Dean Ray

Dean Pritchard,[2][3] better known by his stage name Dean Ray, is an Australian singer and songwriter. In 2014, he was the runner-up on the sixth season of The X Factor Australia. Ray subsequently received a recording contract with Sony Music Australia and released his debut single "Coming Back", which debuted at number one on the ITunes Singles Chart (with Platinum status) and number five on the ARIA Singles Chart. This was followed by the release of his self-titled debut album in November 2014, which debuted at number five on the ARIA Albums Chart and was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association.

For the US Army Air Forces pilot, see Dean L. Ray.

Dean Ray
Dean Ray at the Emeralds & Ivy Ball.
Background information
Birth nameDean Pritchard
BornNarromine, New South Wales
GenresRock[1]
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Instrument(s)
  • Vocals
  • guitar
  • drums
Years active2014–present
LabelsFranklin Sound Art - Independent
Websitewww.deanraymusic.com

Early life

Dean Ray (born Dean Pritchard) is originally from Narromine, New South Wales.[2] At the age of six, Ray and his family moved to Meandarra, Queensland.[3] Ray comes from a musical family; his parents Chris and Angie had their own country band called Itchy Feet.[4] Ray grew up travelling around Australia with his parents, and he would often sleep in guitar cases backstage at venues when his parents were on stage performing.[2][4] Ray learnt how to play the drums when he was nine years old.[2] At the age of 13, he learnt how to play the guitar and started writing his own songs.[4][5] Ray and his brother, who played piano, were then recruited into their parents' band.[4]

Ray was a student at Chinchilla State High School in Chinchilla, Queensland.[3] He left school at the age of 16 to pursue a music career.[2] During this time, Ray also moved out of his family home and went travelling.[3][4] He later moved to Kensington, Victoria[5] and worked as a busker around the streets of Melbourne.[4]

Career

2014: The X Factor Australia

In 2014, Ray successfully auditioned for the sixth season of The X Factor Australia, singing "Bette Davis Eyes" by Kim Carnes. He received four yeses from the judges and progressed to the super bootcamp round of the competition. For the first bootcamp challenge, Ray was placed into a group with three other contestants from the Boys category to perform a song together for the judges.[6] Ray made it to the second bootcamp challenge, where he performed "Yellow" by Coldplay to the judges and a live audience of one thousand.[7] He then progressed to the home visits round in New York City and performed "Dancing Queen" by ABBA in front of his mentor Natalie Bassingthwaighte and guest mentor Jennifer Lopez.[8] Bassingthwaighte later selected Ray, along with Adrien Nookadu and Tee, for the live finals—a series of eleven weekly live shows in which contestants are progressively eliminated by public vote.[9]

After the eliminations of Nookadu in week three and Tee in week seven, Ray became the last remaining contestant in Bassingthwaighte's category. In week nine, he was in the bottom two for the first time with Caitlyn Shadbolt and performed Johnny Cash's version of Nine Inch Nails' "Hurt" in the final showdown.[10] Ray was saved after Bassingthwaighte, Dannii Minogue and Redfoo chose to eliminate Shadbolt.[10] During the grand final decider show on 20 October 2014, it was announced that Ray was runner-up to Marlisa Punzalan.[11]

Performances on The X Factor

2014–2016: Dean Ray and Sony Music Australia

On 24 October 2014, it was announced that Ray had received a recording contract with Sony Music Australia.[23] His debut single "Coming Back", which would have been his winner's single if he had won The X Factor, was released on the iTunes Store that same day.[24] It debuted at number one on the ITunes Singles Chart (with Platinum status) and number five on the ARIA Singles Chart.[25] Ray's self-titled debut album was released on 21 November 2014 and features studio recordings of selected songs he performed on The X Factor.[26] It debuted at number five on the ARIA Albums Chart and number 21 on the New Zealand Albums Chart.[25][27] The album was certified gold by the Australian Recording Industry Association for shipments of 35,000 copies.[28] The album was the 75th best-selling album of 2014 in Australia.[29] Ray was the supporting act for The Veronicas' Sanctified Tour in February 2015. On 17 March 2015, Ray released an acoustic cover of Jake Bugg's "Me and You" as his second single.[30][31] His third single "I O U (A Heartache)" was released on 31 July 2015.[32] In March 2016, it was speculated that Ray had been dropped by record company Sony Music, along with other X Factor finalists Reigan Derry, Marlisa Punzalan and Nathaniel Willemse.[33]

2017–present: The Messenger & 4 Trak Sessions – Volume 1

In August 2017, Ray released "The Winnings", the lead single from his second studio album,The Messenger which was released in October 2017. His follow up single "Call It a Day" was released shortly after. Rolling Stone magazine says of The Messenger "Ray delivers a set that's steeped in Australiana and affecting story-telling… The down-on-his-luck outlaw rocker motif isn't new, but Ray's talent turns it upside down with terrific verve."

In 2018, Ray then released the singles "Lady Powers", "Mystery", "Princess Annie" and "Scars".

