South Florida was introduced to Ray Scott in 2006 when he played the Round Up in Davie while his single “My Kind of Music” was climbing the charts. (Some of you may even still have the “Don’t Like My Kind of Music…Kiss My Ass” bumper stickers we were giving away for him back then!)
There was a lot of buzz surrounding the deep-voiced new artist, but for whatever reason, large market radio stations like we have here in South Florida never really embraced him after that debut single. After leaving his major label deal, he went the independent route and has enjoyed a successful career touring globally while releasing music on his own terms including the Sirius XM smash hit “Those Jeans.” His new album features Scott covering hits from the likes of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and more, so be sure to check it out!
Scott will be opening for the Charlie Daniels Band in Jacksonville tomorrow night and in Coral Springs Friday night before joining the Country Cruisin’ cruise (along with headliners Neal McCoy, Trace Adkins, and Craig Morgan, as well as SFCM artists Maggie Baugh and Grayson Rogers) this weekend in the Bahamas. We had a chance to catch up with him and ask him a few questions before his working vacation begins!
You just released an album last month titled The Roots Sessions: Volume 1, where you cover 6 classic songs. Being an artist cut from the cloth of traditional country music, how were you able to whittle this project down to just 6 songs?
It wasn’t easy…obviously my list of favorites is a long one. In the end, I didn’t want the songs to be altogether predictable. I didn’t want it to be a laundry list of all the songs everybody thinks of when they think “traditional country.” I think these are a good example of that thought. Also, I wanted to make sure I loved the final result. Though I love a lot of old country songs, I’m not capable of a good rendition of every one of them…of course that’s objective…and in the end, it wasn’t our intention to record a full length album of these, though we’ll likely record “Volume 2” in the future. Ya never know…
You were introduced to country music fans with your debut album My Kind of Music (released by Warner Brothers Nashville in 2005) which featured the single of the same name. Since that album, you’ve taken the independent label route to get your music out to your fans. What are the pros and cons of taking matters into your own hands versus going the major label route?
The “pro” of taking the indie route is complete creative freedom, as well as the freedom to release and sell the music any way we see fit. The “con” of not being on a major label is not having the humongous budget and political clout to get songs played on most of mainstream terrestrial radio. I’ve been on both sides of it…this side suits me fine. In the end, it will have been art and commerce without compromise… living or dying by my own sword… I’ll take that any day. I can think of some other artists on major labels who’ve sold their souls to play that game. Mine will never be up for sale. There’s peace of mind in that.
Before charting as an artist, you wrote hits that charted for others such as Clay Walker‘s “A Few Questions” and “Pray For the Fish” by Randy Travis (one of my favorite songs!) Have you ever had a song recorded by another artist that you wish you had released as a single yourself?
I’ve heard a lot of songs by other artist I’ve loved, but the crazy thing is, it has always been really hard for me to record other writers’ material. I have a style that limits me to recording mostly what I come up with myself. I hate that sometimes, but it’s the hand I’m playin’ with. That said, I’d love to record “Pray For the Fish” myself, and might just do that next time we do an album. I would’ve loved to have recorded “El Cerrito Place” as well, though I thought Charlie Robison did a wonderful job on it. Keith Gattis wrote that one. I also would love to cover “Snake Farm” by Ray Wylie Hubbard but his is just so cool, it’s likely as good now as it’s ever gonna get. “Long Haired Country Boy” is another one, but old Charlie put the mojo on that one…it all happens the way it ought to happen.
What are your thoughts on the state of today’s country music?
Today’s country music isn’t what I grew up on. It’s not what made me want to do it for a living. Newer generations of pop, rock and rap have influenced it and changed it into something that isn’t too familiar to me. I loved the real life, relatable adult content of years past. I don’t like lighthearted repetitive clichéd lyrics that are obviously pointed at the masses of youth. That said, there are some signs of the good stuff still popping up here and there. Another thing is, every generation has had its own take on things. My father was a singer too, on a local regional level when he was young, and what he defines as country is probably a bit different than the spin I put on it. Bottom line is, evolution is inevitable, quality isn’t…that’s just one man’s opinion.
You’ve played the Grand Ole Opry dozens of times, but aren’t a member. Meanwhile, there are artists that are members that aren’t honoring their commitment by performing there the minimum amount of times a year. What would you say to those artists, and besides yourself, who are some artists you think deserve to be members?
Playing the Opry is an honor. Becoming a member would be as well…and you’re right. Some members don’t honor their commitment to play often enough, but every situation’s different, so I pass no judgment there. When an artist is doing really well, they have to get out there, tour and make as much money as possible, having a huge organization of employees to support. Success is fleeting and it doesn’t last forever so that’s likely a big reason why bigger artists don’t play the Opry as much. They are out of town all the time, outside of Nashville. Logistics don’t often favor it. I’m not always available either, but when I am and I get an invite, I’ll play that stage in a hot minute. As far as artists who aren’t members who deserve to be, I don’t have a list of those who aren’t, so I couldn’t really speak on that.
What would you say are your biggest strengths and weaknesses are as an artist?
My biggest strength as an artist is likely my knowledge of who I am, and my ability to go out in left field and hang out. I can be polarizing and I see that as a strength…I celebrate it. Love it or not, folks familiar with me know pretty quickly it’s me when they hear me. My biggest weakness is likely my reluctance to play it safe. Again, if that’s a weakness, I’m ok with that.
What has been the biggest “Wow” moment of your career?
The biggest “wow” moment of my career, aside from my first appearance on the Opry, was filling in for the late, great Johnny Cash when The Tennessee 3, his band, was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame. I sang “Folsom Prison Blues” and “Ring of Fire” while his son, John Carter Cash, and the now late Marshall Grant played behind me. It will likely always be the coolest thing I ever did. I shared the stage with Garth, Vince, Dobey Gray, Donna Summer…a lot of legendary vocalists that night.
Outside of music, what is something that you are very passionate about?
Outside of music, I’m very passionate about supporting our troops and the needs of their families. It’s my favorite charitable cause, that and supporting Cancer research.
What advice would you give to an aspiring artist trying to make it in the music business?
I think any aspiring artist today needs to educate themselves as much about the music business as possible. He or she needs to be ready to hit the road by every means necessary and build a touring career long before they approach a label, if a label deal is what they want. Artist development within the walls of a label does not exist the way it did in decades past. Work harder on your craft than the next guy, and never chase trends…ever…and when you’re ready to give it all up and quit, work at it for 10 more years.
Any final thoughts or comments you would like our readers to know about you or your music?
I’m uncompromising when it comes to what I want to say in a song. I honor country music’s roots while continuously moving forward. If you like heart and wit, give me a shot. God Bless!