it's time we talk

[@RiffsAndBeards]

I cant help but feel bummed out that anyone who feels like they can project ownership onto YOUR channel or career has other things going on in their lives to make them feel justified in doing that. Keep winning, my guy.

[@xanderraymondcharles]

Love you bro

[@zacharymicah]

Dude, don't let the shit talkers get under your skin. You do and do what makes you happy. We're here for you too, us regular viewers, but we can't hold you to just one avenue of expression. You're getting yourself out there both on your own and with others. Stay Metal!

[@Hotrod66149]

Dude I’m an old fart that picked up the guitar seriously after listening to eruption at a friend’s house while getting stoned, and I’ve been (chasing it) since. To see this younger generation do what they do is amazing and you’re definitely in that group imo. I commented in one of your short videos and stated “why is this man not signed or put in position to level up to the highest”? Follow YOUR path man, who was there when you were riffing all those hours, creating shyt that a metal head like me hasn’t heard since Dime? YOU did the labor so enjoy the fruits of it and anyone that really gives a damn about you WILL be with you and those that don’t will be replaced, GO BRO!

[@shawnok1]

Couldn’t agree more. I’m 50 been playing for nearly 40 years. I absolutely love what all the young players are putting out. It’s actually astonishing where they’re taking the instrument

[@patrickshannon4516]

It's different times that we live in people don't have to buy the album to hear you anymore and it's made it harder for upcoming artists to make it in the music world...

[@Paul2a3rodin]

Yep, Dime and Zakk come to my mind listening this 💪

[@SPARTAN-74]

Man, for whatever it's worth I'm happy for you. So many people never get to follow their dreams but you are, you have a lot to be around of, wishing you continued success.

[@SPARTAN-74]

"Proud of"

[@Rbairdmusic]

I personally love the tour vlogs. I don’t play out nearly enough anymore so it’s cool to see what the scene has going on. It also makes your gear reviews more impactful as you are putting things through their paces night after night in a live setting. Keep going!

[@Bert_Putini]

Tbh vlogs are the videos I enjoy the most

[@tonychavalia844]

Fellow Army guy and and guitar player. Your living my dream. Do what drives you, we only get one life. Ive veen watching since you were 3-5k subs. Keep kicking ass.

[@TheHouseOfMasks]

As a non-guitarist and casual viewer, I find way more interest in the vlogs, because even though those are coming out, the other, strictly guitar related content is still there, but vlogs are far and few between among creators in “our” realm, and it’s cool as hell to me to see someone out on tour. Whether it’s you, the girls in Crypta, drum tech vlogs from Luke Hollands drum tech Matt, etc. I love that shit. And it literally doesn’t take away from your other content what so ever. I personally, as a content creator that’s mostly known for mask unboxings and reviews, have been having FAR more fun (both in life and with the work itself) making vlogs while traveling, again, whether it’s for a Slipknot show and I’m filming with Sid, or if it’s completely random and I’m just rolling around with crypta, the videos themselves make me a lot happier and I end up feeling GOODZ about the content I’m putting out. Not that I’ll ever quit doing the unboxings and reviews, but it’s so fun to switch it up, AND, again, me filming vlogs with my friends does not take away from the unboxings and reviews that already exist and will exist in the future. It’s such a bizarre complaint to see someone literally telling you that your channel is going to tank because you are shooting content that will have the ability to reach new viewers that might not have found you if you hadn’t made those vlogs. It’s almost like they WANT you to fail, and THAT is weird, dude. Do your stuff, I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the your stuff and I genuinely hope that 2024, leading into 2025 will start the year of vlogs. I miss 2016 KZbin when people were making daily vlogs. Short form content sucks, I hate it, and the golden days of KZbin were riddled with vlogs. I want that back. Between you, Estevam Romera, Jéssica di Falchi, Matt Horn, and myself, I’ve noticed a LOT of fun boggy type content popping up and I’ve been there for it, 100%

[@AnthonyEsparza]

fuck that, we love to see you succeed. its awesome to see you playing shows and touring. its an inspiration to other guitar youtubers that they can be more than just content creators. kudos bro!

