Every now and then, an artist crosses my path and I can’t wait to share their gifts with the world. Brandon Ray is no exception. Brandon is the type of artist that truly fuels my passion for music because it’s obvious that he shares that same passion. Not only is he talented, but he is also extremely kind and very supportive in helping others follow their dreams. He is the type of artist that I hope to work for personally one day. Anyone can get on stage and perform, but it takes a special artist to really engage with people in a genuine way. Brandon is one of those people.
Brandon Ray was born in Big Spring, TX. In earlier years, he was in a rock band with his brother called “Crimson Soul” and their music was played on rock radio in Dallas. The band started playing regionally before playing nationwide. Then, they did the Warped Tour together. Eventually, band members started to move on and things began to fall apart, but Brandon says “Thank God they did because I had wanted to be in Nashville the whole time to write songs and eventually do the ‘artist thing’.” When he made the move to Nashville 10 years ago in 2009, he never looked back. “It’s home. I’ve planted roots here. I’m not going anywhere.”
On or off stage, Brandon is the real deal. From his incredible vocals, to how he interacts with crowds of hundreds and even thousands of people, to how he backs a band and how he interacts with his fans online… this guy will impress you. Although I was familiar with his single, “Ends of the Earth”, it was when I saw Brandon performing at The Ryman at Bobby Bones’ “Million Dollar Show” in January that I truly knew he was something special. I very distinctly remember saying “This guy is going to be HUGE in just a couple of years”. His immense success in the music industry is already proof of that too. Brandon has written with and shared the stage with countless artists (including the inspiration for “Shine On Music City”, Keith Urban) as well as Dan + Shay, Brett Eldredge, Kip Moore, Jon Pardi, Luke Bryan and many, many more. Although Brandon has performed or worked with practically every current country artist, it’s when he’s up on stage belting out his original tunes that he really SHINES the most. You just FEEL the music when he performs.
Although Brandon has garnered success and emits an impressive stage presence, he is truly humble and down-to-earth. Brandon is always quick to credit others for supporting him throughout his journey. He credits his wife, his family, Keith Urban, Bobby Bones, and (of course) his fans and many others for their unending support. Brandon’s hits “Bring Your Love Back” and “Ends of the Earth” are definitely crowd pleasers, but if you dig a little deeper, you’ll discover songs that speak to your soul… songs like “Unbreaking” from his “Shake ‘Em Off” album… Brandon may have been born in Texas but Nashville, TN is lucky to have this incredible, soulful country artist.
When I first approached Brandon about spotlighting him on Shine On Music City, he shared the same excitement in the idea as I did. Not only that, but he appreciated the opportunity to be featured… There are so many qualities that make him worthy of the success he has gained so far, but this interview and his music will give you a peek into why we think Brandon is so special.
Brandon, thank you for taking time out of your schedule to do this. This means a lot to me.
This means a lot to me too because I can tell how passionate you are about this and music and everything. We’re all in this together and I think we need to just help each other in any way we can.
Exactly! So… I know we both have connections to Keith Urban and I’ve told you about my connection to Keith’s music. I’m curious though…
How did you get connected with Keith Urban?
Bobby Bones played a song of mine called “That Could Be Us” on his show and Ross Copperman (who I had written with a few months before) heard my song and called me. I mentioned that I was leaving my current publishing deal with Sony and that I was looking for a new home for my music and a new producer to work with and to record some new music. Later on that week, I met with Ross Copperman and Joe Fisher. Both of them own and run a publishing company with Keith Urban called Boom Music. Normally, it’s just a publishing company, but after meeting, Ross and Keith asked me if they could produce my record together.
When asked “What’s next?” Brandon responded by saying:
We’re closing out the year. We’re doing the rest of the Chase Rice tour and some more festivals in California toward the end of the year. We’ll be ending the year with Jon Pardi. As far as music and releases, for the current recording and current EP we released “Small Talkin”’, “Bring Your Love Back” and “Second Thoughts”. There are two more songs that we are releasing that will complete the EP that I believe we will be releasing toward the end of October. In December, we will be going back into the studio with Ross and Keith to record the next project.
What’s the hardest part of being an artist?
