Michael Ray Joins MusicFX for Exclusive "Whiskey And Rain" No. 1 NFT

March 10, 2022

Platinum-selling country music hitmaker Michael Ray announces that he has signed with MusicFX.io (“MusicFX” or the “Company”), a leading digital community connecting artists to their fan bases through NFTs, to produce an exclusive NFT commemorating his first multi-week No. 1 with “Whiskey And Rain.”

The Michael Ray No. 1 Country Music Airplay Commemorative NFT will be strictly limited to just 100 tokens for fans to enjoy this achievement alongside Michael. The NFT will drop exclusively on MusicFX on March 22, 2022.

“I’m so thankful for my grandfather inspiring me to do what I love most in life because without that I wouldn’t be doing what I do,” shares Ray. “But, in the last five years, the successes I’ve had, would never have been possible without the fans. I want to thank them, and hope they enjoy the content I put out through MusicFX, as much as I’ve enjoyed making it.”

“We’re absolutely thrilled Michael has chosen MusicFX,” adds Billie-Jo Aasen, co-head of MusicFX. “He’s worked really hard to help us achieve something special with our second NFT. We can’t wait to get working on his next one and continue building the outstanding relationship he has with his fans.”

With four No. 1 hits, including RIAA Platinum-certified “Think a Little Less,” RIAA Gold-certified “Kiss You in the Morning,” RIAA Gold-certified “One That Got Away” and RIAA Gold-certified “Whiskey And Rain,” Florida-native Michael Ray has garnered over 1 billion global streams, over 650,000 album equivalents and over 100 million YouTube views.

The Michael Ray No. 1 Country Music Airplay Commemorative NFT is the second NFT line to be offered exclusively through MusicFX, following the hugely successful Gold Chain Cowboy Fan Club: Black Card NFT produced in partnership with Parker McCollum.

MusicFX is a partnership between Crown & Ace and award-winning blockchain pioneers CurrencyWorks, who have built the NFT platform that powers MusicFX.

To find out more about the Michael Ray No. 1 Country Music Airplay Commemorative NFT, or to sign-up to MusicFX, please click here.

About Michael Ray
For Michael Ray, music is his grandfather singing and sweating on a rural Florida stage. It’s the childhood refuge he found during the pain of his parent's divorce. It’s family and stories, history and hope. Ray says music saved him, but it did even more: Music made him. In five short years, Ray has built an impressive foundation: four No. 1 songs – RIAA Platinum-certified “Think a Little Less,” RIAA Gold-certified “Kiss You in the Morning,” RIAA Gold-certified “One That Got Away” and RIAA Gold-certified “Whiskey And Rain” – plus “Get to You” and “Her World or Mine,” brings his tally to five Gold-certified singles. Ray has garnered over 1 billion global streams, over 650,000 album equivalents, over 100 million YouTube views, and has performed at the Grand Ole Opry over 60 times. Now, two hit albums into that all-too-rare blend of critically acclaimed and commercially successful career, Ray has released Higher Education, a seven-song collection produced by GRAMMY-nominated producer Ross Copperman. Proof that heartbroken wallowing can feel good if it swings, “Whiskey And Rain” marked his first multi-week No. 1, cementing Ray as the ideal bridge between vintage country cool and modern country’s best sounds. Learn more about Ray at MichaelRayMusic.com or follow him on Instagram and Twitter @MichaelRayMusic and Facebook.com/MusicMichaelRay.

About MusicFX
MusicFX sets the stage for new innovations in artist and fan engagement. Using the blockchain, artists are empowered to leverage their brand while bringing fans closer than ever before to the music and the people behind the mic.

MusicFX NFTs provide the backstage pass, the ultimate connection between fan and artist, with exclusive VIP events and experiences, priority tickets, merchandise, and more.

MusicFX Is made possible thanks to the partnership between global blockchain innovators CurrencyWorks and the music industry expertise of Crown & Ace.

Working with some of the biggest names in world entertainment, MusicFX sets the stage for new thinking in artist and fan engagement. Harnessing the versatility of the blockchain, artists are empowered to leverage their brand while bringing fans closer than ever before to the music and the people behind the mic.

