Interview: Getting to Know Shana Ray

March 14, 2017

Shana Ray features on new album, Desert Divas Volume II, which is released this week. We asked her to tell us about herself and the record:

I am Shana Ray, singer, songwriter and guitarist. My music is a mixture of indie, dreamy pop and golden age sounds. I have been playing guitar and writing songs from the age of 12. I am a self-taught guitarist with the help and guidance of my beloved late grandfather.

Desert Divas Volume II is a compilation featuring Indigenous women. Eight Divas were selected from MusicNT’s premiere music development programs – the Desert, Saltwater and Barkly Divas. Their Indigenous music programs have grown and spread across the Northern Territory. The Divas participated in a program of mentoring and skills development from music industry professionals, each recording a song with award-winning producer Anna Laverty.

Flowers will Bloom is a song I wrote using metaphors to describe how a relationship can make you feel when everything is going right. The track features cinematic and golden age sounds.

Home is Darwin. I love Darwin for its tropical lifestyle, the multicultural population, its uniqueness and the friendly laid-back lifestyle.

I spend too much time daydreaming of my next travel adventures and putting words to paper of lyrics that pop into my head at any time of the day.

When I’m not working I can’t sit still. I like to go out and enjoy the Darwin night life with friends and to head to the Darwin market’s on the weekends.

It might surprise people to learn that I am teaching myself to play the harmonica. Next I’d like to acquire the skill to learn how to play the chroma harp! I am also a collector of vintage homeware and fashion. I admire the 1950’s era.

In the future I’d like to release a successful album. I hope to hear my songs played on radio stations and to create a music video for Flowers Will Bloom.

Hear some of Shana’s music on Soundcloud and find out more about Desert Divas Volume II here: http://www.musicnt.com.au/program/program-desert-divas-sista-sounds-about/desert-divas-volume-ii/