Son of Ray returns to his musical roots
You may be wondering how a guy from Port Colborne got so much funk and soul.
For Son of Ray’s Rob Lagace, the answer is an eclectic mix of musical influence, hometown roots and self expression.
Making a name for himself in the Calgary music scene and across Canada, singer-songwriter Lagace has moved back “home” to Port Colborne, where his musical roots began, and is releasing his first professionally scripted music video.
The video for “Tic Toc” is from Son of Ray’s second album, “Between Dust and a Dream,” which was released last December. Directors Barb Briggs and Jarett Glockzin from Asvoria Media had an idea for Lagace which he admits was a bit out of his comfort zone, but he trusted them and is excited for its debut.
“It’s a fun song and a fun video. The lyrics say ‘tic toc, time’s up’ and the idea of time running out. The idea the directors suggested was the concept of wondering if the party ends when our time is up.”
Lagace’s decision to move back to Niagara started with a shift in priorities with a young family. And he loves the tight-knit community he grew up in, he says.
When it comes to the difference in music scenes from the West Coast to the East, Lagace says he hasn’t dug too deep into the Niagara scene since he has been back.
“I can’t compare Calgary to Port Colborne. It is easier in a bigger city to break into the scene and while I was in Calgary there were a number of people supporting my style of music as an original artist out there.”
That style of music could be described as a rootsy blend of rock, folk, blues and soul.
Although teaching is his fulltime gig at the moment, he says he could never fully quit music.
“It’s hard to think I will ever stop. I love the artistic side of things like writing, playing and recording.”
With a teacher’s schedule, Lagace is hoping to do more shows in the summer festival circuit and explains it’s a goal to earn that respect and recognition to do those festivals.
Lagace’s love for music started at a young age listening to his grandparents play instruments to his parents listening to Bruce Springsteen, The Rolling Stones and Led Zeppelin. His passion for music continued while listening to artists such as Dave Matthews, Tupac and Bob Marley.
“It really comes down to the music. Once you get passed all the glamour it’s their truth. Music was a spiritual thing for me as it should come from your soul — your own truth,” he says. “Musicians I love all have one common thing and they are tapped into that spirit.”
The music video for Tic Toc made its debut recently through Son of Ray’s social media channels and can be found on YouTube at https://bit.ly/2zkRJhK. Visit www.sonofraymusic.com.