Meet Parry Ray

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Sed ut perspiciatis unde.

We recently connected with Parry Ray and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Parry thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

My journey as a singer songwriter has been a circuitous one, but I knew I wanted to do this from the age of about 7 and I really feel it was meant to be, because every time I thought about stepping away, I always got a clear opportunity or “sign” telling me to keep going.

Undoubtedly, the most important lesson I have learned is being truly authentic and make creative choices from the heart, rather than trying to be strategic or going through the motions. I do know artists who are more considered and pragmatic – but that just doesn’t work for me. On the occasions I have tried that, my work ends up feeling hollow somehow. Nowadays, it is non-negotiable for me to choose repertoire, compose or write with my heart and my gut – nothing else, always.

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?

With pleasure, I am a singer, songwriter, podcaster and writer. I released a new single a few weeks ago, my version of the jazz standard Lover Man, which is the first track from my upcoming EP called HANDLE HEARTS WITH CARE and I am currently in the editing phase of my first novel. I have always sung and written songs from a really age so music was an obvious and organic path for me.

At the time, a big regret was not being allowed, by my mother, to go to music college after school, but actually in some ways it is a blessing. I don’t feel rule bound and I don’t fall back on musical formulas, I really do start every composition or rearrangement with a blank sheet of manuscript paper. When I came out of Uni I worked in publishing for a little while before becoming a professional singer, so the words thing was embedded in me also.

At the forefront of everything I create are connection and communication. Whether I am singing, writing or speaking – every creative offering is about that. I believe in whichever way my words are being heard – my goal is for them to resonate in some way, so people feel understood. I like to explore emotional expression in many forms. I know it sounds simple, but I truly believe that’s why we are here – to understand and be understood.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Emotion. I truly believe that if someone is called to be an artist it is because they have something important to say. For me, is not political or social commentary per se, it’s emotional commentary. The hurt, the challenges, the heartache, the sorrow that we all face in our personal journeys. Communicating and connecting, as I mentioned before, with people through my writing and music I feel is really important. We all have a need to be understood and if we can process and heal personally, I believe it radiates out and helps the collective.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

When my work resonates with a fan or audience member :)

Contact Info:

Website: https://www.parryrayinharmony.com
Instagram: @parryrayinharmony
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ParryRayOfficial/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC57FuqQVxMYnrxlwFYzdajQ

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Meet Parry Ray

Meet Parry Ray

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Alright, Parry thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you share an important lesson you learned in a prior job that’s helped you in your career afterwards?

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?

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

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