Parry Ray

Parry Ray is a singer, songwriter, podcaster, writer and mother. Born and bred in Kensal Green, northwest London to Indian parents, Parry’s fascination with words began at the age of 6 when she started writing poetry, which very quickly developed into song lyrics. When she started singing at 7 years old Classically trained in voice, piano and guitar, Parry developed a passion for jazz and pop before she hit her teens and was introduced to a broader spectrum of music by the teachers that guided her. Parry’s voice has been described as ‘sweet and clear’ with undeniable jazz and blues tones - however her personal musical tastes are far reaching - everything from Stephen Sondheim to Prince and Slipknot, and many artists in between. As a result, her own music and compositions often straddle genres, something Parry leans into and loves to play with. A turning point in Parry’s life took place in 2001, when her father was hospitalised due to a negligent operation. It was then that Parry rediscovered her voice. At that time, also a mother to two toddlers she knew full well that life would always be busy, but she recognised that throughout her life, music had been and would always be her beacon, her salvation and a key reason to be. She began to write and record her own songs and took the step to resume gigging as the artist she was to become. Now an established artist both touring and recording, Parry has performed regularly at the Royal Albert Hall in their ‘Beyond the Main stage’ programme, Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s, the Bulls Head and The Pheasantry to name a few. With regards to the music she has recorded, Parry has carved herself a reputation for pulling apart songs we know and love and reinterpreting them, arranging them in a way that is both intimate and modern. This is particularly evident in her Know the Way Back album produced by Andy Wright (Simply Red, the Eurythmics, Simple Minds) and her Out Of The Shadows album, produced and co-arranged by James McMillan (Liane Carroll, Van Morrison) - a collection of musical theatre compositions re-imagined with a strong jazz feel. Parry is currently working on a new album of originals, to be released later in 2026. Parry’s mission statement is one of love, positivity, passion, and joy and to that end in 2018 she launched a podcast series called About Last Night which explores the lives and minds of people who excel in their respective fields and allows them to share the highs and lows of their creative journeys, and how and where they find joy in their lives. Aside from preparing to share her new album with the world, Parry is also currently working on a novel which draws on her own life lessons as a British Asian woman, a creative artist and a full-time mother. https://www.instagram.com/parryrayinharmony Today's episode is brought to you by The Strong Coffee Company - Elevate your coffee routine with Strong Coffee Company's "Black" instant blend and lattes. Both feature organic coffee, protein, MCTs, and adaptogens for sustained energy and mental clarity. The Strong Coffee Company makes quality coffee to everyone's taste Enjoy an exclusive discount of 20% with my promo code CBUKRDUX at the checkout at strongcoffeecompany.com