Interview - Leopard Rays

First I'll ask about what's the story behind the name Leopard Rays? So, i (Luke) was in Florida a few years back and enjoying my time around some of the theme parks when i came to a Sting Ray pool on the day we went to SeaWorld and there was this massive fucking Sting Ray thing at the bottom of the pool. I noticed it was called a Leopard Whip-Ray. Kinda just came to me then and I made a mental note and when the band formed, that was it. 

Who would you say the bands biggest overall influences are? Bigger Artists like Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters, Don Broco, Alter Bridge would be a fair shout on that one. We also love David Bowie, James Brown, QOTSA.

Influence Playlist

How would you describe a live Leopard Rays show to some who have yet to catch you? Loud, energetic, heavy, tear jerking. An emotional rollercoaster….. I think every show we’ve played so far has had a different set list in one way or another. So i guess you could say no two shows are the same.

Since 2018 you have released five singles that have all seemed to have went down well. How do you feel the reaction has been and how do you come up with decision of which song your releasing next? For a band just cutting their teeth, I think the reaction has been way better than expected. Both in terms of press/radio and human reaction. There’s no better feeling than seeing people sing your songs back to you. And to have your own songs get a good reception from BBC Introducing is class. 

We usually have a feeling of what songs need to be released after a few weeks of listening to the mastered tracks. 

Do you have any plans on future releases? YES! Our debut EP will be out later on in the year, having waited so long to get it out into the world so we’re well excited for that.

How have yas been keeping yourselves busy during the lockdown? The standard really. Running, binge watching series, gaming, baking, drinking. For the most part anyway. Been getting a lot of new songs demoed too and we have done a live stream or two. 

Their seems to be a lot of great talented acts coming from Hartlepool in the past few years and Hartlepool live was a great success last year. How would you describe the current Hartlepool scene and your roles within it? Booming. So many different types of music coming through again, it’s doing really well. I don’t think this corona virus is gonna halt it either, Poolie acts still seem to be keeping busy musically. Our role is to get to as many shows as possible in the town and even go out of town shows to support our local bands, listen to the new music and share it with your mates and keep the wheel spinning.

Finally if you could recommend five local acts for people to check out who would it be? Marketplace, Michael Gallagher, Whale Hill, Lost State Of Dan, Pink Tide ……. there’s way more than that too.

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Band Photos - Lily Henderson