Photo By Taylor Prinsen.
What happens when you release a shimmery synth-pop love song on the same day you get married? You show the world one of the best love stories of all time.
Austin-based duo Moonray just released their new single “Come Away”, and the newlyweds couldn’t be more excited to show the world what they have to offer. Inspired by legends like Prince and Madonna, Moonray have created a blend of modern synth pop, blended with free-spirited nostalgia.
We had a chance to speak with the duo about their new single, and how their relationship influences their work.
As Newlyweds, you’ve been through one of those most challenging things in the world: wedding planning. Did the two of you being a music group impact on how the reception planning went?
“It sure did! The first thing we knew we had to have was an awesome live band, Plush Party, and good sound equipment. We really wanted to have magical vibes on this special night, including twinkly lights and a holographic dance floor. Everything else fell into place.”
Are there any moments in your life that one of you will say something catchy or smooth and it ends up as inspiration in a song?
“Yes! It’s usually how some of our songs get created. Just the other day, Jonray blurted out jokingly ‘do you remember when we were mannequins standing in the window at the mall?’ That inspired a melody, and now that’ll be a song. “
You describe your song “Come Away” as a love song. Due to your relationship should we expect more love songs from you?
“Definitely, love seeps into everything we do. Like 100% pure grade maple Canadian syrup. We do have other songs that are not necessarily about love, but it fuels them. “
Your single has to be so important to you, what inspired you to release it on the day you did?
“We wanted a memento and there was no better way to signify our love and commitment than with the release of “Come Away” written and recorded by us.”
If you could pick any celebrity both alive or passed to produce music with, who would it be?
“Sir George Martin.”
Satellite Records is your own label, and you love to help other artists to create their own music and dreams. Are there any particular projects you’re working on with others that you are proud of at the moment?
“Under Satellite Records, Moonray is our single client. But under our studio, we are working with “The Dancehall Tapes” recording Texas musicians; Hal Ketchum, Bob Schneider amongst others, in Old Texas Dancehall settings. And also, local project Lion Throne, a reggae rock band from San Antonio. We love bringing musical projects to life and helping musicians fulfill their dreams. “
What led you to each other? Was there some grand moment that made you both realize you wanted to be with each other forever?
Jonray: “Haha, Barb was getting cheesecake to go at the local Baker Street Pub, saw her, and knew I had to talk to her and ask her out. It did take over 3 weeks to get her to go on a date with me. After the first date, we were inseparable.”
Barb: “On the 3rd date, Jonray did tell me we’d spend our lives together forever and I didn’t believe it. But here we are and it’s best the decision ever. “
What is your writing process like?
“Our writing process is a variety of different elements. In some situations, we hold an intention on what we want the song to be about and then we improv over an 8 bar loop of music, and from there it’ll start to take on life of its own. We also like to take camping trips throughout the years and detach ourselves from the studio to hit the ol’ reset button. We’ve come up with some great ideas that way.”
Moonray are currently working on self-producing their upcoming album Digital Moon. The album will focus on their growth and maturity as a band.
You can check out their single “Come Away” below.
