Ray Johnson On the Making Of “Ocean Blue”
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your "Ocean Blue" and the story it tells?
OK, “Ocean Blue” is a song I wrote last year, I believe. I was reflecting back on my life and the events that have unfolded over many years. It's inevitable that at some point in your life, you start considering your own mortality and how much time has passed, and how little time is left. I saw myself as that guy at this point in my life. Suddenly an image of an old crusty sailor on a wooden shanty sailing the open seas came to mind. Old bearded man, captain’s hat, weather-worn soul. now in search of his youth that has disappeared all too soon. The ocean is so vast and so blue with so many mysteries untold and a never ending. Life pitted against an old man running out of time. I wrote the lyrics based on those concepts and imagery. Musically, it only made sense for me to create/style the music in a traditional sea chanty. A style not used much today, if at all, but in this case, a perfect match. That my friend is Ocean Blue.
Were there any challenges or breakthrough moments during the songwriting process for "Ocean Blue?"
Nothing challenging or having a breakthrough. However, the music is a "sea chanty". A long lost style and a style I've not written used until "Ocean Blue".
What do you like the best about "Ocean Blue?"
I like the "sea chanty" style, unique to me and I also like the connection I have with the story and how it relates to my life in the here and now. I know that many people can relate to the message and story.
Can you recall a particular moment, artist, or experience that had a significant influence on your music?
My whole career began at the age of 3 watching and hearing the Beatles on the Ed Sullivan Show in February of 1964.
How has your music evolved since you started as a singer-songwriter? What have been some key milestones in your artistic journey?
Well in short, my music has evolved from a solo artist playing cover songs, singer songwriters of the 70's and 60's pop, to a cover band playing hits of the 60', 70's, 80's, and 90's. In 2000 I put together a group writing and performing our own songs and now I'm a songwriter writing, recording, promoting, and distributing my work.