Ray Goren – R&B, Rock, Blues, Pop musician, singer, songwriter. Interview June 13, 2014.
Ray Goren Interview
1. What’s new in the world of Ray Goren?
Ray Goren – I am excited about the release of my first EP called LA Sessions. I’m currently also recording more music for a follow-up EP, so that’s super exciting too. On top of that, we just put a new band together, and we’re preparing for our live shows. Lots to do, but super fun.
2. How was it recording The LA Sessions in the studio? I wrote the songs on the EP before we went in to record. So the first day at the studio Abe Laboriel, Jr., Paul Bushnell and I just jammed all day into the night. Fun is not a strong enough word to use. These guys are the just unbelievable musicians. The best. And on top of that, they are super fun the be around and super nice. We had a blast. The next two days, we just tracked the songs in a live setting and captured the vibe from the first day. After that was done, I worked on overdubbing guitars, keys and vocals. Then there is also Eddie Kramer. Working with him is beyond amazing. It is a blessing and a privilege. Not only does he know so much, but he shares his knowledge too. And I’m not talking about just the controls and getting the sounds. I’m talking about studio stories and pictures tat he took from the past. He actually brings all the history of Rock & Roll right into the studio and shares it during breaks. I felt like Hendrix and so many other greats were just there watching. Eddie is a genius not only in setting the musical direction and making sure song structure is just right, but also the recording itself. He makes sure that every note is just right. He is a master of sound and that brings out the best in everyone around him. If all that is not enough, Eddie is so nice and hilarious. He was constantly cracking everybody up. I love that guy. Pretty much, recording LA Sessions was a blast and a dream come true.
3. What’s your view on making promo videos? Promo videos are necessary because YouTube is where people discover music now, especially younger people. I discovered so many artists on YouTube. In today’s world we have to deliver both sight and sound. It could be nice if people just focused on the music like they did years ago, but on the other hand, music videos online helped me become the musician that I am so I can’t complain or look back. I think we live in an amazing time.
4. Where did the idea for the artwork come from? I wanted more color than pictures, but I also wanted my picture on the album because this is my first EP. I thought it was important for people to see what I look like. That is how the artwork started.
5. Could you describe some of your earliest influences? When I was 5 I was obsessed with Jazz. Straight ahead jazz. I was constantly listening to Monk, Oscan Peterson, Milt Jackon, J.J. Johnson (the Trombone player) and Lee Morgan. I listened to lots of other Jazz artists, but these guys were my favorites. Then a few years later, I started to listen to blues. The three “kings”, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Otis Rush and the list goes on and on. It took me about two years of mostly blues from guys who were already recording in he 50s before I got into Hendrix and some of the other modern rock greats. Now I also listen to a lot of R&B, Rock, Pop and Gospel. In that vein, I love Donny Hathaway, D’angelo, Michael Jackson, John Mayer, Bruno Mars, Rickey Dillard and many more. I love that I have access to the music of all of these people. If I was born 40 years ago, that wouldn’t have been possible.
6. How important is it for a musician in this generation to spend time on social media? It is very important. Social media enables us to get our music out people and connect with fans. I cannot respond to every comment, but I definitely read everything that people write. For the most part, it makes me really happy. Also, we don’t need trucks, warehouses and stores to get our music out. We just share it.
7. How many hours a day do you spend on social media and the internet? My rule is never spend more than 15 to 30 minutes per day. When I am doing something, I’m totally focused on the actual experience itself. I’m focused on my thoughts and feelings. I cannot focus on how to capture the moment on social media. In that respect it is a trade-off because I could share more on social media but that would mean that I would focus less on the experience. As a song writer, I really need to focus on the experience and I just can’t sacrifice that for social media. I get my ideas and songs from experiencing, watching and feeling so I am afraid to lose the moment because of a need to share. Time is also an issue. I’m also constantly practicing, playing and writing. On top of that I do have quite a lot of school work and I love spending time with my family and friends. That leaves me with not much more than 15 to 30 minutes per day. But that is really enough time to deliver any message I need or want to get out.
8. What could we find interesting in your music collection at home? You will find a rich collection of Jazz, blues, rock and R&B.
9. Could you describe what goes on in a day in your life as a musician on tour? I am still in school so I typically leave town for a few days and come back. Typically long weekends. I have a blast but it is difficult because my usual routine gets interrupted. But then, it is all about performing and connecting with the crowd so it’s worth it. There is nothing like the energy and excitement of a live show for me so I love being on the road and enjoy the anticipation for the next show and connecting with the audience in my performance.
10. Where do you see music in general going in 100 years from now? I can’t even see where music will be in one year. I can’t imagine 100 years. I don’t think that 100 years ago someone could have imagined digital delivery, streaming, a computer or let alone making a record with just a computer and a controller. Technology will develop so much and change that the unimaginable will happen. I can only tell you for sure that 100 years from now music will be an important part of life and the human experience. Just like it is today, just like it was 100 years ago and for that matter 1000 years ago. The importance and role of music in humanity has not changed and I do not believe it will change. Styles and methods of delivery and even instruments may change. Music itself will be here forever.
Check out Ray Goren Online. http://www.raygoren.com/
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