[@aXecrafts_creatIOn_StAtioN]

I feel you. And Xander I like how you are exceptionally respectful! And I will be there soon I have always felt that way.

[@andrewrwhitfield]

Life’s too short! Live it the way that’s meaningful to you. Love the channel. Love seeing your journey!! Peace and love.

[@burntheships420]

Amen brother! Do what makes YOU happy

[@mikedawg2CDR]

dont apologize for doing what you want to do, being who you want to be, living your dreams.your killing it.. from one vet to another..

[@evenzeroescanbeheroes6875]

Go ahead and have a great tour,man. You deserve it for sure. I'll be waiting when you get back to watch your content because I love a majority of it.

[@gregpace5982]

I'm sure you didnt aspire to be a you tuber when you picked the guitar up. Your a musician, you are doing music. I think most of us enjoy watching you follow your dreams, I sure do. Congratulations your doing what the haters wish they could. Your touring the country, the haters are touring their Moms basement.

[@weasel321]

You are a positive force for the guitar community. I love your videos. You are an amazing guitar player and have nothing to apologize for. You are what every guitar player should be. accepting of every guitarist regardless of their talent level. Keep up the great work and I'll keep watching.

[@victorserg1n]

Keep rocking dude! Tour vlogs rules! 🤘🏻

[@douglasvaughn9349]

I’m proud of you Ray . Thanks for taking the time to takes us on your journey . Keep winning ! 🏆

[@chriscray9305]

Just watched "Snare bombs over granddad" and really enjoyed it. Just keep doing whatever makes you happy and hopefully I'll be able to see you on tour one day.

[@Stretchwreckedem469]

As someone who’s been watching your channel probably since the beginning, it makes me genuinely happy that you finally get to do something with a full fledged career and dream job from putting in the work through KZbin! You deserve to be able to go out and play shows, meet people who love your music, have people talk highly about your music, because at the end of the day you’ve put so much work and passion into what you do that you deserve for it all to pay off and be able to launch an entire career for yourself. It’s while that you got to go on your first whole tour in 2023, I got to go on my very 1st tour across the east coast playing guitar with Dizasterpiece starting in Florida and ending In Pennsylvania. Even if it was just a 2 week tour, I couldn’t help but feel like I’ve finally made it for once in my life and I can’t wait til I get the opportunity to do it again with the new band I’m in. It makes me happy to see that we’re both having our dreams come true and I hope we get to see each other at a show one of these days, dude! Best of luck to all of your future endeavors!

[@MetalGuitarGuy]

It can be crazy and scary how mean some people can be on the internet... It is awesome you were able to tour and play shows. I think we can appreciate your honesty. Good luck to the future.

[@chrisderway5631]

You do what makes you happy. That is most important thing. The channel will grow with you.

[@1687rlopez]

I completely support you following your heart, brother! Still love what you do!

[@claymusic76]

Bro keep doing what you're doing. If it's the KZbin channel, touring, writing/ recording, etc, you do what you're led to do. For as long as I've watched your channel you've maintained a really positive attitude and are (and continue to be) an excellent encouragement to myself and I'm sure others. Just keep walking forward bro

[@MashaT22]

Xander, I’m so proud to have been along for the ride since you had maybe 5 or 6k followers. I knew you’d do the work and make your music dreams a reality. Part of that is your military training, and part of it is that you are a natural go-getter and always trying to find a way to make things happen no matter what. You’ve been through a lot physically after getting injured while deployed, and you did the work to get your body healthy and in shape so that injury wouldn’t prevent you from chasing your dreams. Once you were in a better place physically and emotionally, you took those skills to creating a channel and great content. Then you made it happen with improving your playing (it’s so much tighter than when you launched the channel), putting yourself out there online and in person and making connections in the industry, writing and recording your own music, and making a solid name for your work ethic and reputation as a person to get hired for gigs. For real, most of us will be here when you post. Whoever hates and trolls your comments and can’t understand that YOU create YOUR own destiny is the weak link and can get packing - nobody is forcing them to stick around. The rest of us are here for the right reasons. We love your channel and obviously miss your daily uploads, but we also know you’re super talented as a musician and want you to be out there with other pro artists and doing everything your heart desires. Lots of big guitar KZbinrs don’t post daily - some hardly even post once a week or even month (ie: Paul Davids). We’ve been blessed and spoiled to get daily uploads from you for years, and people should want to watch you grow if they really care about other people pursuing their destinies. We will still get amazing vids, we will get amazing music, and we will maybe even get to see you live if you swing by our neighborhoods. Not really seeing any of that as a negative. Less uploads doesn’t mean less of you. Plus, people can watch all your old videos if they missing you that much in between! 😂 🤘🏻🎸

