“I think it is a pure form of music and is always going to be played and listened to for all eternity. The forefathers Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix & Stevie Ray Vaughan have laid the path for everyone to follow. For many decades to come there will be new generations discovering the blues because of this.”

Ray Beadle: Under The Blues Feeling 

Ray's guitar and vocal styles evoke numerous blues legends, whilst concocting a breathtaking style all of his own. It is not by chance that Ray has become a favourite amongst Australian blues and music fans. An exhilarating guitarist, an enthralling singer-songwriter, and an extremely talented performer, Ray was awarded Best Album, Best Song, and Best Male Artist in the Chain Blues Awards. Ray Beadle is the genuine article, his music comes deep from the heart and soul, stirring emotions in people with his guitar genius. Ray’s music is rich with a deep history of the Blues; Rich from 20 years of experiences garnered from performing Nationally and Internationally; and rich from a deep understanding of his instrument and how to make it stir something within the listener. He knows that’s what the Blues is about. Ray’s life as a musician started when he was just 9, and for the next 20 years, Ray has played with and learnt from the best, including many years spent performing and recording with the Foreday Riders; (commonly referred to as the ‘University of the Blues’).

(Ray Beadle / Photo by Sean Clohesy)

Ray has shared the stage with many great Australian and International artists and has thrilled countless festival audiences. A three-month residency with the house band in BB King’s Club in Memphis, as well as several Southern Blues festivals, were all defining moments during Ray’s three tours to the USA.  

Interview by Michael Limnios / Photos by Sean Clohesy

How has the music influenced your views of the world? What moment changed your music life the most? 

I was an awkward shy kid and music was my escape. In a way music is still my escape from reality, not that I'm running from anything. It's just the nature of what happens when I listen to or play music. No matter what's happening in the world music can unite. Meeting and playing with Chris Cain when he was touring Australia back in the late 90s impacted me heavily. He is an amazing musician and was very kind to me, I learnt a lot from him about not just music but the joy that music can produce.

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique and soul?

I am still searching for my sound but I think that is the fun part. I like to approach my music as a team effort with the musicians I play with on any given night. I aim to play with people who are willing to contribute a part of themselves to the overall performance. There are no rules when it comes to the balance between Technical ability and soul. I think it comes down to how much the listener can understand about what they are hearing. Simple soulful music has a larger audience because the mojority of people that do not understand music can still hear, feel and connect with it. On the other hand I also think somebody like Julian Lage or Michael Landau who have amazing technical facility also play with a lot of soul.

Why do you think that Australian Blues Scene continues to generate such a devoted following?

Pro rata the blues scene here is very small but loyal. Australia is a sporting nation. The audience is very devoted and supportive.

“I was an awkward shy kid and music was my escape. In a way music is still my escape from reality, not that I'm running from anything. It's just the nature of what happens when I listen to or play music. No matter what's happening in the world music can unite.” (Ray Beadle / Photo by Sean Clohesy)

Are there any specific memories or highlights of your career that you would like to tell us about?

Well, I feel like travelling overseas and playing is always an adventure. 

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

I must say society has changed a lot in the last 30yrs. I do miss the time before social media and everybody filming everything. People used to be more in the moment. 

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Gratitude, patience and kindness are the attributes I find keep you on a steady path to keep playing and touring.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? How easy or difficult is it for the younger generation to relate to the blues?

I think it is a pure form of music and is always going to be played and listened to for all eternity. The forefathers Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Jimi Hendrix & Stevie Ray Vaughan have laid the path for everyone to follow. For many decades to come there will be new generations discovering the blues because of this.

What is the role of music/musicians in today’s society? What keeps a musician passionate over the years in blues?

It's human nature to express themselves and connect. As long as there is an audience to seek an experience there will always be an artist to deliver one.

Ray Beadle - Home

(Ray Beadle / Photo by Sean Clohesy)