We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Laura Ray a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Laura, thanks for joining us today. What’s the kindest thing anyone has ever done for you?

It’s hard to decide what the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me is, because I feel like my entire career grew from the kindness of my peers and friends in the industry. When I first moved to Nashville over 10 years ago to be a professional musician, I had no plans, no connections, no idea where to begin. I literally knew ONE person who lived in town, and that person kindly recommended me for a guitar job in a band, and I wound up getting the job. That was the beginning of a nonstop stream of kindness I have felt. Any job I have gotten playing banjo or guitar has come from a recommendation by a friend. There are two people in particular that come to mind that have recommended me for so many jobs and given my name to so many people, and I could never begin to thank them enough. That kind of kindness goes such a long way, and even though I don’t know how I could ever pay those people back, I most definitely can pay it forward. I’ve tried in the past couple of years as I have advanced in my career to really look out for opportunities to advise friends and give their name to anyone I get a chance to. Obviously, in a town of so many talented people, it still takes hard work and dedication to get and keep a music industry job, but I know first hand how far a simple kind word or recommendation can go, and I hope to be that for others whenever I can.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a musician from a tiny town in Northeast Georgia, and I moved to Nashville over ten years ago. I play banjo and guitar and sing harmonies for several artists in country, Americana, and bluegrass. I am currently touring with the all female band Thunder and Rain, as well as my own band, Bluegrass Confidential. I am proud that I have been able to branch out and grow my musicianship over the years, so I am able to play hard-driving, traditional bluegrass banjo one night, then jump over to pop country guitar accompaniment the next. And I am proud of the connections and friendships I have made over the years in this industry, and hope that I can pay forward all the kindness I have felt from my peers.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

I think one thing people don’t understand about being in a creative industry is that your art and the thing you love and are passionate about, is also your business and your livelihood. That can be really challenging sometimes, and really frustrating. Most people can clock out at the end of a shift, and then spend time doing whatever they love to do for a hobby or passion project. I have found it difficult when I want to just sit down and pick the banjo for fun, or learn a new tune that got me feeling excited about my instrument, but then I realize I don’t have time, because I have gigs with 3 different artists this week, and I have to use that time to make sure I know the material instead. Being able to grow and feel excited and fulfilled in the thing you love, and still do what you need to do to make a living with it can be a tough balance. Sometimes those things happen at the same time, but most of the time they are separate, and you just have to learn how to schedule time for for both as much as possible. It’s an ongoing learning experience for me.

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

Go to live shows! Obviously, large tours in arenas are doing well, but what about smaller music venues? Bands really need to do well there and show growing attendance to be in the running for bigger opportunities. So If you have a small venue close by, and there’s a band playing there in the middle of the week, try to get out and support your local venue, and support new bands. You might discover your new favorite artist!

Contact Info:

• Website: lauraraymusic.com
• Instagram: @lauraray88
• Facebook: @lauraraymusic