[@ronnielobosmith4870]

Do what makes you happy its your life we are happy to dig the ride with you

[@nicolasbeaudry6158]

It is a catch 22, people are jealous I would kill to do what you do. You have guts , balls and the energy to do it. Live your dreams to the fullest. I’m 50 this July and just putting a project together is super hard , and let alone do a gig or an album. Keep the faith , and hard work 🏆💯🔥

[@shawngraves3297]

Enjoy touring and follow your dreams man, we will be here when you get back.

[@itshsilva]

I admire you and your work a lot... don't let naysayers bum you out! Keep growing man... you're inspiring. Cheers!

[@MastaShreddah3621]

Tour vlogs show me a life I've always wanted to live but was always out of reach. I'd stick to what makes you happy, not everyone HAS to like it, however the people that will will have more of an apprecation for it and for you being genuine about how you are, no bs

[@harleymumford94]

Love the positivity as always dude! Keep up the great work and follow your passion, we'll be here for it 🤘🏻

[@Dinosaur4287]

Someone is jealous about your growth. You earned everything! You inspired me to make music again and you deserve your success.

[@PedroYippeekayaye]

Hey dude, I hope whatever you're going through, you get through it and make it worth it.

[@spongebob6664]

“It can be but also a great deal of people are just selfish and self centered. That's their reality. I just try to bow out gracefully. I can't change them but I can change myself and how I react to people. I don't step on toes. But I also will not listen to someone that makes everything about them. I have exit strategies and boundaries that work gracefully for me. People are just who they are.” Its the expression of ownership in conversation I am not to fond of. Using words like “me, and I.” Consistently. Just turns me off to a conversation with that person.

[@TheGalilee416]

You're being authentic, that's why you're progressing and your channel growth proves that. Just be you Ray, that's what we dig 🤘

[@nuclearfroststudios]

I remember being one of those early subscribers. I have loved every bit of content - from tour updates to whatever you wanted to do. Honestly, folks like Bea, and a few others - they head out to tour, and even record albums or EP's. For you to do that, makes my heart happy. You just keep doing you, I gotta sayI love all your content, and I love that youre touring - doing solo work, all of it has been great to watch your growth. I think you are awesome, no attitude, just grab a guitar and bring it. Good stuff, as always.

[@jamesfindice2871]

Dude i love what you have achieved, you keep doing what you love!

[@lifeofleo7]

It's so awesome to see how far you've come from watching your gear demos, to meeting you and seeing you living the dream being on national tours. You deserve all of the success that has come your way. Anyone hating on that, or is pissed that someone isn't making the videos they are used to can fucking kick rocks. Keep living the dream brother, us real fans are cheering you on! 🤘🤙

[@ledthrax]

If anyone gives you hate or has a problem with you doing what makes you happy, remember that it’s THEIR problem, not yours. You’re doing what you love and you’re successful at it. Keep it up man!!!

[@GearStuffandThings]

Ya know man. You put a lot of things out there and placed some real value and perspective on where you are headed and that’s respectable! Respect ✊🏻

[@billyfields7722]

I'm glad that you are sharing your music to everyone and not being stuck at home. Please keep sharing your music to everyone here. Hopefully have a lot of fun and don't let people telling you that you can't do it.

[@Lucas-KnifeHands]

Hey man, a few video's ago you quoted "I just make sure to show up every day". I know it's so simple, but it's stuck with me and I've been using that sentence everyday since. Thank-you mate.

