Ray Hawthorne is back and louder than ever, delivering a heavy dose of sarcasm, rage, and brutal honesty with his upcoming album, "Ray Hawthorne Sucks" set for release on November 7th, 2024. Leading the charge is the ferocious new single, "Body Count", which puts Hawthorne's biting wit and raw energy front and center. Fans can pre-save the new album HERE. Fans can also purchase a limited run of exclusive vinyl HERE.
Renowned for his work in North Kingsley alongside Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down, his inaugural solo release "Heartbreak Feels Good in a Place Like This" had initially crowned him as the Heartbreak Hero. His upcoming album, "Ray Hawthorne Sucks"takes a hard left turn that channels frustration, irony, and self-deprecating humor into the signature Ray Hawthorne genre-blurring sound.
Speaking on today's single release, Ray Hawthorne shares:
"I have very little self control. Like almost none. I can get addicted to pretty much anything, and if it exists I’ve probably overdone it at some point. Whether something is generally considered good or bad for you, I will beat that shit into the ground until I just
can’t do it anymore. So “Body Count” is about just fucking running. Causing problems and running so far away from them that your avoidance becomes a new problem in itself. Sometimes I feel like my life is just a continuous loop of ignoring things until I find myself back at square one. But hey, it is what it is, I guess when you stop doing drugs you just find new ways to fuck up your life. Even if that new way is a consistent and ever increasing hunt for rare Ninja Turtles figures."
Lifting the curtain behind his upcoming album release, Ray continues:
"The last 9 months have been pretty fucking crazy for me. In a completely unexpected turn of events, people (for some reason) started giving a shit about the silly songs I record in my bathroom. This has been equal parts exciting and nerve-racking. Throughout the last 9 months I have panicked, blown out my voice a few times, injured myself during the LA marathon, celebrated my dog’s second birthday, and released a new song almost every week. I don’t know how or why, but that’s what I did. This album is a collection of some of my favorite songs throughout that process, and listening back to them all in one go is somewhat interesting to me. Hopefully it’s slightly interesting to you."
While his work in North Kingsley and his debut EP showcased a different persona, Hawthorne’s latest solo work breaks the mold, leaning into chaotic energy with the release of the no-holds-barred single "Body Count." Layered with pounding drums, distorted guitars, and his trademark emotive vocals, the track is an explosive anthem exploring the themes of self-criticism, guilt, and emotional vulnerability while grappling with feelings of helplessness and regret. "Body Count" doesn’t pull any punches—it's Hawthorne’s rallying cry for anyone who feels like they’re at the end of their rope.
"Ray Hawthorne Sucks" is a self-aware, tongue-in-cheek title, but it’s also a reflection of the album’s themes—self-doubt, frustration, and embracing the chaos. The project is a far cry from the more cinematic, heartfelt journey of his debut EP "Heartbreak Feels Good in a Place Like This". Instead, it plunges listeners into a gritty, unpredictable soundscape, blending post-punk, hardcore, and Hawthorne’s emo roots into a genre-defying mix that is as chaotic as it is cathartic.
Be sure to to stay tuned for more new music from Ray Hawthorne coming very soon.
ABOUT RAY HAWTHORNE
Ray Hawthorne is basically an emo Muppet. His life revolves around pop culture references, Ninja Turtles action figures, and his dog named Oliver. Oliver laid on Ray’s feet during the recording of every song on his forthcoming album “Ray Hawthorne
Sucks”. This was mostly a positive experience, but there’s a particular section during the song “Panic Mode” where Ray had to yell “HEY HEY HEY HEY” over and over again. This made Oliver very tense, and he thought he was being scolded. Ray felt really bad for confusing Oliver in such a way. After the recording was done treats were had by all, and all was well.