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New Single for Sue Ray due for release 7th August

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Sue Ray is set to release her powerful new single ‘Before The Rain’ on Friday 7 August 2026, offering fans a deeply evocative preview of her upcoming full-length album of the same name (due for release June 2027).

Recorded in Nashville with five-time Grammy Award-winning sound engineer Sean Sullivan and renowned producer Mike Lopinto (Chris Stapleton band), Before The Rain marks a bold new chapter in Sue Ray’s celebrated career. The track showcases her signature blend of heartfelt lyricism, rich vocals, and genre-defying storytelling — a sound that has earned her three Queensland Music Awards, a nomination for Best Country Album at the AIR Independent Music Awards, and recognition as a semi-finalist in the 2023 International Songwriting Competition.

“This song is the emotional heartbeat of the album,“ says Ray. “It captures the quiet strength we find in moments of reflection — just before change arrives.”

The single release will be supported by a national publicity campaign and a series of performances, beginning with the official launch on August 7th, 2026 at The Empire Theatre’s Church Theatre in Toowoomba, presented in collaboration with Queensland Fringe Festival. A second launch event will follow on Saturday August 22nd at The Cave Inn, Brisbane, before Sue Ray continues her rollout with featured performances at The Gympie Muster and Brisbane Festival.

Sue Ray’s upcoming album is her most realised work yet, a testament to her evolution as an artist and her unwavering commitment to self-determined, high-quality creative output.

‘Before The Rain’ will be available on all major streaming platforms August 7th.

PRE-SAVE your copy HERE!

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It’s Never Over – Jeff Buckley Tribute

SUNDAY NOVERMBER 30TH – Southbank Piazza 6pm

TICKETS HERE

Join us for an unforgettable closing night as the Brisbane International Film Festival celebrates 30 years of Jeff Buckley’s Grace, the album that redefined vulnerability, artistry, and soul.

Begin the evening with Amy Berg’s award-winning documentary It’s Never Over, an intimate portrait of Buckley’s brilliance and heartbreak. Then, as the screen fades to black, the music rises — a once-in-a-lifetime live performance of Grace, track by track, brought to life by a stellar lineup of Brisbane’s finest:

Jack Carty, Asha Jefferies, Jaguar Jonze, Moreton, Mark Moroney, Katie Noonan, Tyrone Noonan, Sue Ray, Jude York, and special guests yet to be announced.

Backed by an exceptional five-piece band, these artists will honour Buckley’s legacy with raw emotion, soaring vocals, and reverence for one of the most hauntingly beautiful albums ever made.

For die-hard fans, it’s a chance to relive the magic. For new listeners, it’s an awakening.

A single night, one voice, countless hearts, and the echoes of Grace under the stars.It’s Never Over: Jeff Buckley is a beautifully crafted deep dive into the soul of one of music’s most transcendent voices. This documentary unravels the brilliance, vulnerability, and restless spirit of Jeff Buckley, whose haunting vocals and timeless artistry left a permanent mark on pop culture before his life was tragically cut short. Through never-before-seen archival footage, interviews, and live performances, the film paints a portrait of a man chasing meaning through music, constantly on the edge of epiphany or mental torture. More than a biography, Jeff Buckley’s creative copyright was finally trusted to be shared from the hands of his mother to director Amy Berg, who previously had her Janis Joplin documentary screened at the Venice Film Festival.

“Loving, spirited and honest.” Los Angeles Times

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Sue Ray supporting Liz Stringer – Thurs 27th November

Sue Ray is honoured to be supporting Liz Stringer at her Brisbane show on Thursday 27th November. TICKETS HERE

Off the back of the London launch of her latest album, The Second High, venerated Australian songwriter Liz Stringer is set to return Down Under for an extended run of shows beginning in October.

But this 17-date tour isn’t just an opportunity for Stringer to bring her latest piano-infused, poignant, and deeply vibey offering to her nation-wide fanbase. Presented by Select Music, Remote Control Records and in partnership with Wombat Housing Support Services, the To Survive tour will also act as a campaign to bring awareness to the housing crisis affecting the country and raise much-needed funds for Australia’s most vulnerable.

 A long-time advocate for social equity, Liz began to use her platform to highlight the issues faced by young and underprivileged people experiencing housing instability and sleeping rough in Australia after a successful fundraising show for Wombat at Melbourne’s Thornbury Theatre in late 2021.

A renowned storyteller, one of the tracks on Liz’s new record The Second High documents the real-life story of one of the inspirational staff at Wombat. The soaring, anthemic To Survive tells a compelling, visceral tale of a young man’s struggle growing up on the streets of Melbourne, and strength and resilience of the community he represents.

A fitting title, then, for a tour that also celebrates one of Stringer’s most triumphant albums to date, and will no doubt offer the unique catharsis – along with addictive grooves, expert arrangements, and musical and vocal prowess that fans of Stringers’ music and live performance have come to relish and anticipate.

Audiences will be given the opportunity to donate their chosen amount to a local community support organisation using QR codes at each show, to which Liz will also donate personally. Under one roof to support those with none.

