Known for her distinctive voice and rich storytelling, Sue Ray’s signature sound and bold stage presence have cemented her a place in Australia’s rich musical landscape. A highly acclaimed singer-songwriter, Sue Ray has been recognised with three Queensland Music Awards, and nominated for several other industry awards, including “Best Country Album” at the AIR Independent Music Awards, and semi-finalist in the 2023 International Songwriting Competition.
A sucker for a good tale, and a passion for authentic song writing, Sue’s sound lays deeply rooted in alt-country, with a side of blues and roots. Echoing elements of the timeless classics of outlaw country and traditional blues she was raised on, Sue has forged a sound undeniably her own. Having performed across the globe, sharing stages with iconic artists like Vika & Linda, Mental As Anything, Kutcha Edwards, and Luka Bloom, her artistry captivates both audiences and peers alike.
In early 2026, Ray will unveil a new studio album, a powerful body of work, showcasing an evolution in sound and spirit that promises to be her most fully realised work to date. Sue Ray brings an unmatched authenticity and creative force to her songs, seeking to connect and engage you in a deeper appreciation for the power of a good song and an even greater story.
Acknowledgements
- 2023: Semi-finalist - International Songwriting Comp Blues section
- 2022: Winner - QMusic Award Blues & Roots category
- 2018: Winner - QMusic Award World/Folk category
- 2018: Highly Commended - QMusic Award Country category
- 2013: Nominee - Female Artist Of The Year in the QMusic & Courier Mails People's Choice Awards
- 2013: Nominee - Most Promising New Talent in the Deadly Awards
- 2012: Nominee Best Country Album 'Red Roses' in the AIR Awards
- 2012: Winner - QMusic Awards Best Indigenous category
- 2012: Finalist - Grant McLennan Fellowship
- 2011: Winner - Breakthrough Contemporary Emerging Indigenous Artist Recording Initiative
- 2011: Showcase - BIGSOUND Brisbane
- 2009: Finalist - Billy Thorpe Recording Initiative
Festivals
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- Woodford Folk Festival
- Groundwater Country Music Festival
- Dashville
- The Gympie Music Muster
- Americana Music Conference, Nashville
- Tamworth Country Music Festival
- Wallaby Creek Festival
- Blue Mountains Music Festival
- Saltwater Freshwater Festival
- Caloundra Music Festival
- Blues On Broadbeach
- Urban Country Music Festival
- Cygnet Folk Festival
- Brisbane Festival
- BIGSOUND
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Artist supports
Carol Lloyd | Kutcha Edwards | Luka Bloom | Matt Corby | Dan Sultan | Mental As Anything | Vika & Linda | Kill Devil Hills | James Blundell | LJ Hill | Busby Marou | Darren Hanlon | Great Aunt | Nashville Pussy (USA) | Halfway | Jen Mize | Allison Forbes | 8 Ball Aitken | Rick Price | Roger Knox | Gregory Page | Minor Gold
Testimonials
“It was a thrill to work with Sue Ray. I’ve loved her voice for a long time and, after writing All The Lonely Ones’ with her, I was further knocked out by her gifts as a producer. Sue is a marvel” - Sean Sennett - Sony Music Presents
“In my 40+ years as a Singer/Songwriter and recording artist for Polydor, EMI and RCA, I don't recall ever seeing an artist who was so much the 'total package'. This woman has great technical and production technique, and an enormous depth of songwriting and performance talent, which sees her lyrics, melodies and arrangements connect her with her audience in a profoundly stimulating and emotive way. Her album 'Red Roses' remains in my car playlist and is one of my favorite albums of all time” - Carol Lloyd - Railroad Gin
“She has the sort of rare voice - deep, dark, gorgeously emotive, and molasses-rich that stirs something within the listener and never quite lets go. She gets under your skin and stays there. If you’re a fan of the likes of Brandi Carlile or Laura Cantrell, give Sue Ray a listen; chances are you’ll emerge from the experience an unequivocal convert to her passionately original brand of alt-country” - Red Roses Album of the week, Heidi Maier - Tom Magazine (AUS)
“A hugely impressive debut album from Queensland songwriter Sue Ray, Red Roses, is an alt-country delight of the kind that will sit neatly among those Neko Case and Cowboy Junkies albums on your shelf" - Noel Mengel, Chief Music Writer - The Courier Mail (AUS)
“Sue walked on stage and my jaw hit the ground. Her voice was so strong and confident. Her guitar playing is excellent and her songs heartbreaking. A consummate performer” - Mardi Lumsden - 612 ABC Radio (AUS)
CONTACT
Email: sueray@musician.org