Ray Bonneville Interview: SXSW 2010

On his way to SXSW from the Carolinas, where he's been performing his hits for excited onlookers, Ray Bonneville first plans on stopping in New Orleans, the place where he honed his soulful blues and jazz craft. Before leaving for the Big Easy, Bonneville answered questions about his influences, vice and which city has the best food.

How would you describe your sound?

My sound is electric, traditional and grooved with stories interwoven into the groove. It's hard for me to talk about my sound using words. I'd rather use my guitar. I'll tell you, though: Ray Wally Hubbard said it best about my sound. He said it's like gunpowder on opium.

What are some of your influences?

I was influenced by folk music when I was very young. Then it was blues and country music. Basically, whatever music was simple and believable. Hank Williams-style early country music. I'm influenced by New Orleans. I'm influenced by authors, movies, the road, people and emotions.


What specific artists influenced you?

Mississippi John Hurt, Muddy Waters, Professor Longhair, Etta James, Hank Williams, Sr., Ray Charles, Howlin Wolf, Leonard Cohen. The list is really long, man.

What are you doing this year at SXSW that's different than past years?

I'm going to perform songs from my next record that I have not recorded yet. I'll be showcasing for Red House records a couple of times. Just new songs and a year's worth of learning. I'm always learning and always fine-tuning my sound and my tone, my words and my attitudes. [laughs]

If you could perform one song by another artist, what would it be?

I'd do a song by Mike Jordan, who's been dead for 25 or so years. He was from St. Louis and never got a lot of notoriety. I would do his song, "These Blues I Carry Around."

What would you say is your biggest vice?

Wow, that's a tough one. You're good! I'd have to stay strong coffee, I guess.

You've traveled all across the country. What city has the best food?

Austin has amazing food. New Orleans does, too. When I lived in New Orleans, I was always amazed at the food they had there. I'm on my way there now, and I'm going to eat. I don't know what I'll get, but it'll be good I know that.




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