A keen favourite of musical tastemakers Steve Lamacq, Huw Stephens, Zane Lowe and Annie Mac – The Bay Rays raucous edge to their loose rhythms will have you jumping around the room screaming their catchy lyrics. The fast paced garage rock is reminiscent of the great 00s bands such as The View, The Fratellis and The Pigeon Detectives whose big noise, cheeky lyrics and continual energy gave a new voice to guitar driven music. The trio are by no means just purely a pastiche for past indie bands with “the” at the beginning of their names, The Bay Rays bring a formidable sound. We put some questions to lead singer and guitarist Harry Nicoll to find out more about the band.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up just outside of Tunbridge Wells in Kent.
Is there much of a music scene there?
There is a small local scene in Tunbridge Wells, with The Forum being the venue at the centre of it. It has been running for at least 20 years and I’ve had the privilege of seeing some of the UKs major acts play there before they broke the big time.
Do you think where you live now has influenced your music and how?
Growing up where everyone plays in bands together and supports each other does influence you to some extent. However, music is so accessible these days we've taken influence from all over the place which has shaped what we do now.
What kind of music were you brought up on?
My mum didn’t really have a big collection, she was into the likes of Rod Stewart and Fleetwood Mac. My brother had quite an expansive music collection which I would rummage through and in turn learn about punk, hip-hop, ska, rock, reggae – it was all there.
Can you remember the first album you owned?
Tina Turner – Simply The Best! Got to love the hits.
What was the first instrument you played?
I grew up playing the drums before the guitar. Rhythm is crucial when it comes to songwriting; learning about rhythm contributes to you to shaping lyrics, syllables and structure.
What drives you to write music?
Hearing new music is inspiring, everyday life, the characters you meet, the characters you create. That old saying when you’ve got the music it doesn’t leave you.
Has your style of music stayed the same?
I think the purpose of what we do has always remained. I was in a writing duo in London which was more experimental but I've always been drawn back to what The Bay Rays do now.
How did The Bay Rays form?
We've been playing music together since we were 15 years old before going our separate ways. We got back together to have some fun playing cover gigs to earn a bit of extra cash which in turn got a bit more serious.
How was your first jam?
Like a car crash – noise.
Is there a story behind the name?
We like the Dead Kennedys and their main man East Bay Ray!
How would you briefly describe your music/ethos?
Music and songs for a generation who don't know what's going to happen, where they are going or what they are going to do with their lives. The world is a funny place to live in at the moment.
What inspires your lyrics?
Every day life. The people that you meet. I also lived above a pub in Kent for a while, that definitely gives you a story or two to tell.
Is there another release coming soon?
We have a new single ‘Aphelion’ coming out at the end of October followed by two more single releases by the new year.
What is your favourite song that you have made or have been part of?
A song we wrote called ‘Satisfaction’ – one of those magic studio moments where after about ten rewrites it all came together. That makes you really appreciate why you play music, look out for the song in the new year.
What has been a musical eye-opener?
Seeing Bruce Springsteen play for four hours at the age of 66. What an inspiration! Jamie T live also opened our eyes to how we want to see a gig, to have fun and hopefully give that back to our audiences.
If you could have made any song ever, which one would it be?
The song Blood ‘Brothers’ by Bruce Springsteen knocked me for six. The highs and lows of life, friends, family, loss. It’s a beautifully written song
If you could give a musical award of the year, what would it be for?
I would create an award for artists that should just stop making music, like the opposite of NME's godlike genius. One that says enough is enough. Put it to a poll, it could take off.
What music are you listening to at the moment?
I'm liking The Growlers new songs called ‘City Club’. I'm late but I've got into grime lately as well.
Do you get to go to many gigs?
We had a young band open for us a few nights ago called Drug Store Romeos, they are from near Aldershot. Reminded me of Sunflower Bean and a band called HOMESHAKE – brilliant.
What are your future plans till the end of the year and after?
Record release tour, record release tour, etc, etc.
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