I think being gone is one of the toughest parts. I’m married and as much as she 100% supports it and is behind it so much, it doesn’t mean it’s not hard and that we don’t miss each other and all that. The ultimate goal one day is to have her be able to come out and tour with us. Honestly, another hard thing though is staying healthy and making sure my voice is where it needs to be… making sure we’re not sick because we’re constantly in different climates and seasons… making sure our diet is good, we’re working out and that we’re taking the proper supplements to battle the different allergies in the different regions. Music is the easy part… and the fun part.
What do you do in your downtime? Do you even have downtime?
When I used to have down time, I used to work on cars. I love old cars. My dad taught me how to work on cars as a kid. Last year, I turned around 3 Ford Broncos. I had a blast doing that, but honestly no. I don’t have time to do anything but sleep, catch up with family when I am in town… and write. I have a full-time job with Warner Brothers Publishing, so when I’m in town I’m writing. I’m recording. It’s music 24/7 which is a blessing.
Who would be on your “dream tour” with you?
Keith Urban, Kip Moore, Bryan Adams, Allen Stone and Ben Rector
What’s been the best moment in all of this so far? Have you had that moment yet where you’ve thought: “That was amazing. I can’t top that”?
The lucky thing for me is that I am starting to have “that moment” more frequently. Getting to record with Keith Urban and sing harmonies on a mic together and getting to chill and hang out and really absorb advice from him to where he has become one of my mentors… that was a huge moment for me. I guess there is validation in that, and also the realization that I’m really not alone in this and I’ve got one of my heroes behind my music which is incredible.
Most recently, being out on the road… I’ve never been to Fort Wayne, Indiana or Kalamazoo, Michigan in my life and being up there and singing my songs… songs that I have out currently and hearing people sing those songs back is unlike any other feeling I’ve ever had in my life… and that just keeps happening. That’s the fuel that makes me want to keep going and keep doing this… writing better songs, putting better songs out and investing into these fans.
That’s one of the biggest reasons I wanted to spotlight you on Shine On Music City. I feel like you “get it” and you’re such a good fit into what I want to do and what I want to be a part of in the music industry too. You’re kind of an extension of me in a way and I want to keep putting artists like you that I’m excited about and I believe in out in the spotlight. You’re helping ME set a new bar right now, whether you realize it or not. I want to keep growing and I love the perspective and when an artist like you shares your personal experiences. That’s the connection I have with music too. It’s such a personal experience. This moment is so surreal to me. It’s so cool!
I appreciate your passion and your belief in me.
What’s one of the most valuable lessons you have learned in the music industry or in life?
The most valuable lesson I’ve learned is to always be on time and be kind. You never know who you’ll be encountering in your day-to-day. Whether it’s a personal or professional situation, punctuality is always a reason for someone to want to work with you and know that you’re dependable. In the same way, kindness reflects who you are as a person and is what everyone needs and deserves.
Knowing everything that you know now, would you do anything differently in your career?
I can’t say that I would do anything differently. I’m very thankful for every opportunity I’ve been given.
What advice would you give an up-and-coming artist or someone just starting out trying to “make it” in the music industry?
I could write a book on advice and stuff, but simply… what’s most important is to truly be yourself in everything you do. It’s easy to hear a song on the radio and think “Oh, I need to write a song like this…” or “I need to sound like this.” – That hurts a lot of people because it’s contrived from the very beginning. I had to learn: What is my thing? Who am I and how I am going to stick to it? I just think that’s the most important thing… Don’t be afraid to ask questions from your heroes and your mentors and people doing what you want to do because that’s the only way you’re going to learn. Half the work is just showing up and doing it. If you’re willing to put the time in and you have a passion and a belief in this, you’re going to succeed.
I think we sometimes put something out there and hope that someone will catch it. My goal is to stay involved in music as much as possible. Is there anything someone like me can do or anything in the industry or in your career that you wish there was more of?
Keep being a supporter of music. When you come see us live, that means the world to us. When you share things, when you do the things you’re already doing, that’s what makes a difference for us.
The music industry needs to continue supporting genuine artists like Brandon Ray. Shine On Music City is excited to see what else the future has in store for him. We’re just glad he took us along for part of his journey so far.
Be sure to follow Brandon on social media and keep an eye on his full schedule on https://www.brandonrayofficial.com to see when he is coming to a city near you!
(Photo credit: Ford Fairchild)
