Michael Ray says, “I’ll take those slow burns to be able to have that connection with the fans and to have them really get to know the songs.”
Michael spent 2018 with his nose to the grindstone, and his work ethic has set the trajectory for a very successful 2019. Michael’s hit single, “One That Got Away” is smoking up the charts.Michael and fiance, Carly Pearce are going strong in their relationship and are headed for the altar and ACM Awards. Moreover, Michael’s 'Nineteen Tour' is slated to bring his high energy show to more fans.
In a recent interview with Cody Alan, Michael shared his appreciation for his fans and support from country radio by saying, “I think that what’s cool about it taking a little bit of time is, music is coming out so fast. Everybody is getting songs so fast, and they are putting it out so quick. The fact that country radio and the fans have allowed mine to grow, I think that’s why we are seeing what we are seeing. The crowds are growing. The shows are better. People are singing along. It is really cool to see."
In the spirit of “One That Got Away,” Cody asked “What’s one song that you wish you had recorded? One That Got Away.”
“I got pitched, “Up Down.” Says Michael regretfully. “It was one of those things where I remember that we were kind of already finished the record and we were like “ugh?” but I thought it was a great song. The timing was just off, and now I’m like, ‘AH! I should have cut that one.’”
Michael's pass was Morgan Wallen's gain. "Up Down" would go on to claim the number one slot on the Billboard chart and be certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Want to know what’s coming up next for Michael Ray? Mark your calendars. Michael is joining Cody on the radio on March 4th. Find your station: www.cmtcody.com.
Upcoming 'Nineteen Tour' Dates
Thursday, Feb. 28 – Joe’s Live – Rosemont, IL
Friday, March 1 – 8 Seconds Saloon – Indianapolis, IN
Saturday, March 2 – The Dusty Armadillo – Rootstown, OH
Friday, March 8 – C2C: The SSE Hydro – Glasgow, UK
Saturday, March 9 – C2C: The O2 – London, UK
Sunday, March 10 – C2C: The O2 – London, UK
Thursday, March 14 – CMC Rocks 2019 – Brisbane, AUS
Friday, March 15 – CMC Rocks 2019 – Brisbane, AUS
Saturday, March 16 – CMC Rocks 2019 – Brisbane, AUS
Sunday, March 17 – CMC Rocks 2019 – Brisbane, AUS
Sunday, March 24 – Juana’s Pagodas and Sailors’ Grill – Navarre, FL
Sunday, March 30 – Chasco Fiesta 2019: Sims Park Amphitheatre – New Port Richey, FL
Wednesday, April 10 – Casper Events Center – Casper, WY*
Thursday, April 11 – Budweiser Events Center – Loveland, CO*
Sunday, April 14 – Rock the Ocean’s Tortuga Music Festival 2019 – Fort Lauderdale, FL
Wednesday, April 24 – Club Rodeo – San Jose, CA
Saturday, April 27 – Stagecoach – Indio, CA
Thursday, June 13 – Headwaters Country Jam – Three Forks, MT
Friday, June 14 – Country Jam – Mack, CO
Sunday, June 16 – Tailgate N’ Tallboys – Peoria, IL
Friday, June 21 – Country Stampede – Manhattan, KS
Friday, July 12 – Hodag Country Festival – Rhinelander, WI
Thursday, July 18 – Country Thunder – Twin Lakes, WI
Sunday, July 21 – Faster Horses Festival – Brooklyn, NY
Thursday, Aug. 1 – Yamhill County Fair – McMinnville, OR
Sunday, Aug. 4 – Sunfest Country Music Festival – Lake Cowichan, BC, Canada
*Denotes dates with Old Dominion
Photo Credit: Getty Images.