The Ray Summers formed in the Spring of 2008 with a desire to make music in order to break out of the dreary monotony of small town life in Central Scotland. The band take in influences as diverse as 60’s Soul music right the through to the music of their contemporaries, mixing it all with a unique Scottish twist. In the short time they have been together, they have progressed to become the biggest unsigned in act in Scotland.
The summer of 2008 saw the band play their first festivals and major support slots, including playing with bands such as Alphabeat, Alabama Three, The Automatic and The Bluetones. 2009 started with a huge show in Glasgow, playing in front of 20,000 people, supporting Idlewild and Paulo Nutini. Shortly after, they released their self released EP, ‘Tales from Vicar Street’, in which they displayed a musicianship rarely seen at their young age as well a lyrical insight that manages to capture a moment in time. The band distributed over 600 copies of the EP and went on tour across the UK to support the release. During the Summer of 2009, the band played triumphant shows at Scotland’s biggest music festivals- Rockness and T in The Park as well as two sell out shows at the legendary Glasgow venue, King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.
The boys released their debut single, ‘The Shepherd’ on King Tut’s recording in August 2009 to rave reviews in the press and sell out shows across the country, selling just under 1000 copies in it’s first week.
Autumns 2009 will see the band begin work on their debut album and a further single due to be released in November.
The band will continue to write, record and gig across the UK, with an eye to playing in Europe and The US in the nears future.
"more fun than Katy Perry and Britney Spears in a pillow fight..."
News of the world - Nine bands for 2009
"Spreading a healthy dose of sunshine with songs like crazy world and careless leader they infuse basic indie with soul ,ska and reggae. It's heady, defiantly good-time stuff and, before long, everybody is dancing. Brilliantly crafted tracks like The Valley or set closer The Shepherd have a cool 60's vibe....you know you're dealing with something special. Catch 'em quick"
Tim Barr - News Of The World. ***** review
"But in terms of connecting with the huddled masses, unsigned Falkirk rookies The Ray Summers, plucked to open the gig by public vote, rather stole his (Paolo Nutini) thunder."
Scotsman Hogmanay Review
"A Real retro feel to this one a band that really are going from strength to strength. I saw them in cracking form at the Wickerman this year. And i think set to be one of the biggest things to come out of Falkirk since Arab Strap. A really cool mix of the Shadows, Small Faces and the Jam"
Jim Gellatly BBC
"Support bands can always be a bit hit or miss. Usually a miss. A pain to endure in our impatience to see the headliners. That's probably why a lot of people don't bother turning up to see the support slot at all. Tonight The Automatic's support, proved an exception. Playing to an already suprisingly large crowd, The Ray Summers unleashed their mind boggling, feet shuffling hybrid of psychedelic ska on a load of pissed up freshers. Imagine the Coral back in the good old days playing over the best of Madness if you can. Their set is more energetic than a nursery full of four year olds with ADHD"
Fiona Inglis - The Strathclyde Telegraph
"F**ing brilliant... Apologies for the language but they were.... Headliners next time..." Danny Watson"
Alan McGee's Death Disco Booker
"If ever there was a musical version of fantasy football these guys would be the all star dream team. "
The Falkirk Herald
"These are The Ray Summers from Falkirk. Purveyors of hooky, soulful, quirky, grooviness. Yes, they are that good! Go and check them out on myspace now..."
Homegrown Productions
"F ** k my tits, that was one of the best bands I have ever had the pleasure of working with. It’s messed me up though, how can I rep another show knowing it’s never going to be as good as that. Ray summers are like musical heroin and I’m smacked out my tits. If they aren’t signed to major label soon i’m going chop off my ears and blend them into a nice soup so I can’t ever hear anything else again."
Iain Graham - DF Concerts Rep after Sergeant gig
|
Online Now!
