Happy Go Lucky Sad: An Interview With Singer Songwriter Ray S. Pollock

SKELETONSBOOTS, CHAPS & COWBOY HATS 2010 ISSUE 14

PHOTOS BY TINA RAE POLLOCK

Since I can remember, Ray has been making music. He was the guy next door who had a cool and mysterious sound studio that no one was ever allowed in. Well, at least little kids with sticky fingers anyway. He would come in and out of the house carrying a guitar and I used to wonder what kind of music he made. His little daughter, Tina, sang some for me once but I was sure it sounded different coming from a four year old.

Now that we're all grown things are different. We all live in different places but he is still making music. The first time I heard it I couldn't believe this was what he had been doing all along in that little house next door. If you haven't heard his music; you will. First featured in Joel Voyeur, Esq. and now in this issue's trailer, Ray S. Pollock's music is bouncy and narrative, with a bit of swing and a whole lot of country. ~ Dreama

Tina Rae Pollock: What kind of influences do you draw from when creating your music?

Ray S. Pollock : Well musically, I draw from the legends: The Beatles, Bob Dylan, and Buck Owens. I want to write something that will change people’s demeanor. Any of the senses, sad, happy...it doesn’t matter. It’s escaping, going someplace, or telling about going someplace, good or bad.

TRP: Where did you grow up? Are these roots apparent in your work?

RSP: Haha, I never did grow up. But, geographically I grew up in West Virginia. My roots are a little apparent in my music. I go right down to the dirt floor of a hillbilly’s home... or right into the brightest neon sign. To me, it’s not about country. But I like my work to feel authentic.

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