Interview with RAY SCOTT

 

Lamitschka:
Music has many new fans throughout Europe who may be hearing about
you for the first time. How would you describe yourself and the music
you play to someone who has never seen or heard you?

Ray Scott: I am a
modern country singer with a traditional and retro feel and sound…
Classic yet progressive..

Lamitschka:
How was the last year for you? What were your highlights?

Ray
Scott:  This
last year for me was very busy..  “Those Jeans” was
released late in the year, with a successful video, and became a hit
on XM radio, as well as being number one on the Hotdisc chart in
Europe..  It has been very exciting to see this happen from an
independent status..  a dream come true, really..

Lamitschka:
What is your latest CD and how’s it doing?

Ray
Scott:  My
latest cd is called “Ray-ality”, and it’s doing quite well,
based on the success of “Those Jeans”..

Lamitschka:
How did you choose the title for the CD?  Is there a story
behind the name?

Ray
Scott:  “Ray-ality”
is just a fun word I created depicting the “reality” of
Ray, of my life..  It’s a little wacko, just like me.. 

Lamitschka:
Please tell us about the songs on your album (influences, etc).

Ray
Scott:  The
songs on my album are simply an extension of my thoughts and
experiences, along with a little embellishment..  I enjoy
writing in all types of moods..  this is just a group of songs
that offer a look out of my own personal window..  and that
window needs cleaning..  ha..

Lamitschka:
What is the difference between your last CD and your current one?

Ray
Scott:  The
difference in “Crazy Like Me” and Rayality is mainly the fact
that more work went in “Rayality”..  “Crazy Like Me”
was a culmination of old demos mainly, maybe not quite as focused as
the newer one.  With that said, I still love Crazy Like Me..
It was a good representation of where I was in my life and career at
the moment..

Lamitschka:
Your current single is being played by radio. And the video clip is
doing very well, aired by some tv networks, GAC included. What do you
feel is special about this song that makes people want to hear it?

Ray
Scott:  I
think “Those Jeans” is popular because it’s different.
It’s a funny, self deprecating story.  It’s the type of song
most people don’t hear much these days, very unique compared to what
else is out there currently being played, and I think that’s what
attracts people to it..  I’m very thankful..

Lamitschka:
Do you know what will your next single be?

Ray
Scott:  The
next single will be “High Road”, coming very soon.

Lamitschka:
What kind of songs do you like to record the most?

Ray
Scott:  I
enjoy recording all kinds of songs, slow, rocking, funny, serious,
and everything in between..  i think it’s important to be
diverse, to keeps things interesting.  Everything should not
sound the same.

Lamitschka:
How much creative control do you have over your music?

Ray
Scott:  I
have complete creative control over my music..  I wouldn’t have
it any other way.  I love it.

Lamitschka:
There’s a lot of work that goes into a high ranked hit. What did it
take to make it in your case?

Ray
Scott:  I’d
say it took a lot of hard work and paying dues over the years, and a
little bit of luck as well..

Lamitschka:
Do you have any interesting stories about how fans have been affected
by your music?

 

Lamitschka:
Who inspires you musically and how deep do your musical roots run?

 

Lamitschka:
What do you think about today’s music scene versus its past and where
do you see it going in the future?

Ray
Scott:  There
are many challenges in today’s music scene, brought on by illegal
downloading, and different philosophies at record companies, but
there are also many opportunities for artists to get heard that
weren’t there 10 years ago.  We must simply roll with the
changes and adapt.  That’s the way it has always been.  In
the future, I only hope that songwriters will be more fairly
compensated for their work..  Too many people are having their
careers literally “stolen” from them due to illegal
downloading, and poor compensation otherwise.. 

Lamitschka:
What do you think about today’s music industry?

Ray
Scott:  Today’s
music industry is and can be very exciting, but I am saddened that
physical cds or product is falling by the wayside..  many people
only possess their music in cyberspace.  They don’t buy cds,
look at the artwork, or cherish music in the same way that people
used to..  Music seems more disposable to people all the time.
I find that troubling.

Lamitschka:
If you had the chance to change something about the music industry,
what would it be?

Ray
Scott:  I
think I answered that question in my last answer..  I’d like to
see people still wanting and purchasing physical product.  The
art of the album is in danger of extinction.

Lamitschka:
As an artist, you so many tasks such as recording, touring,
songwriting. What do you like best, what’s your favorite activity?

Ray
Scott:  I
think I enjoy all aspects equally.  The whole process is a joy
to go through.  I truly enjoy touring and discovering new places
in the world.  I have thoroughly enjoyed visiting and learning
new things about many European countries.

Lamitschka:
What was your big break that got you into the music business?

Ray
Scott:  My
first break in Nashville came when legendary songwriter/producer,
Norro Wilson, heard a cheap demo of mine, and came down to the
marina where I was working to meet me.  He and Buddy Cannon
volunteered to record some “sides” on me to help me find a
record deal.  They also got me a developmental writing deal with
Acuff Rose publishing, thus beginning my writing career as well..
That was in 1997.  It’s been a long road.  I will always be
grateful to them. 