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CRACKED RHINESTONES – FRI 21st November

4ZZZ’s flagship country shows “Crack of Sparrows” and “The Rhinestone Cowgirl” are getting their giddy up on to celebrate 4zzz’s 50th birthday with their inaugural gig on Friday the 21st November at the Cave Inn. Cracked Rhinestones will feature a bunch of their favourite local acts including Suicide Country Hour, The Black Dakotas, Sue Ray, The Walters and Hinterland d’Amour. Mosey on over to The Cave Inn for a 6pm start. There is great food available at the venue. 

CRACKED RHINSTONES is a 4ZZZ 50th Birthday Event celebrating 50 years of people powered radio.

CRACKED RHINESTONES Tickets at The Cave Inn (Woolloongabba, QLD) on Friday, 21 November 2025

4ZZZ’s Crack of Sparrows & The Rhinestone Cowgirl Presents:

CRACKED RHINESTONES

Suicide Country Hour
The Black Dakotas

Sue Ray

The Walters

Hinterland d’Amour

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Pre-Muster | Tuesday 26th August

Don’t miss out on the most fun you can have BEFORE a festival even officially begins! Join Sue Ray and a host of Australia’s best live bands at the Gympie Pre-Muster from 23rd to the 27th August. Sue and her band will be performing on Tuesday 26th at 5.45pm. Tickets available at https://www.muster.com.au/tickets/

Note to any budding songwriters or hobbyists: Sue Ray will also be hosting a fun interactive group co-writing workshop titled “Quickverse” at the Gympie Music Muster on Thursday 28th at 1pm – 3pm at the Grove Stage. All welcome to attend! Hosted by Sue Ray and featuring songwriting legends Allan Caswell, Kim McCartin, 8 Ball Aitken, and Taya Chani who will be leading co-writing sessions with whomever wishes to join in. Quickverse is fast becoming one of the most fun workshops at the Gympie Muster. It was such a success last year that Sue’s back to continue the fun. You never know, you might just write the next number 1 hit song!

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Sue Ray joins line-up for Blak Day Out!

3:30pm-9:30pm, Saturday 24 August
King Street, Bowen Hills
Free | All Ages Event

After having to reschedule this event due to wet weather back in June, we’re excited to announce that Blak Day Out has been renamed ‘Last Night’ and will now be the final event of Open Season 2024!

The event is a free, all ages street party that will take over Brisbane/Meanjin’s King St precinct, brought to life by Blak Social.

Last Night: Blak Day Out celebrates some of the country’s finest First Nations artists alongside a selection of seriously good eats as a string of pop-up bars, street food stalls, Indigenous retailers, outdoor music stages and entertainment.

Prepare to spend a beautiful evening with these incredible artists….

EMMA DONOVAN, 3% (NOOKY, DALLAS WOOD & ANGUS FIELD), SUE RAY, BADASSMUTHA & THE ANCIENT BLOODS

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new single “Walking These Streets” OUT NOW!

Your hometown never leaves you, and when you’re ten thousand feet in the air, your roots are always planted in the ground of where you call home.

Walking These Streets, Sue Ray’s second single of 2023, co-written by Tia Gostelow and Moss, signifies a change of pace for Sue.

This uplifting, sentimental track celebrates how you can ground yourself with the people and places that know you best.

It is a dedication to when you’re out following your dreams, you can always find yourself again when you’re back home.

DOWNLOAD your cope here: https://ffm.to/walkingthesestreets

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New single “Same Train” OUT NOW!

Sue Ray returned to her hometown after being away for seventeen years and noticed a lot had changed. Same Train is Sue’s dedication to her hometown, the changes and growth within not only the town, but herself, and a reminder that no matter what side of the tracks you come from you can all hear the same train rolling on. A metaphor for sometimes the very thing that divides us, is often the very thing we all have in common.

LISTEN HERE: https://ffm.to/sametrain

OFFICIAL FILMCLIP

Recorded and co-produced by 8 Ball Aitken | www.8ballaitken.com

Mixed and co-produced by Sue Ray | www.sueraymusic.com

Final mix and master by Jason Millhouse at Recordworks Studio | www.recordworks.com.au

Written by © Sue Ray 2022 Featuring Lead guitar / dobro / bass – 8 Ball Aitken Vocals / guitar / harmonica – Sue Ray Drums / percussion – Harry Schneider

Filmclip recorded and produced by Rare Squid Creative Toowoomba | www.facebook.com/raresquidcreative

Filmed on location in Toowoomba QLD

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WINNER of the 2022 Queensland Music Awards ‘Blues & Roots’ award!

Sue Ray’s track “Take Me Away” really is the gift that keeps on giving. Not only did it just win the 2022 Queensland Music ‘Blues & Roots’ award, the track was also used in an ad campaign for Queensland Tourism. Such a wonderful night at the QMusic awards and such a privilege to be recognised alongside some of Australia’s best and brightest musicians and artists.

Dreams really can come true!

