BRIAN RAY INTERVIEW MARCH 2008
Interview by Shawn Marazine and Lena Lamoray

What can be said about such a talented musician other than BRIAN RAY is awesome!  His solo cd, MONDO MAGNETO, is incredible not to mention that he works with the one and only SIR PAUL McCARTNEY.  Let us not forget that he earned his way working with JIM GLOVER, ETTA JAMES, RITA COOLIDGE, JOHNNY HALLYDAY, SMOKEY ROBINSON, THE BANGLES and so many others.  Brian is one of those perfect guitar players that knows just how to get you into a song and shows his talent without overplaying.  He is such a delightful person and converse with.  You would figure with all of his stardom that he would have an attitude but I am happy to report that his head is in equal proportion to his body.  Brian is just an all around nice guy with enough talent to circle the universe and come down grounded.  I can’t wait to see what he is going to come up with next.  Make sure to pick up a copy of MONDO MAGNETO and you will get the full BRIAN RAY experience! 

Shawn:  There are many different styles and influences on Mondo Magneto, ranging from blues to catchy pop rock songs. Which artists influenced you the most in the making of the album?

Brian:  Well, all the influences of my whole life are somewhere to be found in my music.  You can't hide your roots, you know. For me it was early R&R, Surf, folk music of the 60's, to Brit invasion to 70's classic rock and alt rock of today.

Shawn:  You’ve written, recorded and played live with some of the biggest names in rock so did any of those experiences help you writing your CD?
 
Brian:  Of course, working with Paul for the last 6 years has been a huge influence on me. The song "All I Know" probably would not have been written, in one evening,
if not for his musical influence on me. Etta James appearing on "Soft Machine" was a big thrill for me.  I Have ETTA on MY record, you know??? That's NUTS!
Shawn:  Every song has a different approach, ranging from slide guitar, acoustic to balls to wall electrics. What are some of the tools used on the recordings?
Brian:  Well, you start with talented collaborators like Oliver Leiber, Adam Cohen and Tonio Kay, add in the great musicians and engineers... then it's about killer vintage gear and knowing what you're looking for and how to get it in the studio. I used about 25 different guitars and at least that many amps making my record, to capture specific colors that I heard in my head.

Shawn:  There’s a lot of lyrical reference to past and present pop culture and it seems a bit autobiographical too, so since this is your first solo album, was this a collection of material that’s been buried in a trunk or were these songs mostly fresh ideas?

Brian:  Yeah, it's a combo of the 2. I had some songs from awhile ago, but needed to re-write the lyrics, as I had changed, so there are 5 older re writes and 5 new ones. The autobiographical ones are newer.

Shawn:  Not only do you play with Paul McCartney you have also worked with the amazing Steven Tyler. What is like playing with such huge musical legends?

Brian:  I know, I'm a lucky sap!
Since I was a little kid I had this recurring dream that I was hanging with the Stones and making them laugh, as if I belonged there. I ended up opening for them with Etta James in 78 and 79! I always had a feeling that I was supposed to be here... isn't that strange?  It's a privilege to work with these titans because I'm a big fan of them all.

Lena:  Do you get to share stage clothes with any of them?   You could really pull of those cool pants that Steven Tyler always wears.  You are very fashionable!

Brian:  Aw, hey... easy now. I don't think he'd like it if I pulled off his pants.
Shawn:  The digital age has grown to the point where most people prefer to download their songs on their digital media device.  I downloaded your album and even though it’s convenient, I missed having the CD in hand with the artwork and credits. How do you feel about the possible end of compact disks and many record labels?
Brian:  It's sad and inevitable... but I think we will have some new business models in the future. I know of a few in the works right now that are very interesting. I do miss passing an LP around with liner notes and big art, though.

Shawn:  Not only do you have an impressive biography, you’ve remained extremely active in music since the mid 70’s. What are some other things that you like to do when you’re not recording and touring the planet?

Brian:  I love the outdoors.. surfing, biking, meditating, hiking, swimming... books, movies, art, architecture, politics and good company..

Shawn:  Who came up the video treatment idea for COMING UP ROSES?    It is absolutely brilliant and hilarious?

Brian:  Well, Larry Graves did the animation and I suggested the story line and helped to edit it. I furnished the live footage and guided him on timing. Fun, huh?

Lena:   When you started out, what was a typical audition like? 

Brian:  Not many of my auditions were typical but I remember the one audition I didn't get. It was fun, but I was bummed! It was for Tina Turner after Private Dancer.. But I got another one right after with Laura Branigan... learn 3 songs and act like you belong there!

Lena:  What is something that you wish you knew then that you know now?

Brian:  Hmmm.. that wearing Steven Tyler's pants to an audition might be a bit much?

Lena:  Since you are a fan of JACKASS, if you were asked to be in the next movie what stunt would you absolutely not do?

Brian:  Eating anything moving.

Lena:  ANYWHERE BUT HOME is my favorite song on MONDO MAGNETO.  What song on the CD took the longest to write and or record?

Brian:  Hmmm... Goin Down Swingin'.. David Gamson [Scritti Politti] did all the programming on the one song where there was programming.. it took forever, but he did a brilliant job. He just has his own pace, you know. All the rest was done organically, without many tricks of technology.

Shawn:  What’s in store for Brian Ray in 2008, maybe a solo tour?

Brian:  Hmm, well... you never know. I'm recording new material right now and building a home studio to finish it and I'll be working with Paul late spring. I might do some shows late in the summer, depending on when I get the new record finished.
Thanks a million, rock onwards!