MusicFX NFTs provide the ultimate backstage pass, the premier connection between fan and artist, with exclusive VIP events and experiences, priority tickets, merchandise, and so much more, all delivered through the digital magic of a NFT.

For more, visit www.musicfx.io

About Crown & Ace
Crown & Ace is a family of entertainment entrepreneurs who have come together to restore values, relationships, trust, and stability within the multifaceted entertainment world.

The company is a joint venture between The Festival Company and Periscope Music Group which was founded in 2021 by Billie-Jo Aasen and Jake Crownover, two highly respected and incredibly experienced veterans of the entertainment industry who have worked with some of the biggest global talents to take to the stage.

Crown & Ace’s core business covers a multitude of services ranging from talent buying and venue booking to festival and marquee event creation/execution, to NFTs, to creating unique bonds and partnerships between brands and key personalities. They welcome their clients and their partners into their family and as a family, they all rise together and stay together.

For more information on Crown & Ace please visit www.crownandace.com

About CurrencyWorks
CurrencyWorks Inc. (CSE: CWRK and OTCQB: CWRK) is an award-winning, publicly-traded company that builds and operates a full-service blockchain platform.

For more information on CurrencyWorks, please visit us at www.currencyworks.io. For additional investor info visit www.currencyworks.io or www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov searching CWRK.

Michael Ray Earns First Multi-Week No. 1 with "Whiskey And Rain"

January 24, 2022

Lead Single from Higher Education Hits No. 1
Two Consecutive Weeks on Country Aircheck Chart
While Arriving at the Top of the Billboard Country Airplay Chart

“Whiskey And Rain” Marks Hitmaker’s Fourth No. 1 Single

On the heels of earning his fourth No. 1 single, hitmaker Michael Ray reaches another milestone with his first multi-week chart topper “Whiskey And Rain,” the lead single from his seven-song collection Higher Education. Last week, the track peaked at No. 1 on the Country Aircheck chart, remaining at the top this week while arriving at No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart.

“This is incredible,” shares Ray. “I knew this song was something special, but I never dreamed it would be this impactful. I’m so thankful to my team who kept pushing to get this song to No. 1, now for two weeks in a row, and I’m grateful for the fans who found ‘Whiskey And Rain’ just as special as I do. Your support means everything, and I can’t wait to keep bringing you compelling Country music.”

Upon the news of the track reaching No. 1 last week, Ray shared, “Back when we were recording this song, I would think about all the things I always loved about Gary Allan and the way his music spoke to me and my life growing up in Eustis. I hope this song has been there for you on lonely nights when you’ve needed it, just like Gary always has been for me.

“One of my favorites of his goes, ‘Life ain’t always beautiful, but it’s a beautiful ride,’” he continued. “Thank y’all for this beautiful ride! Thank y’all for loving this song!”

A shining example of camaraderie in the format, Allan took to social media to congratulate the Florida-native, sharing “Shout out to my friend Michael Ray! You just got another No. 1. They don’t come easy, friend. I’m so stoked for you, and I hope you get 100 more.”

Written by Josh Thompson and Jesse Frasure, “Whiskey And Rain” quickly garnered attention from critics, with Rolling Stone dubbing the track as “equal parts Ronnie Milsap and Gary Allan” while Billboard called it “a throwback to brooding songs from the ‘80s and ‘90s” with “solid production by Ross Copperman highlighting Ray’s vulnerable delivery.”

The track also caught the ear of critic Grady Smith, who shared “Whiskey And Rain” as his No. 2 pick in “The 10 Best Hit Country Songs of 2021,” noting that the “fresh, radio-friendly, modern but still a little bit traditional country production” made him “take a second look at Ray and think maybe there’s more to what this guy wants to say musically.”

On Higher Education, “Ray found a refuge in the mere act of making music that tells his imperfect story, a story that so many people in this world can certainly relate to during these crazy days,” PEOPLE observes, while American Songwriter emphasizes “Higher Education is shaped by the muse of the man Ray hopes to be, and the lessons he’s learned along the way… inviting his listeners into his world, pulling back the curtain on who he is off the stage.”

Ray celebrates the song’s success with the release of “Whiskey And Rain (Acoustic).” Listen to the song HERE.

