On Request Magazine

November 2, 2015

Adakain is a very talented modern rock act coming out of Dallas, Texas.   They are set to release their national debut record on 11/06/15, and we had the opportunity to speak with lead vocalist, Ryan Ray about the record, touring and more.

ON REQUEST:  First off, thanks for taking the time to speak with us today!

Congrats on the first national album release coming up. Can you tell us a little bit about the concept for this album, and how you are feeling right about now on the heels of your first national album release?

RYAN RAY:  Thank you for having me!  The concept of the album is pretty simple in my opinion, but pretty important as well, because it deals with things that affect us all.  Go after what you want in life, don’t back down, be real and honest with yourself and others, don’t fake it for momentary gain, and rely on yourself first, that way you can be strength for yourself as well as others.  As far as how I personally feel right now, I couldn’t be happier to finally get this music out to everyone, and get on the road to share it live, as well as share our lives and energy with everyone!

OR: Your band is often praised in the same breath as other rockers from Dallas, such as Drowning Pool, Pantera and Hell Yeah. Tell us first of all what it means to be in that same group of distinguished musicians, and then tell us what kind of influence the music scene in Dallas has had on you as a band.

RR:  Wow, I can’t really describe how honored I am to hear you say that.  Drowning Pool is a band I enjoyed a little bit later, and am now friends with the guys, and have performed with many times, as well as Hellyeah, and I’m happy both of them are kicking ass.  Pantera on the other hand, has been one of the top 3 musical influences in my life, and Dimebag Darrell is far and away my most favorite guitarist ever.  So yeah, I still can’t believe you’re mentioning us with them, and I think we really need to earn that compliment.

OR:  You spoke previously about promoting a positive environment and encouraging individuality with the music of your band. What do you think it is about metal music that speaks to you and others in such a manner that allows for this individuality and positive environment?

RR:  Yes, this is something that is extremely important to me personally, and something I’ve imparted to the band members as well.  Positivity is a mindset, and you simply cannot go wrong when you strive to exercise it on a daily basis.  It’s always funny to me how mainstream society accepts popular top 40 artists as “normal” and people they let their children listen to and dress like, even act like, when the typical content of their lyrics is usually “get money and bitches, sneak around on your guy/girl, material possessions are #1 in life, and to just forget everything and party,”  while at the same time chastising and judging rock and metal bands and music based solely on appearance and perceived lifestyle (tattoos, black clothing, wild hair, piercings, etc), while taking ZERO time to realize the lyrical content of these bands usually consists of encouraging people to be strong, stand up for what’s right, and strong sense of community and helping others, letting out aggression in a controlled way (instead of shooting up a nightclub for a nice jacket), and putting family and friends and having a good life above meaningless material possessions that will never stand the test of time.  It always blows my mind!

OR:  There are so many songs off this album that are truly badass and really embrace rock and roll. If you had to choose, which songs would be your favorite and why?

RR:  Well first, Thank You, and I really appreciate that.  Second, my favorite songs would be the 11 songs you’re hearing, because we went through about 40 before we narrowed it down to these!

OR:  Your band has a long history thus far of performing with some truly stellar musicians. Which band has been your favorite to work with on tour so far and is there a band you want to work with but haven't yet?

RR:  We obviously had a great time touring with RA last year, because of course we love the music, but also because the lead singer/songwriter Sahaj Ticotin is our producer, and co-writer on “Never Coming Home.”  As far as my favorite band to work with in Adakain (I say that because I toured with many other great bands in previous band I was in) would have to be a band called Lullwater from Athens, GA.  They were actually the other band on the RA tour, and they have great hearts, and just truly love what they’re doing, and we had so much fun just hanging out and getting silly on tour with them.  We still talk to them pretty constantly, and are happy they’re touring non-stop!

OR:  What are your plans for the future, in regards to touring to support this record?

RR:  Touring, touring, and more touring!!

OR:  What is something you can tell us about the band that isn't covered on your band bio, or out there on social media?

RR:  Hmmm, let’s see here……we’re huge sports fans (Dallas Cowboys baby!!) and you can have a very educated sports conversation with any of us.

Be sure to read our review of Adakain's 'Never Coming Home' right here!

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