success with “Things a Man Oughta Know,” which won her two ACM awards for “New Female Artist of the Year” and for “Song of the Year,” and he also sang her praises for “Never Say Never,” her stunning duet with Cole Swindell.
On the title of the current chapter of his life, he responded, “Gratitude.” “I am very grateful for the success we’ve had this year: my family, my road family, and my career. I really feel like I have it all. I feel very grateful for it all,” Ray expressed.
Looking back in a rearview mirror over the last decade, he acknowledged that he sees a lot of growth and maturity as an artist.
Motivations
Every day, Ray is motivated by his love for country music and the fans. “I always wanted to be a part of country music. Being able to have this platform motivates me. I feel very blessed,” he admitted.
“A lot of people rely on me to be my best, and a lot of people work hard for me, so being able to know that they depend on me, that’s what motivates me. My family also motivates me and just being able to do this for a living. I live a very blessed life,” Ray elaborated.
If Ray were to have any superpower, he stated that it would be “flight” and/or “teleportation.”
As his alternate career choice, outside of the music business, Ray revealed that he would be in the emergency services profession as a firefighter or an EMT.
Success
On his definition of the word success, Ray said, “being happy in life and being able to do what you love to do. My grandpa told me that if you can do what you love for a living, then that’s a success.”
For Ray, success is about being comfortable and having peace of mind.
“Holy Water” by Michael Ray is available on digital service providers by clicking here.
To learn more about country star Michael Ray and his new music, check out his official website, Instagram page, and Facebook page.
