Dean Ray is an Australian indie rock artist and producer. The foundation of Dean’s sound can be traced back to a strong handful of inspirations, Phil and Tommy Emmanuel, Dire Straits, ZZ Top and John Fogherty which stem from some of his earliest childhood memories.

A simple start in a small town, Dean was the youngest to be born into a working-class family of four; raised in the black soil and buffel grass of Meandarra, south-western Queensland, Australia. Dean was always harbouring an inner rhythm that later grew into lyrics and melodies, inspired from his parents vinyl and cassette collection. A level of isolation was present throughout Dean’s childhood living on cattle and sheep farms. “I spent a lot of time on my own as a kid, playing in the paddocks/fields”. “I believe that’s where my creative mind began to develop” Dean’s parents played instruments and were a big influence on his introduction to music.

Currently based in Sydney, Dean has performed headline shows and festivals, touring both nationally and internationally since hitting the scene in 2014. He has spent the past four years in his Sydney studio writing and producing new material and committing to some much-needed soul discovery. “I am at a stage in my life where self-discovery and acceptance have made for brighter days and better songs, I am finding positivity and truth in everyday workings."

Dean presents a unique collection of stories to his audience through his writing, in a way only he can. “I got caught up in what other people wanted from me and what may have worked on radio that I forgot about the soul of music. I had to strip it all back to the bare minimum, removing all the noise and find who I am in the tracks.” Dean’s music is inspired by the simplicity of days gone by, giving the listener a truly authentic and genuine experience.

Dean leverages his public image to promote awareness of mental health issues, which he has personally battled throughout his adult life. As Walk For Awareness ambassador in 2019, he performed at both the Walk For Awareness and the Wellness Walk, where he further supported this cause.

Dean’s earlier single “Simple Things” was included as part of the soundtrack for a ground-breaking Australian film, “The Show Must Go On”. Written and directed by Ben Steel (Melbourne), The Show Must Go On is a social documentary that shines a light on the mental health issues in the Australian entertainment industry and explores why so many creative workers are currently experiencing life under a cloud of darkness and battle suicide attempts, depression, anxiety, sleep disorders and other mental health issues at an alarmingly high rate. This project thoroughly explored the devastating research, heard from people in all corners of the industry, shone a light on the issues, and aimed to inspire and initiate change. ”Simple Things” was penned during one of Dean’s darkest hours and is a strong message for others suffering mental health issues that they are NOT alone.

Stream Simple Things Here: https://open.spotify.com/track/6Lwcupky1pyNJ0NczcTnOQ?si=13dc9cd461d2400b

Learn more about The Show Must Go On, here: https://www.theshowmustgoon.com.au/