Sue Ray winner at the 2022 Queensland Music Awards
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Sue Ray joins the Small Halls Tour QLD

Community, connection… and cake – Festival of Small Halls is on the road again in September for a one-off special edition tour in aid of bushfire resilience in Queensland’s Southern Downs Region!

The marvelous singer/songwriters Paddy McHugh and Sue Ray are perusing their packing lists to plan for their to visit ten tiny towns and their cherished Halls. Tickets are on sale NOW!

TICKETS AVAILABLE: https://smallhalls.iwannaticket.com.au/event/resilience-tour-2021-queenslands-southern-downs-MjUxNjU

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New single OUT NOW

LISTEN HERE: https://gyro.to/DemonsWillWin

Sue Ray is proud to release her second single for 2021 “Demons Will Win“. Written, recorded and produced by Sue Ray, the song was mastered by Michael Flanders.

This is an intense sneak peek into the heart of a relationship, drowning in addiction and nostalgia, and praying for a ray of hope.

Reminiscent of artists such as Chris Stapleton and Lucinda Williams, Sue felt inspired to take an unedited look inside the destruction that can occur when the lines between passion, obsession and addiction get blurred. A dark, yet somehow hopeful song, seeped in sentimental memories and a promise for the future.

Added to “SOUTHERN CRAFT” Apple Music Playlist

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All The Lonely Ones – OFFICIAL VIDEO

All The Lonely Ones by Sue Ray Footage of Sue Ray directed, filmed and edited by Theresa Hall Photography Archive footage free for public use © Sue Ray 2021 Special thanks to Kosta Theodosis at The Met, and a very special thank you to Theresa Hall for your beautiful creative eye, talent and support. Sue Ray’s first single of 2021 “All The Lonely Ones”. Co-written with the incredible wordsmith and pop singer/songwriter Sean Sennett. A simple message seeping with an old country vibe, yet crafted with intricate and sweeping harmonies and instrumentation, it evokes haunting emotions reminiscent of the vibe of Springsteen’s Nebraska album. With this track, Sue and Sean felt inspired to look outside of the familiar country clichés, and explore the sentiment of living as a songwriter, the sacrifices, the joys, and the relentless uncontrollable drive to pursue a dream. Essentially songwriters writing for the songwriters, whilst also dedicating it to the audience with love and kindness. Stepping seamlessly into the role of sound engineer and producer, Sue is proud to release this beautiful track. It is a small taste of what is to come later in the year with her up-coming album due November 2021. www.facebook.com/sueraymusic www.youtube.com/sueraymusic

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New Single Out Soon!

Sue Ray is simply thrilled to be releasing her first Single of 2021. Co-written with the incredible wordsmith and pop singer/songwriter Sean Sennett, All The Lonely Ones is a mystical track, and a little bit left field for Sue Ray. A simple message seeping with an old country vibe, yet crafted with intricate sweeping harmonies and instrumentation, it evokes haunting emotions and a vibe reminiscent of Springsteen’s Nebraska album. With this track, Sue and Sean felt inspired to look outside of the familiar country clichés, and explore the sentiment of living as a songwriter, the sacrifices, the joys, and the relentless uncontrollable drive to pursue a dream. Essentially songwriters writing for the songwriters, whilst also dedicating it to the audience with love and kindness. Stepping seamlessly into the role of sound engineer and producer, Sue is proud to release this beautiful track. It is a small taste of what is to come later in the year with her up-coming album Demons Will Win due November 2021.

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Sue Ray’s Band at The Bearded Lady

Tix: http://tix.yt/sue-ray-nathan-may-bearded-lady

Sue Ray has started her year with a bang, performing to packed tents through Woodford Folk Festival and delighting audiences at Tarnanthi Festival in Adelaide. The multi-award-winning singer/songwriter captivates audiences with her haunting, emotionally charged lyrics, considered compositions and smoky, molasses-rich voice.

She’s joined on stage at The Bearded Lady with her band and support act Nathan May from South Australia.

Nathan May descends from the Arabana, Yawuru and Marridjabin clans who hail from nations around Australia. On the cusp of releasing new music, this talented artist brings a breathy fresh voice to an array of narratives around heartbreak, journeying and experiences that belie his youth.

Come and enjoy an evening where you will journey across lands, hearts and your ears will be rejoicing!

Doors at 7pm
Nathan May – 7.45pm – 8.45pm
Sue Ray – 9.00pm – 10pm.

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SUNDAY SESSIONS: SUE RAY & NATHAN MAY

Much like the Kaurna word, the TARNANTHI Sunday Sessions will celebrate new beginnings, showcasing new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent and luminaries from Adelaide and across Australia. Sit back and soak in the afternoon light. 

Experience the sultry vocals of award winning singer songwriter Sue Ray and be introduced to new talent Nathan May. 

Mentored by Troy Casser-Daley and Col Hardy, May descends from the Arabana, Yawuru and Marridjabin language groups and has been performing modern folk in and around Adelaide for almost five years.

Ray has three critically acclaimed albums under her belt and comes to Adelaide shortlisted as one of Australia’s most exciting Indigenous acts. 

Dates: SUN 14 JAN 2018