Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Ray Prim. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Ray, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Ok this really isn’t in my wheel house. I’ll try and give you the answers you need. I basically keep my creativity alive by simply never stop creating. I’m always working on something musically. Whether it be writing a song or producing a track or mixing mine or somebody else’s record. I stay busy creating because I love it.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
Here’s my bio:
Imagine Bill Withers heading over 2 Abbey Road in a Cadillac 2 pick up Ben Harper so they can catch the tail end of The Reverend Al Green’s sermon…2016 Black Fret Recipient, Ray Prim, is a Singer Soulwriter based in Austin, Texas. His music takes you back to the days when songs were inspiring, meaningful and thought provoking. His tunes are melody-based short stories that anyone can relate to and identify with. It only takes one of his many songs to be instantly hooked. Five
words sums it up – Ear Candy for the Soul..
There was no mistaking Ray Prim’s destiny as a child: he was born to make music. With lyrics that seep into your soul and acoustics that lovingly strum each song so they are firmly imprinted in your mind, Ray passionately enforces what it takes to be a great Singer-Songwriter. His melody-based approach sweeps you through a variety of emotions that touch on all of life’s great joys and tragedies, moments that echo within each of us that will leave you smiling with nostalgia.
Based in Austin, Texas, Ray has a musical chocolate box to pick from when it comes to talent and has gathered the most incredible voices and instruments to record on his 11 albums. Performing with fellow band members Camille Schiess (violin), John Ray (percussion), Jason Cherry (bass), Alberto Ferrer (bass), Amanda Jarman (bass) Kim Zielnicki (violin), Christina Steele (Violin), Mike Robledo (vocals), Marianna Tanguy (keys), Courtney Castaneda (Cello), Diana Burgess (Cello) and Cait Coughlan (Viola). Ray’s live shows are inspiring collaborations where you can see and hear the mutual respect each person has for making sounds that touch your heart, connecting with the audience to ensure they are swaying along by the end of each song.
From ‘This Ain’t Rocket Science’ to his latest album ‘Unconditional’ Ray’s song-writing skills are constantly evolving, soaking up stories and experiences that ultimately contribute to music that will resonate eternally, much like Ray’s approach to making music in general. Mr. Prim has no plans to stop playing, so listen up and let Ray’s troubadour skills steal your soul, allowing you to go back and forth over this beautiful journey we call LIFE.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Learning to be myself was the most important thing I learned. Once I figured out that I didn’t need to sound like anyone else or do what every one else was doing things just clicked for me. I found my voice and style and never looked back.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
I think I’ve become better at mixing and producing records. I’ve put in the time and long hours of learning as I’m going and it’s finally starting to show. I’ve come a long way since my days of mixing on cubase on shoal creek lane.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rayprim.com
- Instagram: rayprimdotcom
- Facebook: rayprimmusic
Image Credits
Ishmael Quintanilla lll Sean Mathis
