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.

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 Returns with Humor & Heartbreak: “Ray Hawthorne Sucks” Out Now!

Ray Hawthorne Announces New Album "Ray Hawthorne Sucks" & New Single "Body Count"!