Sea Ray materialized in 1997 from out of the depths of a Brooklyn basement, inspired by echoes of classic psychedelica, '80s shoe-gazers, space rock, the British Invasion and the spring-coil reverbs mounted on their amps. Over time, the band's instrumentation has grown to include cello, electric piano and synthesizers in addition to the standard drums-bass-two-guitar format, turning Sea Ray into a small chamber rock group with a dense, layered, moody sound.
After recording a self-released debut album in 1997, Sea Ray recorded a follow-up EP in 1999, with the help of producers Tobin Sprout (Guided by Voices) and Peter Katis (Interpol, Mercury Rev, Get-Up Kids.) In 2003, after appearing on the "New York The Next Wave" compilation, the band wrapped up recording of their third proper release, "Stars at Noon". Produced by Peter Katis and Pete Min (Longwave), the new album was released in October 2003 on The Self-Starter Foundation, and continues to garner rave reviews from around the world.
In addition to regional and national touring, the band enjoys playing New York City venues like The Bowery Ballroom, The Mercury Lounge and The Knitting Factory. Sea Ray shows have been described in reviews as "ranging from the slow and dreamy" to "...Velvets-inspired rockers," "solid, introspective," "explosive and energetic," and even "epic ... texturally captivating." With the help of some Brooklyn-based videographers, the band also incorporates atmospheric film and video projections into its live set.
Just happened to be watching TV and saw the Coke commercial! I hadn't seen your blog though. It was one of those "what the..." moments. Haha. Congrats!
Here i am enjoying a blueberry pancake covered with whipped cream in a Chicago restaurant while wearing my all time FAVORITE soft t-shirt.....
EVERYONE should have this shirt because it not only has a rad design, but it is so comfortable. I find myself wearing it more often than any other t-shirt I have. SEA RAY ROCKS!!!!
Still sitting in the dark listening to the CD and thinking fondly of the night we spent together... wiping away the tears that came with the news of your hiatus.
Take care. *sigh*
PNM
hey I just wanted to say thank you for the long email. Although I must say I was really upset when i heard the news, I wish you the best of luck in everything you do. You truly made amazing music and it is timeless to me. I'm glad I got the chance to see you live and experience it. I will always love and cherish 'stars at noon'. It was the very first album to go on my ipod. I love you. Hope your last show goes well.
i already had tickets to another show but now i am going to have to give them away and attend the final sea ray show instead, thanks for the wonderful music. can't wait to see you in january.
hey! my friend told me about you guys so i decided to check you guys out. i really like the songs, they sound amazing! i would love to see you guys play live. anyways, keep it real*
the more i listen to the new album the more i love it. little known fact is the searay released an album in 97 that was self titled. please pick iit up if you like the new album, it was really good.
I saw you guys with the Stills in Vancouver at the Commodore Ballroom. Truly amazing music, It was love at first sight....Actually I liked you guys even better than the stills and thats saying alot because I love the stills. Great music!!! I love it...and you put on a great show.
I heart Sea Ray in a BIG way! Their cd is amazing but, not as good as seeing them play live. I wear their pin proudly, they bring the rock. Come to Chicago soon!
I saw you guys back in July at the East River Ampitheatre with Ted Leo. You played a great show and I talked to Jeff a couple of times. Next time you guys play an all ages show in the New York area I'll make sure to be there.
please come to london, uk. please?... i've seen the stills several times, but they still have yet to impress me as much as your sound..which i have yet to hear live... also spreading the sea ray love in san fran, my old abode...cheers
i picked up the album and love it. went to see you live at mercury lounge and loved it too. keep up the good work guys, can't wait to hear more from you!
I'm so happy to be considered Sea Ray's friend! You guys recorded one of the most beautiful songs ever: "Bury Me So I Can Live" (I think that's what it was called... the one one where you say "and let me kill the things I love"). You don't play it live at all but I really wish I could see it just once.
You guys are awesome. I saw you for the first time back in May with The Stills and Metric (in NYC) and I was blown away. Your CD makes frequent rotation in my CD player. :)
