Parry Ray Talks New Single, Her Voice And More

Parry Ray is a singer, songwriter, podcaster, writer and mother. Her latest single ‘Bristol Rains’ is out now. We sat down with her:

What is your earliest musical memory?

Really young, maybe 3. I don’t remember a time where music didn’t feature in the house growing up. My father loved all music and collected a lot of records, both Indian and western pop – so we always had something playing either Ravi Sankar, or film music or my father’s personal favourite Lulu!

When did you begin songwriting?

Around 11. I wrote poetry from the age of about 6 or 7 and started singing about 7. I also played the piano and guitar, so I was always making things up.

Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

This is a hard one! I am happiest when I’m singing anything – though I know that’s a cop out so I’ll try to answer the question. This new original album feels like my most true expression so far.

a) There is a song on the album called Lucifer which is based on a happy memory and is song about feeling free. I think the smile comes through in the vocal. Bristol Rains too my current single has a lots of “happy qualities” in the chorus. I don’t write obviously happy songs – though I am a very joyful person.

b) My angriest is probably a song on the album called Undone. It has a lot of venom in it. When I wrote it, there was a lot of rage, and I just wanted to let it out. It’s pointedly truthful and I wanted to express different of sides of me on this album.

My producers managed to find some ad libbing in me that I didn’t know I had in the locker – it was really fun to record! I also years ago recorded a slipknot track – there’s quite a lot of anger in that rendition.

c) Most reflective – this is tricky, because I feel I write from reflection most often. Maybe “If I were to die today” on the new album.

One of your tracks is the new single ‘Bristol Rains’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?

There is a specific memory behind the lyric “Bristol Rains are calling me home”. I went to Bristol Uni and it was the first time I felt any really prolonged freedom. I had a very restrictive upbringing. Anyway, one day my mates and I were out in Clifton and heading back to halls of residence for dinner and there was a massive rainstorm. I remember running, laughing and being soaked to the skin by the time we got back. It was a happy
memory, that randomly surfaced when I started writing the lyrics. The song is about reclaiming yourself.

Was it a difficult song to write?

Actually no. I am first and foremost a singer and lyricist and the lyrics came in one download – which is the case for most of the songs I write. It is something I am so thankful for. I wrote the music with Paul Freeman who is an amazing songwriter and artist whom I met in Nashville. He and I wrote a lot of songs for this album and honestly it felt pretty effortless.

Then when it came to recording, we had an incredible band put together by my producer and friend and also amazing artist Jeremy Little – who took the production to another level, in my opinion. I am extremely lucky to have met Paul and Jeremy as I feel the three of us work have a real synergy.

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2026/2027?

Yes, I have started to write some songs for another album; and I also release more trad jazz- based EPs every now and again so I’m working on an idea for the next one of those.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

London – gritty, diverse, culture, vibrant, home.

How do you look after your voice?

I steam and do vocal exercises every day and when life gets hectic, I make sure I have time to be silent. Talking over noise is not a singer’s friend, in my experience. Also sleep, I love sleep and I drink a lot of water, because I also love water!

In 2018 you launched a podcast series called About Last Night. How did that idea arise and what is the idea behind it?

I wanted to create a podcast or vlog for a while. I love a good chat and am curious about other people’s lives. Initially I had an idea of doing a dinner party at home and zooming in and out of (themed) conversations – but I’m not super techy so wasn’t sure how I would execute that, so I settled on the one-to-one conversation format.

About Last Night basically combined two of my favourite topics – creative journeys and finding joy. So, each episode I spoke to someone who excels in their field, about the highs and lows of their creative journey and how and where they find joy in their lives.

Do you have any UK/European dates planned 2026/27?

Not yet, but I hope so!

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

That the band and I have had a lot of fun, and that we have shared that and connected
with the audience.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

As for stage instruments, my favourite line up is keyboards, guitar, bass and drums. Also sometimes trumpet, and I have a Sennheiser mic that I like to sing through.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

That’s a really hard one! I think every novel I would want to write a score for has been done. The Great Gatsby comes to mind, but that’s been done a number of times. Maybe Catcher In the Rye – as that was a favourite novel growing up. Or maybe Jane Eyre…

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

So many!!! Chet Baker, Nancy Wilson, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, John Coltrane, Squeeze, Elvis Costello, The Cure, Prince, Blondie, Sinead O’Connor, George Michael, David Bowie, Corey Taylor…I could keep going…I know I have missed some important ones…I love classical music too and opera.

My recommendation would be if you haven’t listened to Chet Baker -go listen -and also
to listen to a wide range of genres – you never know what’s going to trigger a feeling – and
you don’t what you might fall in love with.

What makes Parry Ray happy and what makes you unhappy?

I can find happiness in a lot of places, but off the top of my head – a good night sleep, sunshine, blue skies, dancing, a good book, travelling, delicious food, a delicious espresso, a chilled glass of champagne, friends, the people I love…

What makes me unhappy – unkindness, cruelty, and suffering.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Lisa Davies Promotions

Parry Ray’s latest single ‘Bristol Rains’ is out now.

In addition, she will perform two shows at Live at Boisdale, Belgravia, London on Wednesday 24th June 2026 and Wednesday 15th July 2026.

Night One Tickets: https://boisdaletickets.co.uk/p/12659

Night Two: https://boisdaletickets.co.uk/p/12660

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/parryrayinharmony