Lucy Ray has been a professional musician for twenty years. She has recorded three albums for Cycle records as a singer songwriter, worked as a session vocalist and guitarist and produced other artists. She has taught adults and teenagers in a variety of community settings and has extensive experience of working with music in the community in London and Bristol. She was even name checked by Patrick Humphries in the best selling biography of Nick Drake. Now she spends a lot of her time teaching the songwriting craft. She is also a member of the Unsigned Song Contest 2007 judges panel. - Interview conducted 14/11/06 How did you get into music and songwriting? LR - I was fascinated by music and the guitar at an early age. My parents are both musical. The primary school I attended had school guitars and three of the five staff played music. How do you go about writing songs? LR - A title or concept line will arrive in my head complete with melody. Who or what has influenced you in your career? LR - Meeting Chrissie Hynde when I was fourteen. 
Above: Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders - a huge influence.
Are there any current artists you feel possess great songwriting talent? LR - Blain Weller. An American Guy named Rob Giles. What elements do you think make a great song? LR - Touching and memorable concept. Interesting melody. The unexpected. What are your thoughts about the Unsigned Song Contest? LR - Great idea although what is signed? We can all be record companies now.
For more on Lucy Ray check out www.lucyray.com Go Back to 'Songwriting Advice' Main Page Back to Main Page
| 
