We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Ray Wroten . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Ray below.

Ray, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

So I was working in restaurants cooking and managing, right out of culinary school. I had played in bands just after high school but it wasn’t anything serious. I started working for a big corporation doing ice cream. It was awful, basically tell teenagers they were wearing the wrong hat or scooping too much ice cream. It was the worst because I wasn’t much older then them. I went on vacation to Hatteras with my family, every morning I’d wake up and watch the sunrise on the patio. I was writing songs or learning songs each morning and it hit me, I’m quitting when we get home. Called my boss on the morning of my first day back and quit on the spot. No 2 weeks no nothin!!! Started booking gigs and never looked back.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I got into playing music in high school with a few buddies. We’d play locally at coffee houses and churches since we were underage. Once I was over 21 I started doing open mics or just begging musicians to let me sit in on their breaks.

Since then I’ve grown and grown. Formed my original band called Bond & Bentley. We play our own tunes, which are a soul/funk/jam style of music. We toured extensively prior to COVID. The band has played in 39 states, Canada, & The Virgin Islands.

Currently I’m more local to Maryland and the DMV area. The band plays 2-3 times a month and I play solo 4 nights a week.

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

Not having a boss. I love doing what I do and I especially love that I’ve learned my worth over these years. I play where I want and when I want. If the vibe is off or the management/ownership of a venue is off, I don’t play there.

I’ve never been happier in my life. Is it hand to mouth sometimes? Yes, but I think that’s pretty romantic.

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

Go to shows. Share your friends and locals artists events. Buy merch. Tell others about your favorite artists. Literally show up and be a part of the thing. And when you’re there be an active participant.

Contact Info:

• Website: raywrotenmusic.com
• Instagram: Raywroten
• Facebook: Facebook.com/raywrotenmusic
• Twitter: Raywroten
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UC73HtVyofETY7NrpViDZifg

Image Credits
Rachel Spence Tiffany Harlow