We were lucky to catch up with Ray Shaffer recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ray, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. I’m sure there have been days where the challenges of being an artist or creative force you to think about what it would be like to just have a regular job. When’s the last time you felt that way? Did you have any insights from the experience?

I’d say yes. There are times when I wonder if I’d never picked up an instrument, what would I be doing? I’d probably be doing something equally worthwhile, I hope, haha.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

So, I’m in this band Squatch you see… We’ve been cutting our teeth for a wee bit now through all of Michigan, just getting the word out that we exist (pun intended). We just want to share our thoughts and how we feel through our music. At the end of the day, it’s all about giving people an experience, whether it’s putting on a killer show, or being a healthy escape for the listener.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

As an individual, just do what you can to support what you like, and let it inspire you to be creative as well. Whether that be showing up to a show, sharing music/art online with friends, buying merch (it’s how most touring bands make their dough), or creating something of your own. Now it doesn’t always have to include spending money, I personally hate that aspect, but that’s the way of the world, and it’s quite unavoidable. Big picture: just be there in one form or another.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

To be the biggest, coolest, most awesome band, like, ever. Plus, it’s kinda fun!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://instagram.com/squatchgroup?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=
• Facebook: Facebook.com/squatchgroup
• Other: https://linktr.ee/Squatchgroup?fbclid=PAAaY3fw8_n39HA8uPCjyJa8hrnP0zoDm7quZy4YugpSX2vfPX3Yi4U19Q5_g

Image Credits
Chelsea Whitaker Tim Grieme