[@lorrean9604]

People hate change , if your enjoying what you do and what you post i what you want youll succeed nonetheless, we love you xander

[@NTB_Retro]

Just gotta do you. If some people lose interest, so be it, you’ll pick up others along the way. The people that left those messages have a fucking cracked mindset, so best to just ignore

[@brax6036]

One of your newer subscribers here and I hope to see you preform live more... if you come near maine I'll be there

[@williamwulffleff6829]

Dude live your life as you wish we will follow your dreams with you

[@jeremykervran1598]

Kudos to you for adressing the hate comments as things that bear some kind of truth. This is letting the ego aside and trying to learn and improve done right. Also thanks for everything you do on the channel, seeing you tour is fun and even though I mostly follow you for gear advice and tips, you do you and that's what's great :)

[@mrshaneyt43]

If you’re happy and can survive doing it good on you . We only get one life so go for it 👍

[@lukeshirtliff7861]

people dont know what they want until you give it too them, your videos are creative and people will always enjoy watching your views on guitar, be confident to post what you want and have the power that your the one giving content not your subscribers

[@clementd.7300]

Man i'm watching your chanel for years from tome to time but what i enjoy the most is your current vlog and back expérience has a 2024 touring musician. That is rare as fuck and super enjoyable 👌 I know you don't need my validation but nevertheless kepp up enjoying your musician life this is gold

[@matthewperry2767]

I like your bubbles and all the spinning!

[@camerasandcoffee3466]

Keep up the hustle! Haters are your motivators!

[@patrick2365]

Been following you from pretty early on - not many followers at the time. Your vibe has always felt genuine! What I mean is that you seem to push yourself towards positivity and being a genuinely good dude despite your challenges. Not always easy to do, and very admirable in my book. Anyway, I don't know you obviously, but I'm proud of your growth as we have watched your positive attitude and initiative drive you towards achieving your goals. People shouldn't hate on you; they should take notes and admire your story. Good job dude! Happy to call myself a fan!

[@benlarson8263]

When your content shifts and you make changes that are the best for you, it'll ruffle feathers because it makes other people question what THEY'RE doing with their lives. People are jealous and insecure and will say what they feel they need to in effort to take down others. They get busy with other people's lives so they don't have to deal with their own. Your content is solid, your passion is awesome - just keep at it dude!

[@marvinrockon]

I was there since 2018 and ngl my man, the room looks sick, yeah, but since the first video with that setup, the times you smile is near zero. If i would believe in something like that, i would say the room steals your energy, happiness or whatever superstitious people would say now. Hope youre doing well man.

[@rottingcorpse6002]

I've watched your evolution.

[@rottingcorpse6002]

Just keep doing what you WANT. Nothing else matters because your journey should only matter to you.

[@acdover]

Dude, do what makes you happy. If you don't do it while you can, you will regret later in life. I will still check your channel for content.

[@davidtguitar]

its a cool shift, think its cool to follow :) there are a lot of other gear channels, its inspiring to see you and your channel grow and be something unique!

[@peterbatten596]

You’re a musician, KZbin will always come to a EASY 2nd compared to touring, playing, and creating journeys with memories is priceless. At the end of the day, I can only speak for myself, but the reason I subscribed back ago was because I enjoyed it, nothing more, nothing less. And whenever I come on KZbin, I’ll always be here for it. If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t have subscribed to begin with. P.s. I’m out the second you say that you’ll never release a signature pair of pink NGD scissors.

[@CasualViewer-t4f]

Easily some of the sickest rifs that KZbin has fed me.

[@jonathanshaver3001]

Fuck the haters, do what makes you happy. I'm here for it

[@donniejean]

I made a post on our local township community group on Facebook. Everyone complains about how crappy it is. I made a post that one day I’ll see to it that one day I’ll make it better. I had tons and tons of support and positive comments. You know what? Out of all those hundreds of comments, the only one I remember is some girl calling me a pretentious doucebag and blah blah. So yeah. I feel you bro. Just do what YOU love. Peace

[@BarnyardTheSilverback]

Everyone says the real fans will stick around no matter what, and it sounds cliché, but it's true. Real fans, the ones who don't give a damn WHAT you put out, they're just glad to see you putting out content, and being successful, will always be here. Keep on going dude, and eff the haters.

