New venture for Ray Keith: Unveiling of his fresh album titled The Birdman
Ray Keith, a living legend in the drum and bass scene, is releasing a new album titled The Birdman on his own label, Dread Recordings. The album, which was inspired by the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, promises to showcase Ray's years of musical experience and the unique feelings of those challenging times.
During the lockdowns, Ray Keith found solace in feeding birds every morning, an act that inspired the album's title. This daily ritual, combined with the isolation and introspection brought about by the pandemic, led to the creation of a body of work that resonates with many.
The musical style of the album is primarily drum and bass, reflecting Ray's established position as a pioneering producer and DJ in this genre. Tracks such as "Cybertron," "Dreadlocks," and "Helm's Deep" showcase heavy basslines and intricate breakbeats typical of drum and bass music. Some collaborations blend melodic elements, reflecting Ray's evolving artistry within the genre.
One such collaboration is "Paradise," a track from the upcoming album, which is a collaboration with E-LISA. Ray played this track, along with "Amnesia," another track from the album, on his weekly broadcast on Origin FM during the lockdowns. These tracks became anthems, with 500-600 people tuning in every week.
The thematic focus of The Birdman seems to be on futuristic and nostalgic vibes, as suggested by track names like "Cybertron" and "Masters of the Universe." The inclusion of these tracks, along with the melodic collaborations, indicates an attempt to blend classic influences with fresh sounds.
Ray Keith spent a significant amount of time at home with his family during the lockdowns, and music helped them get through some of the dark days. It's clear that this personal connection is reflected in the album, making The Birdman a poignant and powerful reflection of the 2020 and 2021 lockdowns.
Ray Keith dedicated The Birdman to those who got through the Covid lockdown, a testament to the power of music to uplift and inspire during difficult times. The album was released on May 26, 2023, and is a must-listen for fans of drum and bass music and those who want to relive or experience the unique feelings of the lockdowns.
- The isolation and introspection brought about by the pandemic influenced not only Ray Keith's music but also his other interests, as he found solace in feeding birds every morning, which served as an inspiration for the title of his album The Birdman.
- Ray Keith's collaboration with E-LISA on the track "Paradise," a blend of melodic elements and drum and bass, reflects his evolving artistry within the genre, aiming to merge classic influences with fresh sounds, much like the thematic focus of his album that offers futuristic and nostalgic vibes.
