Biography
Sue Ray is a gifted singer/songwriter/musician whose distinctive, original sound is best described as a somewhat eclectic fusion of old school country and ambient contemporary styles. Her live shows are a showcase of excellent musicianship and mastery of the songwriters craft all delivered with an engaging charisma and easy-going stage presence that further serves to highlight the poetry, passion, humour and subtleties of each original composition, helping to cement Sue Ray’s popularity in the local Brisbane music scene.
Aside from being an accomplished soloist Sue plays bass in the alternative grunge band Legion of Mary and fronts the all-girl country outfit Sugartown. Sue contributed backing vocals and harmonies on The Gin Clubs latest album “Junk” and has lent her captivating voice to the recordings and performances of various other artists including Darren Hanlon, Shifter and Cameron Elliot.
Sue is currently working hard to promote her début mini-album “Best Beware” and has played a number of live shows in the build-up to its official launch on the 19th July 2008. Recorded and produced at Junkship Records Studio by Jamie Trevaskis, the seven track mini-album is a feature portrait that captures the full essence of everything that makes Sue’s music so intriguing. With most of the instruments being played by Sue herself - including guitar, piano, tambourine and melodica - the diverse ensemble of songs are brought alive by the sheer beauty of her voice as she spans a vast field of mood and emotional depth.
A first-run limited pressing of 100 copies of “Best Beware” was released at the close of 2007 and soon sold out. When recently listed on triplejunearthed.com the title track “Best Beware” premièred at number 14 on the Unearthed Roots Chart and was played on Triple J Radio’s Home and Hosed show. The mini-album has enjoyed high rotation on independent Brisbane radio station 4zzz, spending five weeks in the Top 20 Chart peaking at number 3.
The triumphant official launch of “Best Beware” took place on the 19th July to a packed house at Brisbane venue The Troubadour with support acts including Mia Min Mio, Ling Kai, Cameron Elliot and featuring Sue backed by an ensemble band.
Music has been firmly entrenched in Sue’s life since childhood when she watched her father playing in a band five nights a week and spent her spare time in his musical instrument store. Through her younger years Sue learned to play the piano, organ and guitar and was drawn to old school country artists like Hank Williams, Emmylou Harris and Patsy Cline. She performed with her father Owen Ray at many country music festivals as a teenager and was a member of the Toowoomba Country Music Club for many years.
From this background Sue Ray has emerged as a rare artist whose gifts truly stand out. Over the years she has graced the stage alongside and in support of an amazing host of artists including Keith Podger of the Seekers, Darren Hanlon, The Apartments, The Purple Hearts, Cameron Elliott, Chris Dale, Tom Cooney and Texas Tea.
Sue continues to grace audiences with her unmatchable live shows in the Brisbane area and is currently hard at work promoting “Best Beware”.
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