Grey Killed Digital a/Users/raystevensii/Desktop/ZINE BACKCOVER.jpgcoustic version
Add to My Profile | More VideosRay Stevens II/RS2 has played music all his life, well, pretty much. Starting on trumpet in 6th grade, he quickly moved to electric bass. He moved through his school years playing both instruments in different bands,symphonies,stage groups and pit orchestra's and appreciating all styles of music. He always loved original music and could not hack playing in cover bands, although when he needed the work he would play in jazz combo's in fancy restaurants. In high school, his first original band, LOS OLVIDADOS took the bay area punk rock stages and basements by storm with raw suburban power. The sound was hardcore with a real base in raw and dirty rock'n'roll with an undeniable source of inspiration coming from skateboarding. The next band he would play electric bass in was The DRUNK INJUNS from North Dakota. A dark and powerful five piece that wore hand crafted skull masks and sang of darkness,despair and the end of the world. After that, the popular skate rock band, THE FACTION asked for his skills as a bass player and songwriter, working on the album 'Dark Room' the band breathed harder with fire fueled energy. Being a skateboarder since grade school, RS2 naturally took the gig and toured the country, skating and rocking. When the Faction ceased to exist, RS2 and ex Faction guitarist Steve Caballero, started a modern rock band, called ODD MAN OUT, influenced heavily by British rock. They wrote memorable songs, toured a little and broke up. After working with other groups, RS2 decided to try his hand at producing, working with Philadelphia's MC RAD producing a punk/reggae album, 'Absence of Sanity' with the legendary skate rock hit, 'Weakness' that appeared on many skateboard videos. RS2 shifted gears again, producing a mod band, THE ODD NUMBERS then starting a record label, doing road managing,booking, promoting,sound engineering and babysitting. After nine years of that RS2 put his time and work into his own skaterock band, CLAY WHEELS. With critical success the band strides forward with hot positive energy that lights up the dark venues they play in.During all of these years RS2 has always worked on his own material that did not fit into any of these outlets. Having been blessed with intuitive musical knowledge and a touch for the delicate side of notes, he has crossed paths with independent film makers that appreciate solid sound. Having been influenced by The Beach Boys, D'Angelo, Steve Miller, Marvin Gaye, oldies and roots reggae, RS2 built a tune behind skater Ben Krahn in the documentary, 'Northwest'. The song was named 'L.I.F.E.' and showcased the maze-like Aumsville, Oregon skatepark and Ben's fluid style. The filmakers, Rick Charnoski and Coan Nichols have commented frequently that the music and skating compliment each other perfectly.RS2 recently finished the reggae tinged number, 'Keep It Hot!' adding sax and trombone to give it a real organic soulful feel. The song features a wee bit of dub styles as well, and RS2 has also worked on a 'version' with San Diego reggae artist, Pablo.'Passion plus Action equals Anything' is one of his newest songs, that will be featured in a skateboard video that beholds the lost beauty of the legendary Vagabond Pool in Fresno. The title was discovered while reading about the Dreamland/Grindline skatepark builders who are some of his personal heroes.RS2's solo album, 'Healing Music' is still in production, but you may enjoy these three compositions now.