In October 2018, the Dean Ray was part of the 100 judges on All Together Now.

In September 2020, Ray will release his third studio album, 4 Trak Sessions – Volume 1.

Artistry

Aside from singing, he also plays the guitar and drums and writes his own songs.[4][5] Ray cites Airbourne, The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Elvis Presley, First Aid Kit, Joss Stone, Phil & Tommy Emmanuel, Son House and Stevie Ray Vaughan as his musical influences.[34]

Personal life

In October 2014, Ray confirmed that he was dating fellow Australian singer Bonnie Anderson.[35] The pair ended their relationship two months later.[36] On 31 July 2015, Ray's house in Melbourne was burgled and seven of his parents guitars were stolen.[37] From 2015, Ray has swayed away from the public light and has kept his personal life private.

Concert tours
Supporting

Discography

Studio albums
List of studio albums
Title Album details Peak chart positions Certifications
AUS
[25]		 NZ
[27]
Dean Ray 521
The Messenger
  • Released: 20 October 2017 (Australia)[38]
  • Label: Franklin Sound Art
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 ––
4 Trak Sessions – Volume 1
  • Released: 4 September 2020[39]
  • Label: Franklin Sound Art
  • Formats: CD, digital download
 –[upper-alpha 1]–

Notes

  1. 4 Trak Sessions – Volume 1 did not enter the ARIA Top 100 Chart, but peaked at number 13 on the 100% Australian Independent Record Labels Association chart.[40]

Singles
List of singles
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
AUS
[25]
"Coming Back"[24] 2014 5 Dean Ray
"Me and You"[30] 2015 – —
"I O U (A Heartache)"[32] –
"The Winnings"[41] 2017 – The Messenger
"Call It a Day"[42] –
"Lady Powers"[43] 2018 – —
"Mystery"[44] –
"Princess Annie"[45] –
"Scars"[46] –
"Simple Things"[47] 2019 –
"Chapel Street" (4TRAK Sessions)[48] 2020 – 4 Trak Sessions – Volume 1
"If You Want My Love" (4TRAK Sessions)[49] –
"Little Red Riding Hood" (4TRAK Sessions)[50] –
"Crystal Water Top" (4TRAK Sessions)[51] –
"Don't Give Up On Me" (4TRAK Sessions)[52] –
"—" denotes a single that did not chart.

Other charted songs
List of non-single songs
Title Year Peak chart positions
AUS
[53]		 NZ
[54]
"Reckless" 2014 50—
"Budapest" 1529
"New Sensation" 90—
"Stolen Dance" 40—
"Into My Arms" 36—
"Crying" 26—
"Folsom Prison Blues" / "That's All Right (Mama)" 49—
"The Power of Love" 65—
"Bette Davis Eyes" 33—
"—" denotes a song that did not chart in that country.

Music videos
List of music videos
Title Year Director(s) Ref(s)
"Coming Back" 2014 Matt Sharpe [55]
"Me and You" 2015 [31]
"I O U (A Heartache)" Luisa Mirabilio [56]
"The Winnings" 2017 Dean Ray [57]
"Call It a Day" Dean Ray [58]

