ABOUT parry
Parry Ray is a singer, songwriter, podcaster, writer, brand strategist and a mother.
Born and bred in Kensal Green, north west London to Indian parents, Parry’s fascination with words began at the age of 6 when she started writing poetry, which very quickly developed into composing song lyrics. When she started singing at 7 years old, her love for music and performing gathered momentum; soon singing in choirs, musicals and jazz bands became an integral part of her daily life.
Classically trained in vocal performance, piano and guitar, Parry developed a passion for jazz and pop before she hit her teens, and was introduced to a broader spectrum of music by the teachers that guided her.
Parry’s voice has been described as ‘sweet and clear’ with undeniable jazz and blues tones - however her personal musical tastes are far reaching - everything from Stephen Sondheim to Prince and Slipknot, and many artists in between. As a result her own music and compositions often straddle genres and offer something a little more eclectic than the norm........not unlike Parry herself!
Whilst Parry herself never doubted her path in the world of music and the arts, her more traditionally driven parents (reticent of this career choice) encouraged her to keep her studies academic. Remaining wholly committed to everything she turns her hand to, Parry came away from this period of study with two Physics degrees and several published papers to her name. She went on to enter the world of Publishing which pushed her goal of becoming a professional singer/songwriter further into the distance, but growing and improving her understanding of the written word with each day.
A turning point in Parry’s life took place in 2001, when her father was hospitalised due to a negligent operation. It was then that Parry rediscovered her voice.
At that time, also a mother to two toddlers she knew full well that life would always be busy but she also recognised that throughout her life, music had been and would always be her grounding, salvation and escape.
She began to write and record her own songs and took the step to resume gigging as the artist she was to become. Now an established artist both touring and recording, Parry has performed regularly at the Royal Albert Hall in their “Beyond the Main stage” programme, Upstairs at Ronnie Scott’s, the Bulls Head and The Pheasantry to name a few.
With regards to the music she has recorded, Parry has carved herself a reputation for pulling apart songs we know and love and reinterpreting them, arranging them in a way that is both intimate and modern. This is particularly evident in her last album “Know the Way Back” produced by Andy Wright (Simply Red, the Eurythmics, Simple Minds) and her latest project, out in the Autumn, produced and co-arranged by James McMillan (Liane Carroll, Marie White) - a collection of musical theatre compositions re-imagined with a strong jazz feel. She also continues to compose her own material and is currently writing new songs for her Untold Stories project.
Constantly heralded for her many varied skills, in 2015, Parry started her blog ‘Parry Ray In Harmony’. Combining a desire to expand her outlet to write and explore her passions (namely music, fashion, skincare, motherhood and mindfulness), with a response to growing demand from those around her to share her stories, “secrets” and knowledge. Through her blog Parry has collaborated with a number of brands including Natura Bisse, Net A Porter, Matchesfashion.com, Laain Activewear, Amanda Thompson Couture and Balbec Beauty. ‘Parry Ray in Harmony’ provides another vital ‘string to her bow’ helping Parry share her life experience with others.
Parry’s mission statement is one of creativity, positivity and joy and to that end in 2018 she launched a podcast series called ‘About Last Night’ which explores the lives and minds of people who excel in their respective fields and allows them to share the highs and lows of their creative journeys, and how and where they find joy in their lives. A subject very close to Parry’s own heart and it appears, resonates with her audience too. She is currently recording Season 2, which will air in the autumn.
Aside from preparing to share her new collection of recordings with the world, Parry is also currently working on a series of blog posts which draw on her own life lessons as a British Asian woman, a creative artist and a full time mother. Whether written, spoken or sung, Parry describes words as her currency; her hope is to find common ground & connections with others through sharing her own journey, thoughts and experiences.
