Pop Punk, Sobriety, and Puppets? An Exclusive Interview with Ray Hawthorne
With his new album “ Ray Hawthorne Sucks” less than a month away, We sat down with Ray Hawthorne to find out what we can expect of the upcoming release, his 7 year sobriety, and his love of puppets (Yep puppets). Let's get into it!
Evaporated Magazine: Your new album comes out in less than a month. What can our readers expect from it? With more than half of the songs already released, what can you tell us about the remaining tracks?
Ray Hawthorne : The album is like if a Hallmark movie had substance abuse issues. Or like if Roger Rabbit was announced as a new cast member on MTV’s Real World. The remaining unreleased songs are one part noir novel, one part erotic thriller, and two parts salt.
EM: The album artwork, as well as the single releases, have caught a lot of attention. What was the inspiration behind the visuals for this project?
RH: I just really love puppets. Specifically muppets. So I wanted to incorporate that aesthetic into the visuals as much as possible. I’m sure you’ve heard people say money can’t buy happiness, but you know what you’ve never heard? Puppets can’t buy happiness. You know why you’ve never heard that? Because it’s not true. Puppets are happiness.
EM: What are some of your musical influences behind this album and in general?
RH: Exclusively Smash Mouth. I might as well be walking on the sun.
EM: A lot of your lyrics touch on darker and more vulnerable themes like substance abuse, heartbreak, mental health, and self-destruction. Where does this inspiration come from?
RH: I try to be as honest as possible in my lyrics. So if I’m writing about it, I’ve gone through it. I’m currently over 7 years fully sober, I’ve been through a lot of shit and done a lot of things that I wish I didn’t. Being able to reflect on those feelings and express them is extremely cathartic. Whenever someone reaches out to me and tells me that my lyrics are helping them or that they’re relatable it feels good man.
EM: Looking back at your “Heartbreak Feels Good in a Place Like This” EP, it had a musically darker tone, reminiscent of early metalcore and emo/screamo. How does the new album differ in sound? Was this change a natural progression, or were there other influences behind it?
RH: The new album is definitely a lot more in the pop punk realm. When I dropped the Heartbreak EP I was dipping my toes in all the styles I ever wanted to try, some metalcore, some heavier rock, some pop punk. Through doing that I learned that I have the most fun leaning into the more catchy side of music when I can. I don’t scream nearly as much anymore.
EM:With a few collaborations already under your belt, including Caroline Reilly and Kellin Quinn, are there any bucket-list artists you’d want to collaborate with soon?
RH: First off, Caroline is an amazing vocalist, so I’m stoked you brought her up. Be on the lookout for her because she’s going to be huuuuuuuuge. Guaranteed. As far as bucket list collaborations go I’d love to work with the guys from Scary Kids Scaring Kids, and Conor Oberst. I know those two exist in very different genres but they meant so much to me growing up and they still do today. Just having the opportunity to see how Conor Oberst works would be crazy. Legitimately the best lyricist I’ve ever heard and I’m not worthy. Wayne’s World style.
EM:With your earlier work in North Kingsley, you’ve often addressed social and political causes. Are there any issues currently on your mind?
RH: I think about a lot of issues. Like have you ever wondered where rope comes from? What's that shit even made out of? You just think about rope and assume it exists as a single component, but like, how? Who makes it? What are the best materials to use? I feel like rope has been around since like cavemen. The order of invention was probably like fire first, then rope. But fire is a natural thing, rope is man made… I think.
EM: What does the future hold for Ray Hawthorne? Can fans expect shows or tours in support of the new album?
RH: I think I’m gonna start beefing with Drake. Drake diss track coming soon.