[@johnbach2380]

Rootin' for you dawg

[@R.I.PDanny]

Dude… I’m happy for you living your dream! Your dream is also my dream. And it motivates me to work towards that. I had to step away from music for a bit, but now I’m getting my chops up. Wanting to market myself as hired gun bassist for Punk/Pop Punk/ Metal. Hoping to start posting content on my socials soon.

[@the1trueporkchop]

I get having to satiate the algorithm lords. However, I can safely say I watch more people who post irregularly than channels who post daily. I think there’s a singular channel that I watch every day (Support WrestleTalk!), and it’s a news based format for my other passion, pro wrestling. Keep doing you. I don’t catch every video, but what I watch is awesome joy to watch!😊

[@randylodder1265]

Dude.......I first saw you a few months ago doing an amp commercial with your '72 Les Paul......that was on my Facebook feed. The riff blew me away. Then two days ago you showed up on my KZbin feed. I was like....."Its THAT dude"!!!! Ive become an instant fan of your channel.....and your music. Your riffs are inspiring. Keep doing what youre doing brother. Haters are just gonna hate........no matter what goes on in their lives. 🤘😎

[@frankiechan9651]

Dude - I've been following your journey for a while now. I AM FUCKING STOKED to see how you have grown and am now living the dream of writing music and touring as a "professional" musician. On top of being a successful "creator" on YT. What you are doing shows that with hard work, and staying humble and thankful, you can achieve your desires. You have NEVER taken us for granted, never spoken down to us and I'm glad to be able to tag along with you on tour. Keep on killing it brother.

[@nmgascon]

Dude, you have nothing to apologize for. It frustrates me that anyone would be so selfish to aim any negativity your way or even some uncalled for “advice”. You know exactly what the fuck you’re doing and be proud of that. Don’t let anyone diminish that. I love that you’re getting out on the road, and still giving us content through it all! Keep doing your thing Xander, and can’t wait to see what more you’ll accomplish! 🤘🏻🖤

[@spiritsofconfusion]

Sadly bro you can't keep everyone happy on your way to the top. You are living everyone's dreams baby don't let the negativity keep you down.

[@johnconkling9729]

I like you riff vids and tour vid the best. Keep rolling bro!

[@brogantimmons4546]

What you are currently doing and accomplishing is amazing my dude!! Keep at it, your true fans won’t hate on you or go away. They’ll appreciate what you have to offer and put out. Excited to see what the rest of 2024 has for you!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻

[@R.I.PDanny]

Dude… I’m happy for you living your dream! Your dream is also my dream. And it motivates me to work towards that. I had to step away from music for a bit, but now I’m getting my chops up. Wanting to market myself as hired gun bassist for Punk/Pop Punk/ Metal. Hoping to start posting content on my socials soon. Been here since the beginning you’re one of my favorite channels to watch. May not comment on every one but I watch them! 🤘🏻

[@gaunterodimm4884]

Nah man, live out your dreams. Those people hating on you would probably be doing the same thing if they got to be in the same situation as you. You've helped me a ton in my guitar journey and it makes me happy seeing you reach your dreams that you worked so hard for. You earned this, bro.

[@smeemusic]

Hey I was part of the first 5000 here. I gotta say I love what you do here and thank you for entertaining us! It’s impressive to see what you’ve done so far. Congratulations and I can’t wait to see what’s next!

[@jeffreya-bomb7313]

Lots of trolls w/ nothing going on in their own lives like to talk shit to youtubers. Keep it real! Enjoy the content.

[@dustinsroka2737]

Do what makes you happy man 🤟

[@YonkyKADAVER]

I think that being a KZbin guitarist is much less important and less relevant than being a real guitarist. Dedicating your musical knowledge and skills to a KZbin channel would be a waste if we compare it to what those knowledge and skills can produce if you use them to create music and perform live. Faced with that choice, I would prefer to sacrifice the growth of the KZbin channel for the growth of my musical career.