Lamitschka:
What inspired you to become an artist and songwriter?

Ray
Scott:  My
father inspired me to want to become a country artist and
songwriter..  As I mentioned before, he was a local and regional
artist who performed around the Carolinas and Virginia in the
US.

Lamitschka:
What drives you?

Ray
Scott:  What
drives me?  A Volkswagen…  Ha..  kidding..
What drives me is the wish to continue making original music, music
that is immediately recognized as Ray Scott music.  I’m not
driven by money or fame.  Only the love of this art form..

Lamitschka:
What’s unique about you that will differentiate you from other
artists?

Ray
Scott:  My
sound, my vocal style, and my stories and lyrics..  I don’t
do the typical paint by numbers approach.  I think people
recognize that and appreciate it, though it is an acquired taste.
I do it for the folks who like it.  I’m not trying to please
everyone..

Lamitschka:
Who is your biggest critic, yourself or others?

Ray
Scott:  I’m
my biggest critic,  though some others may wish to argue..
Ha!

Lamitschka:
When you get time off, how do you like to relax?

Ray
Scott:  When
I get time off, I enjoy motorcycle riding, or being near the water in
some way.  I also enjoy good movies and downtime with good
friends..

Lamitschka:
Is there anything in your life that you would change if you could?

Ray
Scott: I
feel like I have been on the right path, though if I could change
anything in my life, it would be going through the divorces.
They have been painful.  On the flip side, they have also
inspired some pretty good songs, so there’s a trade-off.  We all
need the pain to fell the pleasure..

Lamitschka:
What hopes and desires do you have?

Ray
Scott:  My
hopes and desires are simply to continue doing what I love for a
living, and to improve as a person with each new day..

Lamitschka:
What has been the biggest disappointment on your artistic way?

Ray
Scott:  My
biggest disappointment along my artistic way has been my own failure
to take the reins of my career sooner than I did..  I wasted a
lot of time believing other people knew what was best for me and my
music..  and my business..

Lamitschka:
Many European fans travel to the United States to attend the several
of the music festivals as CMA Fest for the opportunity to see so many
of their favorite artists, bands and celebrities. Will you be
participating and how will the fans be able to find you?

Ray
Scott:  Well,
I am answering this quest post CMA Fest, so I guess it’s too late to
answer..  Things went well though, and I was very busy.  I
met a lot of people along the road that week.. 

Lamitschka:
Is there any place you haven’t played that you would like to?

Ray
Scott:  I
always want to play in new places, new countries, cities, etc.
I can’t name any really specific place I’m looking forward to play..
I enjoy EVERY new opportunity..   This summer, I am looking
forward to play in Denmark and the Czech Republic for the first
time, as well as return visits to Poland and Germany..

Lamitschka:
What can your fans expect to see when they see you in concert?

Ray
Scott:  My
fans can expect to see a man enjoying singing his songs and
telling his stories..  I don’t have an elaborate stage show.
No pyrotechnics.  I just try to get my songs across in a simple,
relatable way, and I hope everyone enjoys it as much as i do.

Lamitschka:
Do you like touring outside USA? How often do you visit Europe and/or
other continents?

Ray
Scott:  i
do love touring outside the USA..  I have been going to
Europe a couple of times a year recently..  I enjoy going all
over the world..

Lamitschka:
When you’re on tour, do you have time to play tourist?

Ray
Scott:  I
do play tourist from time to time..  I love seeing historic
places, and soaking up the local culture of the places I go.

Lamitschka:
What’s the best compliment a fan has ever given you?

Ray
Scott:  I
had a fan tell me I was their favorite since Johnny Cash..
I really appreciated that.  The man In Black was a large
influence on me, outside of my own father..

Lamitschka:
What’s your favorite song that you wish you could have recorded or
wrote?

Ray
Scott:  My
favorite song I didn’t write or record is “Live Forever”
by Billy Jo Shaver.  it has a moral code and spirituality about
it that surpasses most songs I have heard..  It makes me feel
good to listen to it, and it reminds me of some simple rules of
life..  I can only hope I could write a song that could speak to
someone else in the same way.

Lamitschka:
Fans are always hungry for good road stories. Do you have one you can
share with us (come on don’t be shy)?

Ray
Scott:  I
once saw Billy Yates riding bitch on the back of a scooter in
China..  Ha!

Lamitschka:
Describe what a perfect day is like for you.

Ray
Scott:  My
perfect day is to wake up after sleeping as long as I want, drink a
great cup of coffee, take a long ride on my Harley, and
watch the sunset over the gulf of Mexico with the one I love..
details in between can vary..

Lamitschka:
What message would you like to send your European fans?

Ray
Scott:  Hey
all you European country music lovers!  Thanks for making
“Those Jeans” a hit in your country!  I hope to see
you all soon for a big show and an even bigger party!   God
Bless!