The observation is signature Enderlin: She has a way of turning a song or even just a thought into an outstretched hand to the lonely or ashamed. While she first turned heads as a godsend to those aching for an artist with some golden-era country backbone, she has since emerged as a literary songwriter and superb vocal stylist with a knack for sharply drawn––and often sad––characters. Backsliders, avengers, lovers, and victims––they’re all in her acclaimed albums, such as 2019’s Faulkner County and 2017’s Whiskeytown Crier.
Enderlin’s new single, “Somebody’s Shot of Whiskey,” sounds like a grinning defense of a good time––and it is, riding a pocket groove that echoes the laid-back cool of 70s Emmylou Harris with lines that evoke the unapologetic irreverence of Loretta Lynn. Like Emmylou and Loretta, it’s also more than a party: Enderlin often uses a character’s vulnerability as a gateway to their strength. Amidst acoustic guitar, crisp snare, and cheeky fiddle, Enderlin’s protagonist admits she’s not for everybody, then celebrates not just self-acceptance, but love with another person that can only be found when we are wholly and unapologetically ourselves.
In everything she does, Enderlin sings like the heir to Patsy or Tammy, then writes like Eudora Welty decided to pick up country music. Over the last year and a half, more people––some with big microphones––have noticed.
Enderlin remains a go-to writer for stars and legends as well. Her catalog includes Alan Jackson’s “Monday Morning Church,” Lee Ann Womack’s “Last Call,” Luke Bryan’s “You Don’t Know Jack,” and a host of other songs for Randy Travis, Joey+Rory, Reba, Terri Clark, Whisperin’ Bill Anderson, and more.
These days, Enderlin is writing and recording new music on her own terms, toying with the idea of continuing to release a song at a time instead of saving everything for an album. Enderlin loves full-length records––she’s released two concept albums and is considering doing it again––but she’s also interested in connecting and creating in new ways. “We all live hectic lives, which makes getting these little nuggets-–these songs––great,” she says. “You have extra time and attention for each song. It’s like, okay, this can be your baby today. You can really sink your teeth into this song and figure it out.”
Kayla Ray
Waco, Texas born singer-songwriter Kayla Ray wipes clean the dust of nostalgia and can bring even the hardest heart to a place of reflection and understanding. All this while remaining feverishly reverent to the roots of country music, greeting current day affairs head on, and chasing whiskey shots with the rowdiest banter one can muster.
Currently touring both the US as well as Internationally Kayla Ray is a quick rising favorite of the independent scene.
Kayla’s latest studio EP “Songs of Extreme Isolation, Economic Crisis, & Other Funny Things” made her Wide Open Country’s October feature of acts to watch.” (Link in press section)
“The Jameson Waltz” (2019) more than quadrupled it’s projected numbers in it’s first quarter.
Kayla’s, “Yesterday & Me” (2018) received high praise in both the United States as well as the UK earning Ray the number 1 spot on Kelly Gregory of ,“Country Music People” Magazine’s, top albums list of 2018.
Despite a recent surge, Kayla Ray is far from new to the scene. Interested in the long game, Kayla has been at this pursuit the majority of her young life. Kayla’s pedigree comes as an almost novella type story. That of a budding classic. Despite growing up rather hard, as a child Ray often entered herself into local talent contests and variety shows. Because of these efforts, Ray was lucky enough to find herself playing often around the Legendary Gimble Family in the Waco, Texas area. The talent, kindness, and class of the Gimble Family remain a large influence for Kayla Ray.
She, then underage and, in a charge of independence, booked her first headlining gig at Papa Joes of Lorena, Texas. Where as she puts it, “Billy Joe Shaver shot that guy in the face and got away with it.” Kayla built a band and spent a few years touring Texas and taking necessary knocks before making her entry into the national touring scene. She made this entry employed as tour manager for accomplished songwriter Jason Eady. During this time in addition to her tour managing duties, Kayla opened shows, sang duets and, “kept the boys in line”.
Kayla eventually grew from this position and left the job in 2014 to tour independently. Although, remaining a close confidant, Jason Eady had a large hand in producing both of Kayla’s full length albums.
Over the last decade Kayla has received many awards and accolades. And, in addition to touring with Eady, Ray has shared stages with artists like Cody Jinks, Erin Enderlin, Jo Dee Messina, Jamie Lin Wilson, Whiskey Myers, Mo Pitney, Marcia Ball, Reckless Kelly, Jason Bolen, The Turnpike Troubadors, Shane Smith and the Saints, Ray Wylie Hubbard and countless others.
From honky tonk dance tempos, to sit you down and contemplate life ballads, Kayla Ray’s music does not disappoint. Her feverish reverence to country music, an indisputable work ethic, stoic beauty, and massive personality, make Kayla Ray an embodiment of what country music should be.
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All items are non-refundable under any circumstances.
