Uncle Ray Releases New Southern Soul song “Funky Forty Dollars”
Uncle Ray, whose real name is Raymond Coats, is an artist who brings a warm and honest feeling to his music. The name Uncle Ray was chosen because it feels familiar and real, like someone you already know and trust. He wants listeners to feel like they are hearing stories from someone who has lived through real moments in life. His goal is to connect with people in a genuine way, not to sound distant or manufactured. His music reflects a life filled with experience, love, loss, and growth, and he uses that to create songs that speak from the heart. He is from San Francisco, California, and his West Coast roots have played a strong role in shaping who he is as an artist. His music style blends real life California hustle with the timeless feeling of blues and soul music. As an independent artist, he has stayed focused on building his craft, performing, and creating music that leaves a lasting impression on his audience.
Uncle Ray’s music falls into blues, soul, and Southern soul, with a strong focus on storytelling. He is drawn to songs that speak about real life, including relationships, struggles, joy, and everything in between. He wants listeners to not only feel the rhythm but also understand the message behind each song. His goal is to make music that people can relate to and feel deeply. His influences come from artists known for their honesty and powerful voices, including Bill Withers, Tyrone Davis, Johnny Taylor, Lou Rawls, David Ruffin, Curtis Mayfield, Peabo Bryson, and bassist Tony Saunders. He respects artists who could move people with feeling and truth, not just technical skill. These influences have helped shape his approach, where every note and lyric carries meaning and emotion.His latest single, “Funky Forty Dollars”, is a song full of groove, personality, and truth. The title grabs attention right away, but the song also carries a deeper message about relationships and how people value one another. It is a record that can make listeners move while also making them think. Uncle Ray wanted the song to stand out and have its own voice, and it does just that.
The creative process behind the song started with inspiration from multi platinum artist Moe Z MD and a desire to tell a story that felt real and memorable. Uncle Ray focused on balancing a strong groove with a meaningful message. He wanted the song to feel good without losing its depth. One key moment in creating the song was realizing how powerful the title was, as it sparks curiosity right away. Another important choice was keeping the song simple and letting the story breathe instead of adding too much. He trusted the groove, the vocals, and the message to carry the record. With “Funky Forty Dollars”, Uncle Ray hopes listeners feel both entertained and connected to the truth in the song. There is humor in it, but also a message about how people sometimes show up only for what they can get. He wants people to recognize real life situations in the music and feel that sense of understanding.
Live performances are a big part of who Uncle Ray is as an artist. After releasing “Funky Forty Dollars”, he performed at Ms. Cherronda G’s birthday celebration in San Francisco on February 27. He also had a meaningful performance at Twin Lotus Thai Restaurant in Sacramento, California on April 12. For Uncle Ray, performing live is where the heart of his music comes alive, and he aims to leave every audience with a lasting feeling they will remember.
Listen to "Funky Forty Dollars"
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