Casey Ray is a singer-songwriter from Victoria who earlier this year decided to switch her life around by quitting her job in the IT sector to focus on "music, travel, friends and the good stuff".
That decision has seen Casey release the single 'Money Tree' in June, which she followed in October with the soulful rock bop 'Not My Job To'.Underpinned by cinematic piano and bluesy guitar, Casey's raw, powerful vocals evoke emotive feels as she reminds listeners it's not their job to fix everything.
"Writing 'Not My Job To' was an emotional experience. To me, the song is a reminder that you can't always help people help themselves," Casey says.
"As soon as I started working on this I knew I wanted it to be my next single, as it's a song about something I've wanted to get off my chest for a while now."
Who is Casey Ray... I'm a singer-songwriter from the Mornington Peninsula in Melbourne. I've been singing ever since I was a little girl. It's my true love.
I quit my job in IT some months ago to focus on music, travel, friends and the good stuff. So far, it's the scariest but best thing I've ever done. Taking some time to focus on the things I love.
I sound like... People have told me I sound like Meg Mac, Joss Stone and Adele. I mean, I'll take it! Haha, I love these artists and look up to them. They kill it in so many ways.
My first gig was... At a local singing school's end of year concert in Cranbourne. I begged my parents to take me to lessons when I was young.
When did you settle on your artistic name, and was it a unanimous decision... My music and lyrics have been the most authentic and vulnerable side of me I've shared with the world. Just going with my name made sense rather than a stage name.
In the studio... I usually get caught up in it all and stay there for hours. I drink tea with Rob Amoruso and jam. It's just awesome. It's like built-up energy and feelings you're bursting at the seams to get out and it's fun.
If I could tour with anyone... It would be a long list of artists because I draw inspiration from so many. Beyonce because she really is the Queen and performs like no one else; Stevie Nicks because I've been listening to Fleetwood Mac with my family since I was a little girl; and Meg Mac because she is one of my favourite Aussie artists. I love her vibe, her lyrics, her melodies and everything else in between.
Social media is... To be honest like an annoying little sister to me. Ha! I love how easy it is to share with the world, connect with close ones and makes so many things easily accessible BUT, I struggle with needing to entertain people in 30 seconds.
I would love to create bodies of art and travel showing the world. I try to find the balance between using it as a positive tool and trying not to get caught up in the negative impacts it has on so many people. I'm a fan of putting the phone down and being present.
My favourite app at the moment is... Instagram for all the music, dancing and travel inspo I'm getting.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... My mum wrote my initials on all of my clothes before I left for Grade 4 camp because I was forever losing stuff and she was sick of buying things she didn't need to.
When we were leaving to head back home I must of misplaced a few pieces of clothing. The teacher was holding up everyone's lost property item by item including a pair of nickers that were mine. There was absolutely no way I was claiming them, so I said nothing until the teacher read out my initials to the entire class and I had to do the walk of shame and collect them in front of everyone.
Life on the road can be... I wish I knew! I'd love to tour. Hopefully I'll get there one day. :-)
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... Cheese, popcorn and I can bring my doggo.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in was... Almost getting kidnapped in Canada on the way back from a trip. A man tried to pull me in a cab and luckily the hotel concierge man pulled me away from him. Thank god for the concierge man!
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson... Adele, Beyonce or Stevie Nicks because I so appreciate the way they do things. Their art, the way they hold themselves and if they believe in me then I would feel like I can take on the world.
If you had to live in a city abroad, where would you choose and why? I love Australia. I think we're so lucky here, but if I had to choose it might be Louisiana. The blues music there is like nothing I've heard. So much swag.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party... Honestly, if Paul Walker was still alive he'd be on the list. I always loved him. Barack Obama for his wisdom and insight. Jim Carrey for tummy-hurting laughs!
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Roast pork with veggies and gravy, or a vegetarian lasagne.
When it comes to pets are you a lover or hater of our furry friends? LOVE! I have a big South African Mastiff. She's my best friend and I don't know what I'd do without her. She's unfortunately riddled with health problems, so it's ignited my passion to help more animals. Being with animals and amongst nature is one of my favourite things to do.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Jack Daniel's and coke.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Last week. Exercise keeps me sane, but just like everyone else I fall off the bandwagon and have to jump back on again.
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Putting the washing away. It's just annoying.
Do you have any phobias... I'm scared of magpies haha! I was attacked a few times by evil magpies and I've never liked them since. I think they're crazy.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? That's a good question. I'm unsure. I think it would have to be about travel or property. Something cool, fun and educational.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? One of my best friends lives in WA and I'm in VIC. I'd tell her I can't make a birthday and then show up and surprise her. I suck at pranks. I wish I was better.
Best local takeaway joint for midnight feed that will leave you with a food coma? Kebabs on Chapel St. in Melbourne.
Which fictional character best describes your personality? Daenerys Targaryen. I like to pretend I'm tough but really, I'm just a big marshmallow.
Last show you binge-watched? 'Yellowstone'. I am in love with the crazy work they do and I secretly have a crush on Rip Wheeler.
