Defying expectations, Ray Hawthorne has returned - breaking new ground with humor and self-deprecation with the release of his latest album, "Ray Hawthorne Sucks." Known for his bold and emotive style, Hawthorne takes an unexpected, playful turn with Muppet-inspired elements scattered throughout the album, adding a surreal twist that injects levity into his cathartic lyrics. Fans can dive into to the new album HERE and pick up a limited-edition vinyl HERE.
Alongside today's long-awaited album release, Hawthorne has dropped the music video for "Flatline", a cinematic nod to his debut single,"EMERGENCY (feat. Kellin Quinn)." Set once again in the iconic bedroom that started it all, the video for "Flatline" is a treasure trove of Easter eggs that tell a layered story of his evolution all while featuring Muppet-inspired antics. Fans can watch the bittersweet new video below.
Speaking on today's video release, Ray Hawthorne shares:
"The Flatline music video is like your favorite rom-com if all the characters were actually puppets, and instead of falling in love they do drugs. No matter what you were expecting the Flatline music video to be, I can guarantee this was not it. Also, Kermit only showed up for the orgy scene. What a diva."
Furthering his excitement of his new album release, Ray continues:
"Are you looking for some random guy to spill his heart into mediocre pop punk music? Then THIS is the album for you! Wanna hear songs that sound like they should have been downloaded on Limewire in 2005? Then THIS is the album for you! Did you grow out of your emo phase only to realize life gets way more emo once you start paying taxes? Then THIS is the album for you! Did you ever get scared to walk into a Hot Topic so you just hung out at Orange Julius instead and made fun of posers but you were really just projecting because you thought you were the real poser? Then THIS is the album for you! Do you think Ray Hawthorne sucks? Then THIS. IS. THE. ALBUM. FOR. YOU."
Renowned for his work in North Kingsley, the acclaimed project alongside Shavo Odadjian of System of a Down, Hawthorne initially captured hearts as the Heartbreak Hero with his inaugural solo release "Heartbreak Feels Good in a Place Like This". However, his latest release, "Ray Hawthorne Sucks", shows a more introspective side of Hawthorne - one that channels sarcasm, raw emotion, and brutal honesty into a genre-blurring sound that’s distinctly his own.
While his work in North Kingsley and his debut EP showcased a different persona, Hawthorne’s latest solo venture shatters expectations, leaning into the pounding drums, distorted guitars, and chaotic energy. "Ray Hawthorne Sucks" is a self-aware, tongue-in-cheek title, but it’s also a reflection of the album’s themes—self-criticism, resilience, and emotional vulnerability. Packed with explosive anthems, the album strays from the cinematic, heartfelt tones of "Heartbreak Feels Good In A Place Like This", plunging listeners into a grittier side of post-punk, hardcore, and Hawthorne’s emo roots.
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.
