supersonic
Artist Information
Biography
"Talented songwriter/rock vocalist Ray West’s career has been much like his music - melodic, soulful and psychotic! Hard rock and heavy metal enthusiasts are well familiar with his raspy and raw, yet strong and distinctive, vocal style. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Ft. Lauderdale, West’s father turned him on to all genres of music from soul to rock and roll. Growing up, Ray became influenced by such celebrated bands like Black Sabbath, Van Halen, Pink Floyd, AC/DC, Humble Pie, Judas Priest and Santana and the singing styles of notable greats including James Brown, Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.
After singing in numerous bands while living in Ft. Lauderdale, West moved to New York City. Soon after, he joined Spread Eagle. They were signed to MCA/Universal and the band burst upon the music scene rather quickly, playing an explosive brand of rock that came straight from living in New York City’s infamous Lower East Side. Their self-titled debut album featured wailing vocals and razor sharp guitar, demonstrated through such popular songs as "Switchblade Serenade," "Scratch Like A Cat” and “Broken City." The band acquired worldwide critical acclaim, propelling them to the forefront of the genre. They then released and toured with their second album, "Open to the Public." While life on the road had its moments, West needed to reassess his life. After leaving the limelight for a few years, his love of performing brought him right back to his passion, which is singing. An accomplished performer in other arenas, West has also done theatre and stand-up comedy and was currently a cast member of the off-Broadway Gypsy rock underground comedy hit "Viva Patshiva!”
For most of his career West has shared his gift by teaching voice, which he started doing during his Spread Eagle days. He has created two rock courses, "Grit to Aggression" and "Melody to Madness," helping students learn his unique vocal style.
West recently finished recording his new album with his band APW, aka All Points West, with producer Miguel “Nino” Gonzalez. The album was released in October 2009. The track “Novacaine” was heard on USA Network’s new TV series, “Burn Notice,” and will be heard on FX Channel’s "Sons of Anarchy" this coming November 2009. The track will also be in a new independent movie, "Paper Man." The song "Hypothermia" is featured in the new BRAAP film, "Narly 9." Additionally, the songs "Crash," "Got my Gun," and "No State of Grace" are all going to be featured in the new "Crusty Demons" film.
All Points West has gained a great following in the hard rock and metal club scene. They’ve played a plethora of many live shows this year alone, including gigs at Don Hill’s in Manhattan, Dingbatz in New Jersey and the Flushing Library in Queens. The band members who help bring West’s music to life include Eddie Cambell (guitar), Vinny Cantatore (bass), and Lee Nelson (drums).
Instrumentation
Ray West (Vocals),Jason Jenkins (Guitar), Chris lamantia (Drum), Vinny Cantatore (Bass)
Discography
We have 2 tracks streaming on philly's (WMMR) reverbnation ,you tube,last fm ,Stereofame....
Official Website
Links
Photo Gallery
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Press
Setlist
we play all songs off of the "APW" Cd that is now up on cdbaby . We can play a 20 minute set ,to an hour if need be...
Intro
1-Crash
2-Voices
3-Got my Gun
4-Don't Think
5-Stolen
6-No State of Grace
7-Monster
8-Cold Sweat (Thin Lizzy)
9- Novacaine
(encore)