The Universe Featuring Ray

Biography

Ray Syd Stern is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter and mixed media artist who is the sole creator of The Universe Featuring Ray. She currently operates as a solo acoustic act, but she can hold it down and bring a full sound when sharing the bill with 4 piece rock bands due to her clever songwriting, big voice and powerful stage presence. Ray’s most recent recordings are slated for release mid august on an EP entitled “Co-Create” which is her 1st experience recording, arranging and performing all the instrumentation on the CD (except drums)by herself. 

The Universe Featuring Ray's library of over 30 songs waiting to be produced isn't her only claim to fame musically, she was in a Band called The Peace Leeches from 2007 till 2010. They had a whirlwind of success during their short stint including a nomination for a Toronto Independent Music Award and the honour of opening for Finger Eleven, The Trews, Sloan and Thornley, Holy Fuck, Gob and Ill scarlet. The cult following from all over Southern Ontario she gained from that has followed her into this new chapter of her musical career. She was picked up as the lead singer and sole lyricist for GUAS, a rock band from North Carolina, when they found her solo music online after a whole year of searching the globe over for a good fit. Turns out Ray was the perfect fit and in 4 short months they wrote and recorded 10 solid rock songs together. She toured North America with them even playing such big name festivals as SXSW, Canadian Music Week and Indie Music Week Toronto 2017. 

Now after being back in Canada for only one month she has an entire summer of shows booked, video's being shot and prepared for release and a tour in the playing stages for October. As well as more shows being added all the time due to almost every band or venue owner that see's her live wanting to add her to the lineup of their own show's. 

It's hard to nail down one comparison to use to describe this versatile and trans-genre musician, but she has be called a generational talent which is usually only used to describe top athletes before they even get into the league, and these players almost always become all-time greats. That being said, many have drawn comparisons to Ani Difranco and other female crooners, Karen O, Brody Dalle, Lena Lovich, Cowboy Madonna and Gwen Stefani just to name a few while one of Ray’s favourite comparisons being to Jack Black and Tenacious D. She has beautiful pop songs, inspirational ballads and rock songs that even the heaviest rocker can't help but like! Her songs will stay with you for days and if you read the lyrics, they could be words to live by.  

Her live stage presence and performance has often been described as "Something I saw at Woodstock" or "Straight out of 1962" so it's no wonder her music appeals to a wide range of demographic, from toddler to rocker to old ladies in walkers. Whether it’s the music, the art, the message or just the radiation of good vibes, there is truly something for everyone in her universe and its a common ground where all of our universes can meet to co-create, love and appreciate art, music and each other.