[@jamesanderson9428]

I love all you content. Im happy to see what your journey has become. You have inspired me to start recording my own album and starting to create my own content, nothing is out yet I’m just now starting down this path.

[@jokerpanda]

Honeslty do what you like, Also man, you were the point of break to say i need a jp15 when you shared your review

[@rayburr8323]

Keep doing you man!! You seem so focused and passionate!! Keep killin' it!!🤘🤘

[@axtonkahler7360]

F the haters my dude! Super pumped for you getting out and doing what you love. I've enjoyed your recent vids as much as I have any of your gear reviews/tutorials. Live the dream and keep ripping people's faces off live!!

[@ilikeblackguitars]

Xander I enjoy both your review content and your touring vlog you only have 1 chance at youth and life so you need to take advantage of it while you can I’m a big boy and I will be fine if don’t hear your opinion on a new pedal but I will be saddened if I feel you are missing out in what makes you happy keep going and please keep sharing your talents

[@EconID]

If you wanna tour, do it bro 🤘

[@GuitarSoloReactions]

Congrats on all the success.

[@hawaiianshirtguy_29]

I've been watching your videos for a few years and I love the channel and content. You seem like a really good and down to earth dude. It is really cool you get to tour and play live music, that's the dream man! I wish you all the best and success! I'm a fan no matter what.🤟😎

[@StoneXue]

Do not be afraid of losing subs. Do what your dreams take you too. You will find an audience for it if its done well. Some of us currently in your audience may not be in the audience in a year as you evolve as a human. Thats OK. You evolved, the people that are no longer watching evolved differently but a whole bunch of others evolved in a suitable direction and are either still paying attention or just found you.

[@SxccxbiStxnger]

I just want to say that I've been watching you since 20K subscribers man; I really loved your Jim Root videos and how you went over them. You actually inspired me to get my own guitar and to become an artist. I've been watching since 2020 and it's been amazing seeing you grow as a content creator and a musician dude. Much love, congratulations! To Ray! :3

[@Death.Malakaiah]

Been here since stay metal Ray, and I'm so proud of what you have accomplished along the years, do what makes you happy, your true fans will always follow you doing what you love, haters gonna hate and that's facts, just ignore the hate and live on love.. Stay always metal and awesome ray

[@BlazonStone]

Whats wrong with people. You're a musician. And if you wanna tour = GO DO IT. That is a dream for most of us, so go enjoy it! Who are they to say you need to please them personally in everything...

[@darthsmolin]

Haters gonna hate. Keep doing what you love and don't ever compromise.

[@CrossGuardMania]

do what you got to do what makes you happy man, also a couple of days ago i listened to your recent album and dude it was so good, my favourite track was strawberry mansion i believe, keep up with the originals. 🤘

[@blasturd]

As long as you have more time for tattoos!!!

[@thomascoolberth2648]

Ex-Army guy here. Its great you can tour. KZbin guitar players are getting old (figuratively and literally.) Your channel is achieving a mark of originality.

[@rohellyo]

I think a way to keep the content coming would be something like Gabe from I Prevail does. I definitely find it interesting and it’s a way to take your audience with you on that career journey. Good luck might see you in Corpus Christi

[@ilyjesusable]

I don’t understand the hate, I’ve known a couple guys at the level you’re at and you have zero ego in my opinion. I think the content you make is very wholesome and this person is most likely more than jealous at you. Anyway keep up the good work!

[@ronnielobosmith4870]

Bro gitcha pull!!!

[@almightyguitarnerd]

Xander, fuck this guy. Do what you love

[@joshuafrazier6422]

Everyone should be happy that you're making your dreams come true. And if anything we should this take this time reflect in our own music going forward. Any new videos we we can learn what works and how set up or tour, money situations etc. keep living your dream cause that will motivate everyone of your subs that takes music seriously. And also you'll kille two birds with one stone (serious musicians & the haters) hopefully this would make haters become non - hater and respect your situation of you living your dream touring playing packed ass shows for the masses around the the world.

[@jon4904]

I LOVE,,,YOUR MUSIC CONTENT,,,♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️✌️✌️✌️✌️✌️