Brian Ray and His Lastest Release, "My Town"

The Vinyl District's Radar with Evan Toth

It’s easy to overlook, but for some, music isn’t just a passion—it’s a livelihood. While many might juggle music as a side gig or serious hobby, others dive headfirst into a full-fledged career as a musician. As with any pursuit intertwined with money, the path ahead is rarely smooth. Yet, artists like Brian Ray not only navigate this complex terrain but they truly thrive there.
We could delve into his collaborations with Smokey Robinson, retrace the dedication he poured into his years with Etta James, or explore his legendary - and current - stint as Paul McCartney’s guitarist. Today, however, we focus on his latest solo endeavor, My Town, released under Little Stevie Van Zandt's Wicked Cool Records label.
Brian has generously shared his musical prowess with others, but a listen to My Town reveals that he still has plenty of expertise left over for himself. Brian and I chatted about the creation of this album, the invaluable lessons he's gleaned from working with industry icons, and some of the realities of life on the road.