PA ~ When did you start your musical journey playing guitar?

RR ~  I started playing guitar in 1966 being heavily influenced by the Beatles.

PA ~ What drives a person to write and record over 25 albums in less than 5 years?

RR ~ It's actually only twenty two albums, the rest are other artists from Scotland, Uzbekistan and here in Cleveland. So, what drives me to record twenty two albums between 1999 and 2003 is the ability to do so, I don't have to rely on a record company, a recording studio or even a band for that matter. In '99 I obtained the equipment to do everything myself. So when the inspiration hits I start working. In '81 and '84 I put out some vinyl releases and that would seem to take forever to do not to mention the amount of money involved. 

PA ~ Do you have a favorite CD or track from your catalog?

RR~ I find this a very difficult one to answer. I probably would have to name a few instead of just one. 'Your Short Life' off of Abnormal Road, 'The Daulhowz Concerto' off of Atomic Soldiers and 'Embracing Insanity' off of Cast Into Our Dimension. Those three kind of really stand out to me. 

PA ~ What or who inspired your release "Into The Hands of Sinners"?

RR ~ The inspiration for 'Into The Hands Of Sinners' came from a lot of different ! places such as, the title cut is a Bible passage when the most wanted Man at that time (Jesus Christ) was turned over to the authorities, but I took that line and brought it into our time, knowledge and technology in the hands of sinners are racing towards the end of time. The lyrics to 'Invisible Man' are inspired by the DC sniper. 'Road To Freedom' is inspired by the things going on behind the scenes of governments all over the world but especially our own, with things such as all the military bases closing for one reason and one reason only, they are now set up as prison camps, and there are a LOT of them, which leads me to believe our beloved leaders are gearing up for marshal law, "why?"!, What do they know or have planned. It's not going to be good. 

PA ~ How is the CD being received?

RR ~ The CD is doing good, it's getting airplay in Germany, Holland, England and all over the States. It's actually #10 at a station in Holland. 

PA ~ Is Neurosis Records your own label? If so, what are your thoughts on the indie music scene in general?

RR ~ Neurosis Records is my label, started in '81 with a vinyl release of my b! and at the time 'Neurotic'. The indie scene is great, I'd like to see it take over the industry, but I know it won't. You can't fight against that amount of money and expect to come out on top. The record industry is too big for anyone to take on. 

PA ~ With such a large body of work, is it a goal to attract a major label?

RR ~  No, my goal is not to attract a major label. I don't like the record industry. They'll chew you up and spit you out. 

PA ~ What's the most satisfying; writing, recording or performing live?

RR ~  Writing, recording and performing are all great, the writing when you know you've got a song, the recording when you start experimenting with it and getting a finished piece and performing the song their is an energy that usually doesn't find itself on the recording, although when I record with a band I do go for the live feel. 

PA ~ Where can someone catch the Rick Ray Band live?

RR ~ As for catching The Rick Ray Band live we've only been doing sporadic gigs, I've been trying to stick with special ones like when we've opened for Frank Marino and Robin Trower, stuff like that, not playing in bars just for the sake of playing.

PA ~ What has been the highlight of your journey so far?

RR ~ The highlight of my journey as far as I ! can tell hasn't happened yet, but if it did, I guess it would be just the fact that God gave me the ability to play guitar, that's enjoyment enough for me, everything else is icing on the cake.

PA ~ Where can someone find out more info on the Rick Ray Band?

RICK RAY UPDATE:

New CD release

Temporary World (2005)

The Rick Ray Band

($10.00 for this CD)