References
  1. McCabe, Kathy (14 October 2014). "Australia did Reigan Derry a career-saving favour by not voting her into the X Factor grand final". News.com.au. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  2. McIntyre, Laura (23 September 2014). "Region's claim to X Factor's Dean". Daily Liberal. Fairfax Media. Archived from the original on 18 October 2014.
  3. Campbell, Jim (14 October 2014). "X Factor star Dean Ray back for hometown show". The Toowoomba Chronicle. APN News & Media. Archived from the original on 15 October 2014.
  4. "Dean Ray". RalphCarr.com. Archived from the original on 24 October 2014.
  5. Mitchelson, Alana (30 September 2014). "X Factor: Dean Ray rocks and rolls into town". The Weekly Review Melbourne Times. Archived from the original on 2 October 2014.
  6. "It's time for Bootcamp!". Take 40 Australia. Authentic Entertainment. 27 July 2014. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  7. "Dean Ray x Coldplay". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 30 July 2014. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014.
  8. Lu, Anne (4 August 2014). "'The X Factor Australia' Home Visits Recap". International Business Times. IBT Media. Archived from the original on 14 October 2014. Retrieved 18 October 2014.
  9. "The X Factor Top 12 Revealed". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 5 August 2014. Archived from the original on 13 August 2014.
  10. "Caitlyn Shadbolt leaves The X Factor – Our Recap". Take 40 Australia. Authentic Entertainment. 6 October 2014. Archived from the original on 8 October 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  11. "Marlisa takes out the X Factor Australia title for 2014!". Take 40 Australia. Authentic Entertainment. 20 October 2014. Archived from the original on 25 October 2014. Retrieved 20 October 2014.
  12. "Week 1: Judges' Choice". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 9 August 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014.
  13. "Week 2: Legends". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 16 August 2014. Archived from the original on 29 October 2014.
  14. "Week 3: Decades Challenge". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 20 August 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014.
  15. "The Top 10 Do Top 10 Hits!". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 29 August 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014.
  16. "Week 5: Latest and Greatest". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 5 September 2014. Archived from the original on 29 October 2014.
  17. "Week 6: Rock Week!". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 10 September 2014. Archived from the original on 28 October 2014.
  18. "Week 7 Song List: Judges' Challenge". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 18 September 2014. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014.
  19. "Aussie Week Song List". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 26 September 2014. Archived from the original on 16 October 2014.
  20. "Killer Tracks and Curveballs Song List". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 3 October 2014. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014.
  21. "Power & Passion Song List". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. 10 October 2014. Archived from the original on 18 October 2014.
  22. "X Factor Recap – Grand Final Live Performance Show". Take 40 Australia. Authentic Entertainment. 19 October 2014. Archived from the original on 19 October 2014. Retrieved 19 October 2014.
  23. "Dean Ray's debut single Coming Back out on Sony Music today". The Daily Telegraph. 24 October 2014. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  24. "Coming Back – Single by Dean Ray". iTunes Store (Australia). Apple. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  25. "Discography Dean Ray". Australian-charts.com. Hung Medien. Archived from the original on 28 November 2014. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  26. "Dean Ray by Dean Ray". iTunes Store (Australia). Apple. Retrieved 24 October 2014.
  27. "NZ Top 40 Albums Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 1 December 2014. Retrieved 28 November 2014.
  28. "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2014 Albums". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on 28 April 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
  29. "End of Year Charts – ARIA Top 100 Albums 2014". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on 11 January 2015. Retrieved 8 January 2015.
  30. "Me and You (Acoustic) – Single by Dean Ray". iTunes Store (Australia). Retrieved 1 August 2015.
  31. Dean Ray 'Me and You' (Jake Bugg). YouTube. 18 March 2015. Retrieved 1 August 2015.
  32. "I O U (A Heartache) – Single by Dean Ray". iTunes Store (Australia). Retrieved 1 August 2015.
  33. "X Factor stars Nathaniel Willemse and Reigan Derry cut by Sony". www.dailytelegraph.com.au. 11 March 2016. Retrieved 7 May 2016.
  34. "Dean Ray – Contestant". The X Factor Australia. Yahoo!7. Archived from the original on 6 October 2014.
  35. "X Factor's Dean Ray confirms Bonnie Anderson relationship". Take 40 Australia. Authentic Entertainment. 23 October 2014. Archived from the original on 23 October 2014. Retrieved 23 October 2014.
  36. Moran, Jonathon (21 December 2014). "Dean Ray on the hunt again after split with Bonnie Anderson". The Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 19 January 2015.
  37. Dennehy, Luke (5 August 2015). "The X Factor runner up Dean Ray's house robbed with precious guitars stolen". Herald Sun. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  38. "The Messenger by Dean Ray". JBHiFi. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
  39. "4 Trak Sessions – Volume 1 by Dean Ray". Apple Music. Retrieved 24 October 2017.
  40. "100% Independent Album Chart". Australian Independent Record Labels Association. 14 September 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  41. "The Winnings – single". Apple Music. 11 August 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  42. "Call it a Day – single". Apple Music. 21 September 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  43. "Lady Powers – Single by Dean Ray". iTunes (Australia). Apple. 17 April 2018. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
  44. "Mystery – Single by Dean Ray". iTunes (Australia). Apple. 27 July 2018. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
  45. "Princess Annie – Single by Dean Ray". iTunes (Australia). Apple. 21 September 2018. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
  46. "Scars – Single by Dean Ray". iTunes (Australia). Apple. 12 October 2018. Retrieved 22 September 2018.
  47. "Simple Things – Single by Dean Ray". iTunes (Australia). Apple. 21 September 2019. Retrieved 25 September 2019.
  48. ""Chapel Street" – single". Apple Music. January 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  49. ""If You Want My Love" – single". Apple Music. 14 February 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  50. ""Little Red Riding Hood" – single". Apple Music. 29 February 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  51. ""Crystal Water Top" – single". Apple Music. 13 March 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  52. ""Don't Give Up On Me" – single". Apple Music. 27 March 2020. Retrieved 17 August 2020.
  53. Peak chart positions for other charted songs on the ARIA Singles Chart:
  54. "NZ Top 40 Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 29 September 2014. Retrieved 26 September 2014.
  55. Coming Back – Dean Ray. Vevo. Retrieved 7 November 2014.
  56. Dean Ray – I O U (A Heartache). YouTube. 6 August 2015. Retrieved 8 August 2015.
  57. "Dean Ray – Dean Ray – 'The Winnings' (Official Music Video)". YouTube. 17 August 2017. Retrieved 21 October 2017.
  58. "Dean Ray – Dean Ray – 'Call it a Day' (Official Music Video)". YouTube. 19 October 2017. Retrieved 21 October 2017.


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