By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
Travelling man Dean Ray is looking forward to spending some relaxed time with his band at Motor City Music Festival.
“Festivals are fun, they are such a good vibe,” Ray said.
“It’s a chance to catch up with fellow musicians because you don’t really get to see them anywhere else.
“Audiences are great because they are spending the time at a festival like Motor City for the love of the music.
“I love performing on stage. I love being in front of people and experiencing the energy of the live performance. There’s nothing like it and that’s what drives me.”
Staying in one place for a while is a welcome change for Ray, often finding himself in a series of towns and falling asleep in a guitar case as a child while mum and dad performed in their band, Ichy Feet.
“My folks travelled so much, they were always moving around. I always get itchy feet,” Ray agreed.
Ray toured extensively last year, much of it as a solo artist, but for Motor City Music Festival he is looking forward to reuniting with his band.
The changes of scenery help fuel the storytelling songs he pens, part of the country influence of his parents, and help him retain his down-to-earth qualities.
Ray’s success last year – he had a number-five on the singles chart and a gold album – was boosted when he was runner-up on the sixth season of the X Factor.
But the alternative rock and blues artist has since proved he has some X factor all his own.
Dean Ray and his band perform on the family fun day Sunday of the festival at 7.15pm leading up to the spectacular fireworks finale at 8.45pm.
