Alex Ray

I started writing songs about 5 years ago. I've always loved to write and I've always loved music, so I decided to put the two together. When I had the guitar in my hands, I realized that I had so much to say and this was my tool to do so. I began writing songs in my spare time and then once I was ready, I sought a way to share my music with others. I began playing at coffeehouses, parties, backyards, basements, grocery stores, bars, and any other places that would let me play. In 2005, I recorded and released my first EP entitled Smile. It had 6 songs on it and I was able to sell about 500 copies of it. My first year of college was a year of growth and major opportunity. Songs began pouring out of me and I was able to see the direction I wanted my music to go. With help from my parents and my guitar professor at school, I began work on my second EP which should be out in the next few months. I was also able to find some of the best musicians I have ever played with to back me up. They make playing music so fresh and fun and they are all incredibly talented and I am lucky to be able to play with them.

My biggest influences are the Goo Goo Dolls, Chris Rice, Mae, and John Mayer. John Mayer's "Room For Squares" changed the way I looked at song writing. Chris Rice's lyrics inspire me each time I listen to them. Mae's sense of melody and their musicianship drive me to be better in all aspects of my music. And the Goo Goo Dolls are the first band that drove me to find a sound that is my own.

I listen to many different types of music and I try to incorporate all the different styles and influences into all of my music. I don't follow typical chord structure or standard tunings on the guitar. I like being able to write a rock song one day and then turn around and write a piano ballad the next. I try to be as diverse as I can while staying true to my own sound and develop it as much as possible.