Front Row Feelings for Michael Ray
Michael Ray just wrapped up the winter leg of his “Get To You Tour” this past Saturday at Prospectors Saloon & Grill in Mt. Laurel, NJ. We got a chance to catch up with him before the show. As many of y’all know, back in April, Michael announced new music was on the way! This will be his sophomore album, titled “Amos” – named after his grandfather. Amos loved country music and his Gibson guitar. He passed this passion down the family line and had even formed a band with Michael’s father, Jerry, called The Country Cousins. Michael told his fans that Amos was the reason he fell in love with country music as a child, saying “We built this dream together one song at a time. Chase your dreams and help others chase theirs.”
The record will be available for purchase on June 1st, however pre-order began on April 20th. Those who take advantage of the presale have been getting special access in to the music and stories behind the album. The first song he’s released is Fan Girl, an upbeat dedication to his fans and the passion they bring to his shows.
You give me that front-row feeling, screaming with my hands up // Walk in the room and everybody stands up // You got my heart singing whoa-oh-oh-oh // You steal my kisses and you steal the show.
Her World or Mine is the second track that has been made available. This is a slower ballad about the two different dimesions of heartbreak. Michael tells us that this is one of his favorite songs off the new album. “When you’re in the middle of making a record, and there is any big monumental thing in your life… it’s good to go through those experiences while writing. Mine just happened to be a breakup.”
There ain’t no in between when it comes to her and me // One of us moved on // One of us got stuck // One of us is drinking just for fun // One of us is drinking to get drunk // One of us sleeps good // One of us hates to face the night // Just depends if you’re talking about her world or mine.
Michael says that when he’s writing new music and working on new records, his main goal is to ensure a listener won’t want to skip any of the tracks and can relate to the music. It appears that he has succeeded in this. With these first two releases, we are already impressed and can’t wait to see what the rest of the album has in store!
If his talent for creating chart-topping music and putting on incredible shows didn’t make us “fan girl” over Michael (though it definitely does!), his compassionate heart certainly wows us. He is an active supporter for St. Jude and other great charities. He even started his own organization to take care of animals in need. The Chicago Cubs-loving singer adopted a sweet husky/shepherd mix and named her Wrigley. After the adoption, he wanted to find an impactful way that he and fans could give back and help other rescues. With help from Zappos for Good, he formed “Wrigley Cares”, inspired by his pup. “She changed my life and I’m hoping to change the lives of other shelter dogs.” Throughout his tour, he has hooked up with local shelters and sponsors one at each show. The fans can show their support by donating items such as dog food/treats, toys, leashes, etc., at the concert they attend. Currently, donations can only be made at the venues, though Michael is hoping to have a web link soon.
Michael has been incredibly busy in 2018 and he’s not slowing down any time soon. He will be making festival appearances in the summer months before he gets ready to set sail with Brantley Gilbert for a SOLD OUT cruise to the Bahamas. “Kick It On the Ship“, will also feature Luke Combs, Colt Ford, Tim Montana and more!
Be sure to also visit Michael’s website for more information on new music, tour dates, and how to donate to Wrigley Cares!
Photo credit: Kirsten Balani & Kristyn Regen