The Florida-native has garnered over 1 billion global streams, over 650,000 album equivalents and over 100 million YouTube views. Along with his four No. 1 singles, Ray has a total of five RIAA certifications: Platinum-certified “Think A Little Less,” and Gold-certified songs “Her World or Mine,” “One That Got Away,” “Get To You” and “Kiss You in the Morning.”

About Michael Ray
For Michael Ray, music is his grandfather singing and sweating on a rural Florida stage. It’s the childhood refuge he found during the pain of his parents’ divorce. It’s family and stories, history and hope. Ray says music saved him, but it did even more: Music made him. In five short years, Ray has built an impressive foundation: four No. 1 songs – RIAA Platinum-certified “Think a Little Less,” RIAA Gold-certified “Kiss You in the Morning,” RIAA Gold-certified “One That Got Away” and “Whiskey And Rain” – plus “Get to You” and “Her World or Mine,” brings his tally to four Gold-certified singles. The poignant “Her World or Mine” from his sophomore album Amos also produced a video that has captured more than 27 million YouTube views since its debut. Now, two hit albums into that all-too-rare blend of critically acclaimed and commercially successful career, Ray has released Higher Education, a seven-song collection produced by GRAMMY-nominated producer Ross Copperman. Proof that heartbroken wallowing can feel good if it swings, “Whiskey And Rain” has garnered over 104 million streams, cementing Ray as the ideal bridge between vintage country cool and modern country’s best sounds. Learn more about Ray at MichaelRayMusic.com or follow him on Instagram and Twitter @MichaelRayMusic and Facebook.com/MusicMichaelRay.

Michael Ray Earns Fourth No. 1 Single with "Whiskey And Rain"

January 10, 2022

Lead Single from Higher Education Marks Hitmaker’s Fourth No. 1
as Song Surpasses 100 Million On-Demand Streams

At age 8, Michael Ray’s grandfather taught him his first guitar chords. Listening nonstop to Merle Haggard and George Jones as a kid, he fell in love with intricate stories sung by legends. Determined to make his own distinct contributions to the genre, Ray made a mission of sharing his deep appreciation for traditional Country music while pushing the format forward, leading to his fourth No. 1 single “Whiskey And Rain.”

“I owe this one to the fans who love Country music just as much as I do,” shares the Florida-native. “I knew when I first heard this song, it embodied everything I love about Country music, and I hoped people would find it as relatable and personal as I do.

“The support for ‘Whiskey And Rain’ has been so overwhelming and exciting,” Ray continues, “I can’t think of a better way to gear up for 2022 than this: celebrating with a song that’s so special to me.”

Written by Josh Thompson and Jesse Frasure and released as the lead single from his seven-song collection Higher Education, “Whiskey And Rain” quickly garnered attention from critics, with Rolling Stone dubbing the track as “equal parts Ronnie Milsap and Gary Allan” featuring “a mix of the piano man’s Eighties swing and the Nineties lonesomeness of Allan’s Smoke Rings in the Dark,” while Billboard called it “a throwback to brooding songs from the ‘80s and ‘90s” with “solid production by Ross Copperman highlighting Ray’s vulnerable delivery.”

The track also caught the ear of critic Grady Smith, who shared “Whiskey And Rain” as his No. 2 pick in “The 10 Best Hit Country Songs of 2021,” noting that the “fresh, radio-friendly, modern but still a little bit traditional country production” made him “take a second look at Ray and think maybe there’s more to what this guy wants to say musically.”

On Higher Education, “Ray found a refuge in the mere act of making music that tells his imperfect story, a story that so many people in this world can certainly relate to during these crazy days,” PEOPLE observes, while American Songwriter emphasizes “Higher Education is shaped by the muse of the man Ray hopes to be, and the lessons he’s learned along the way…inviting his listeners into his world, pulling back the curtain on who he is off the stage.”

Currently in the Top 10 on the Country On-Demand Streaming chart, Ray celebrates the song’s success with the release of “Whiskey And Rain (Acoustic).” Listen to the song HERE.

Ray has garnered over 1 billion global streams, over 650,000 album equivalents and over 100 million YouTube views. Along with his four No. 1 singles, Ray has a total of five RIAA certifications: Platinum-certified “Think A Little Less,” and Gold-certified songs “Her World or Mine,” “One That Got Away,” “Get To You” and “Kiss You in the Morning.”