Defining Amanda Ray

by Jeri Lynn Ostrander
April 2, 2008

Combining sensual, airy vocals with trip-hop rhythm, Atlanta musician Amanda Ray blends musical genres with ease and creates provocative, mysteriously dark music.

Performing for the first time at age 14, Ray didn’t get serious about music until moving to Atlanta 15 years ago. Originally from New York, Ray says moving to Atlanta has helped her become more focused while making her music “clean and more simplistic.”

Ray defines her cinematic, trance-like sound as a mix of sub-genres that fall under the ’90s U.K. electronic umbrella. “Even if people aren’t familiar with the genre, they love the music,” she says.

Heavily influenced by Björk, Radiohead and Massive Attack, Ray spent time in London studying the different musical styles in the U.K. vs. the U.S. and found the U.K. to be a “beautiful melting pot of eastern sound giving her a broader sense of what music means.”

Ray’s music is powerful and sinuous, blending her moody, laidback, dreamy sound with her sultry, jazzy vocals to create a melodic floating sensation for the listener. Her supple penetrating tone seems to caress the flesh and entice the senses while winding hypnotically into the listener’s presence and stirring his mind.

As eclectic as her music, Ray describes herself as a “black electro sci-fi chick.”

She is also as personable and easy to talk to as the girl next door. Singer, songwriter and co-producer of her first EP, “What’s On Your Mind,” Ray will be returning to her New York roots soon, but will continue to perform in the southern states whenever she can.

“I’ve embraced who I am as an artist while making a little bit of noise here in Atlanta,” Ray says. She’s ready to head back to New York—a melting pot of artists—to spend time with her family and expand her music.

Ray is excited to return to Jackson this year to perform at the Crossroads Film Festival April 5. During her visit last year, she says she was, “pleasantly surprised with the city. There are a lot of young people doing great things there.”

Ray has made an effort to clearly define herself and her music, something many artists try to avoid. “People are going to label you no matter what,” Ray says.

“At least this way I am labeling myself. … In 20 years, I might do something different with a different label.”

To experience Amanda Ray’s latest album “Mirrored Images,” visit http://www.amandaray.net, http://www.myspace.com/amandaraymusic or on iTunes. Hear Amanda Ray in Hal & Mal’s Big Room April 5 during the Crossroads Film Festival Awards Party at 9:30 p.m. Admission is $7 at the door, free to festival pass holders.

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