Ryan Shaw and Ray Angry chatted about their new album “OFF Broadway.”
How did the ‘OFF Broadway’ album come about?
Ryan Shaw: The OFF Broadway album happened because Scott Jacoby, who produced ‘Rising Up’ for me, was invited to see my show at 54 Below with Ray Angry. This was before we started working together.
After seeing the show, he was really excited about it and felt there was something special that needed to be captured as an album. Scott was the mastermind behind the idea.
That all started on November 7, 2024, and by January 2025, we were in the studio recording the entire album over two weeks. That included Recording the band in one day, over dubs one day, my vocals over two days and the rest was mixing and mastering.
Ray Angry: For many years, I’ve been a huge fan of Ryan Shaw, whose vocal skills are otherworldly. Fast forward to 2024, I was asked to join Ryan at his performance at 54 Below, which turned out to be a magical experience.
We took classic Broadway songs and turned them into new standards, with our own bag of fresh seasonings. It was a wonderful experience.
That gig turned into a meeting with Scott to discuss recording an album because he was so moved by our performance. To be honest with you, performing with Ryan was so easy and natural that the room was electrifying after every song.
That was the birth of OFF Broadway. I’m so happy I got the call to work with Ryan and Scott on OFF BROADWAY, which allowed me the space to help create new ways to explore popular Broadway songs through a wide musical lens.
What is your personal favorite song on there and why?
Ryan Shaw: My favorite song on the record is “Gethsemane,” (from Jesus Christ Superstar) simply because it was such an amazing and fluid collaboration between Ray and me.
I had a wild idea that we should swing “Gethsemane,” and at first, Ray wasn’t sure about it. But he never says no—he always tries to find a way to make an idea work. In doing so, he suggested that by the end, we should be in full house mode.
The blend of classic Broadway, house, and swing created something none of us imagined would be so impactful, uplifting, and joyful.
It’s especially meaningful on a song about the death of Christ, which in my culture is a celebratory event because we know that He rose again.
Ray Angry: My favorite song on the album is “Send in the Clowns.” I love this track because of all the interesting musical textures and vocal layers that represent so many human emotions.
This song represents loss and regret, but at the same time, it also represents love and victory. Ryan’s vocal takes are very thoughtful and regal. With regard to colors, Scott and I added a lot of vintage effects on the piano, which creates a very lush foundation for the theme.
In addition, I added splashes of melodic themes from the MINI MOOG, a classic synth made by Bob Moog, that allowed the cross-pollination of electronic and acoustic instruments, which created magical elements for the listeners.
To me, “Send in the Clowns” is the perfect track for a film score.
Ryan, how did the new single ‘Rising Up’ come about?
Ryan Shaw: “Rising Up” was written during the pandemic, a time when I felt helpless and lost. We wrote it over Zoom, and the song became a call for unity. With mandates and all kinds of uncertainty, no one knew what to expect.
“Rising Up” was about coming together, making our voices heard, and ensuring our concerns didn’t go unnoticed during such a crazy time.
What inspires your music and songwriting?
Ryan Shaw: My songwriting is inspired by so many things. A conversation with a friend might spark an idea, or I might draw from my own experiences. I’m also a people-watcher.
I love sitting in a park or a restaurant and observing people, imagining their stories. Maybe it’s a first date where they’re deep in conversation, or a couple who’ve been together so long that they’re quietly sharing a meal without words. I find inspiration in those everyday moments of life.
Ray Angry: My inspiration for music comes from life experiences. Being a student of music, I draw inspiration from the musical masters across genres.
My goal is to create music so fluid that I have no limitations—only infinite possibilities.
How does it feel to be artists in the digital age? (Now with streaming, technology and social media being so prevalent)
Ryan Shaw: Being an artist today is a mixed bag. With streaming and social media, it’s easier to share your music, but harder to get noticed. There’s so much content out there, and the algorithms keep changing.
Sometimes your event gets pushed to lots of people, other times it’s hidden. While anyone can release music now without a label, the landscape is ever changing, so it can feel like a moving target.
Ray Angry: It feels great to be a creator in this digital age. My only comment regarding this digital age is the following: we need to find safe and fair practices that allow artists to be at the table when new technology is being created that will affect our livelihood.
We cannot stop the future from coming, but we can become forward thinkers and create sustainable business practices with companies that make a huge profit from music.
What do your plans for the future include?
Ryan Shaw: For the future, my main goal is to be more consistent with releasing new music. I sometimes find it challenging and end up waiting too long between projects.
Now, I want to build momentum by staying active and consistently putting out music that truly reflects who I am as an artist.
Ray Angry: My plans are to build my brand to a level so high that I can bring about needed changes in the music industry.
The top priority is to continue to learn and grow as a musician, as well as a human being. I want to create music that inspires the hearts and minds of humanity at large.
Which artist would you like to do a dream collab with someday?
Ryan Shaw: My dream collaborations would be with Lauryn Hill and Missy Elliott. Lauryn Hill’s ‘The Miseducation’ album got me through a vulnerable time in my life, and I really connected with her music.
I remember when she won all those Grammys and Sheryl Crow said she wanted Lauryn to produce her next record—that was such an iconic moment. As for Missy Elliott, I admire her incredible range and creativity. She effortlessly blends hip-hop, soul, R&B, and even jazz.
Her writing style is grounded yet free, and collaborating with either of them would be a dream come true.
Ray Angry: There is one person who I’d LOVE to collaborate with, and that would be Björk. She represents everything I love about being an artist—someone who is open to infinite possibilities. She is a creative genius.
What would you like to tell our readers about the new album? (What’s the one thing you want them to get out of it)
Ryan Shaw: I’d like the readers to know that this new album is truly my marriage to Broadway. We’ve taken songs from the Broadway canon and transformed them into a Ryan Shaw album.
We’ve digested these songs and re-imagined them in a way that’s inseparable from who I am as an artist.
It’s as much a Ryan Shaw record as it is a Broadway record, and at this point, I don’t think the two can be separated. I’m so proud of what we’ve created and can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
Ray Angry: Please share our new album with your colleagues, family, and friends. We worked very hard on this album and pray that the music touches everyone in a personal way. This album is magical and was created with love.
“OFF Broadway” is available on Apple Music.
