Frank Ray has brought a ray of sunshine and some Latin flair to Country music with his 2022 EP, Getcha Some, and now he’s ready to show more sides of his personality and music with his forthcoming debut album.

The self-titled project, arriving July 7, will feature 15 tracks, 13 of which were written by Ray, and according to him, it’s a full-introduction to who he is as a person and musician. “It’s the best representation of who I am,” Ray told Coop during a conversation on Coop’s Rockin' Country Saturday Night. “If anybody wanted to ever really get to know me, this is the album.”

Ray has become well known in the community for his bright songs and authentic Latin flare, but spending a large portion of his childhood in Texas, the 36-year-old admits he’s a sucker for a good, sad, Country song.

“Everybody does know me as this loud, vibrant kind of personality,” Ray said. “But, the reason I fell in love with Country music in the first place was because of the imagery of a sad bachelor sittin’ at the stool drowning himself in whiskey because he messed up and lost the love of his life. I really wanted to capture that element of who I am as well. I love a sad Country song. I mean, what is Country music without a sad Country song?”

While he’s excited to get his sad-boy Country on, Ray says it’s not all the project is about. He promises a healthy dose of upbeat, fun songs as well, saying there’s definitely something for everyone. “If you can’t find a song you like on this album, you are dead inside,” Ray stated. “If you’re looking for traditional Country music, it’s there. If you’re looking for the Latin Flare and my contribution to Country music, it’s there. Looking for the Pop solo hooks like, ‘Country’d Look Good On You’ it’s there. If you’re looking for the sad bachelor songs, it’s there. The family stuff, the party anthems — everything is there.”

Hear more about specific songs on the album and the stories behind them by checking out Coop and Frank’s full conversation from Coop’s Rockin’ Country Saturday Night above.

Words by Monica Rivera Interview by Coop