Musician Dean Ray has one simple message for his listeners, and it happens to be the title of his latest album Live it Loud.
Released in 2014, Ray said the album and the title track both have a great message – live everyday like it might be your last.
“Everyday live life to the fullest and make every moment count in each situation. Everyday should be a memorable one,” said Ray in an email interview. He said you should never hold back and that is what his latest album is all about – an album that he believes has progressed from his last, 2011’s Here’s to You.
Ray recorded his new album in Nashville, Tenn. with Daniel Dennis at Primecut Studios. He described the experience as “awesome” and said he worked with some of the best musicians in the world.
Ray was born in Saskatchewan and grew up in Lethbridge, Alta. He eventually moved to Three Hills where he finished school and currently lives. He said it is a great location because it is central to a lot of the shows he plays across the province.
Ray said he got into music at around the age of six and that he came from a musical family, with his parents always playing “great tunes from Elvis, CCR and Buddy Holly.”
His first electric guitar came at age 14 and then his first band at 18 – he hasn’t stopped since.
“It’s not work to me, but just so much fun playing and singing for people and making them have a great memorable time at my shows,” said Ray. “I love to get people involved with my music in the audience by them singing, playing conga drums and the tambourine. I love making them feel special.”
And he certainly gets the opportunity to make audiences feel special quite often, playing a large number of shows each month.
When he is driving across the Alberta highways to his gigs, Ray said he gets a lot of his ideas for original songs. His main influence is from the interesting and wonderful people he meets, whether it is at his shows or in Three Hills, from the stories he hears.
You can see Ray “live it loud” July 17 at the Stoney Nakoda Resort and Casino.
