The Vanrays have just released their latest long-player “Put It Out” with an accompanying video for the album’s focus track “Hard Times”. The band carries on with their tradition of belting out undeniably catchy Motown and Soul tunes with big hooks, big melodies and an even bigger brass section. Taking notes from classics and contemporaries like Spencer Davis Group, Detroit Cobras, Curtis Harding and the Daptone Records roster, The Vanrays have delivered an album of soulful classic R&B and garage music. We spoke with Vocalist Spencer McKinnon to find out more.
Name:
The Vanrays
Genre:
Garage Soul
Founded:
2016
# of Albums:
LP and an EP
Latest Album:
Put It Out
Latest Single:
Hard Times
Latest Video:
Favourite musician growing up:
My parents had some Solomon Burke and Otis Redding albums. I didn’t appreciate them then as a kid as much as I do now but they certainly influenced me. KISS I bought for myself.
Favourite musician now:
Nathaniel Rateliff
Guilty pleasure song:
I Want to Rock And Roll All Night.. and part of every day (that’s the way we always sing it).
Live show ritual:
Dinner and drinks
Favourite local musician:
Paul Pigat
EP or LP?
LP
Early bird or night owl?
Night owl
Road or studio?
Road if going to festivals or if we’re in Europe. Love being in the studio though.
Any shows or albums coming up?
Just released Put It Out. We have a show at the Fox Theatre on Sept 22nd with The Asian Persuasion Allstars
Where can we follow you?
Website | Tiktok | Youtube | Instagram | Bandcamp | Facebook | Apple Music | Spotify
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Rapid Fire Local Questions:
What is your favourite local restaurant?
Mezcal on Commercial Drive
What is your favourite street in your city and why?
200 block East Georgia between Main and Gore. Close to home and great bars, produce and restaurants, and St. Bernadine ( Vanrays guitar players business where we rehearse sometimes)
What is your favourite park in your city and why?
A tie: The dog park beach at the end of Spanish Banks and of course Stanley Park. It is lush, large and beautiful and I love riding my bike to Third Beach.
What is your favourite music venue in your city?
Lana Lou’s Rock and Roll Eatery! Intimate venue run by great people!
What is your favourite music store in your city?
Red Cat Records
