Ray LaMontagne On Creating Ouroboros

GRAMMY-winning singer/songwriter Ray LaMontagne’s latest album, Ouroboros, is a departure from the five studio albums that came before it. “I wrote it as an entire piece, as a 40-minute piece of music,” LaMontagne shares, “to really enjoy it, or to really feel the emotional impact of it, I think you really need to sit down and listen to it as a whole.” Written by LaMontagne and produced by Jim James of My Morning Jacket, Ouroboros debuted on March 4, 2016 and reached No. 13 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Watch the interview above to find out more about the meaning behind the album’s title and the creative process behind Ouroboros.
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[@michaelm4464]

Ray has really gotten much better at interviews. Nice to see him so comfortable and opening up for once.

[@rob-time]

Ray is hands down my favourite artist in his genre. I've been a fan since I saw him sing "Sarah" and "I still care for you" on SNL in 2009. Since then I buy all of his records because that is the best way for me to show appreciation and to support him in making and recording more music that I will enjoy.

[@Giothegentle]

I absolutely love this album, it feels absolutely timeless. Ray is correct, listening to the tracks back to back is the best experience. Part two has this ethereal, floating magic to it that just puts you in a deep sense of peace and wellbeing.

[@ALangston35]

Even his speaking voice is so pleasant. He has such a great vibe about him. You can hear his passion and connection to the music when he speaks about it in his tone, see it on his face, find it in his choice of language. Its so inspiring to me. He's my musical "idol"...I hope to get to this level of authenticity one day.

[@tweedpenguin712]

He’s a fraud

[@peackeeper1]

Being a hermit as I have been as a result of a very difficult and tumultuous upbringing I knew the minute I heard Ray sing and listen to his words I felt he was singing my life. And when he talks in his interviews I feel a kindred spirit. I love this man.

[@In_time]

peackeeper1 oh, same💘

[@Soniawithani]

I've watched every interview I can find with Ray and it seems as if he has evolved and has found peace and comfort with himself. in earlier interviews he seems so uncomfortable and in this interview he has a calm about him. I think all his work is amazing and can't wait to see how he continues his path as a musician. be blessed!

[@AJ-ct8om]

Love hearing Ray a bit more vibrant in an interview

[@MrEblevin]

Ray is just great. He lives in the next town so I crossed paths with him. He was driving a candy apple red roadster, like a 1949 chevy coupe. Very humble person.

[@thesameeffect]

Eric Blevin where?

[@chrisholland2016]

Is he really nice and humble if you don't mind me asking?

[@ankushchauhan2133]

@Nick Black Ashfield Massachusetts

[@tweedpenguin712]

Why is he such an asshole to his fans? He seems like he’s always upset on stage.

[@isaacburdiss]

Awesome!

[@aaronscoleman]

Side 2 of Ouroboros is possibly the most beautiful thing that’s ever been written. Absolutely stunning.

[@isaacburdiss]

Yeah! It somehow takes you to another universe.

[@eddieallen6401]

There's an intimacy to the audio on this interview that's really special. The live noise in the room just adds to the rawness of the words he's trying to piece together. What a beautiful human being you are Ray. X

[@cindycurl1903]

I don't have the words to describe how it always effects me to hear a singer song writer talk about their work and realizing the process that the person went through while creating it. I love music so much and it is a part of every breath I take. It moves me to emotions, it lifts me up, it helps me get through the tough times and embrace the beauty and tragedy of human nature and the effects relationships have in this world. Thanks for the songs and I am very happy to be moved by your music, lyric and emotions you show and grow through it.

[@aletorriggino]

Well said it, Ray. Ouroboros is a beautiful work of art. Love sharing this journey with you my man.

[@hanniyah7]

Just saw him last night. Great show. Stood front and center in front of the stage. Dont have the latest album but listening to it live reminded me heavily of Pink Floyds Dark Side of the Moon. He can criticize his early work all he wants but the album Trouble is perfection.

[@jmarty1000]

Definitely a strong "Dark Side of the Moon" vibe from Ouroboros. I love it.

[@paolo-n2000]

I really like Ouroboros! I wish more artists would create musical albums this way... an entire piece / body of music... 10 tracks... 45 minutes, one cohesive body of music rather than one or two singles around 8 other tracks....

[@CherreeMallette]

Ray, I was hooked on your music the first time I heard you. Deep, reasons of sense of emotional living. Love everything you do and thank you. God Bless.

[@mariaroberts5608]

Keep on trucking man, yor Awsome, time is short, 4 me. But if i was u i would want my music in every house hold, even if i had 2 give it a way. Leave your self well known with a legacy. Love yor work, and yor so humble, bless you xx uk

[@jacksonprice3842]

Amen Ray. I hope there is room to have albums tell a story as a whole. I feel sad for my kids to not get to experience a time where you sit down and listen to an album and have it tell you a story. This album is a story. Thank you ray.

[@saviodesilva7933]

What an alluring voice 👌👍🙌❤

[@mezzripper5708]

unbelievable album!! just saw him in Philly and it was incredible

[@shellymanway9250]

This guy is the real deal. He's not in it for the fame or attention. You can tell by his personality. He's not a public person. He loves music.

[@letmetellyousomething123]

Love where he´s gone with this record. It is quite a revelation and also good to hear him talk about it too. You can see he´s at a place where he´s found peace. As an Artist myself I know what he means about trying too hard to put shape on something and to just let it go it on it´s own path without trying to force it. Going to put it on right now!

[@ALangston35]

Im still trying to get there myself but I definitely feel personally you can feel how naturally this came and it doesn't feel forced or unfinished or inauthentic. I hope to get to that place as an artist one day. To not manhandle it, as he put it but just let it ride.

[@paulpaplinski7443]

Came back 30 minutes ago from his Chicago concert. Awesome show. Love Ray's new album.

[@jeremiahmcdaniel8362]

Just discovered this album, it absolutely blows my mind!! Pretty cool that Jim James produced it! Ray is on my bucket list of shows to see now!

[@shakaslo-fi]

Hey Ray! I felt exactly what you said about the album - a continuous piece of music that spreads and evolves out of your "natural ground", and then comes back, or at least touches "your ground" again. Well, kind of a Ouroboros right? Fantastic! sorry about my english writing, I'm Portuguese! Peace!

[@TeethLikeKnives]

Definitely my favorite album of 2016

[@pjulian777]

Ray has changed a lot over the years. People in the comments seem to think it's a good change but I tend to disagree. He used to have this complete gentle sincerity with very little intellectual overlay, he was a man without guile and had a beautiful dreaminess about him. Now he spews therapy-inspired cliches about being grounded, about insecurity and vulnerability, even with those sharp intakes of breath that seem pretentious, that seem intended to convey a confected sense of intensity and sincerity. I still love his music and I don't mean to impugn him as a person but he now seems.... possessed is a strong word but it is something in that direction. I have seen many people go that way and such people infest the internet. Great music though, and a great songwriter. I hope he comes back to us.

[@tadddavis8016]

No comments here..129 views? COME ON! I don't usually comment, but, this is what it's about right here! Album of the Year, hands down, explained precisely. Modern Masterpiece.

[@theheartofthecelticwoman]

Rayyyyyyyy best voice ever!!!!

[@aislingsmith2]

as a 14-year-old when it came out. It got me into listening to music as a straight album, and got me into vinyl

[@-MrFozzy-]

If I could sing like anyone on earth….it would be this man. His voice is absolutely beautiful….2nd, I’d pick Mr Chris Cornell…

[@raenettadulin167]

AMAZING MAN !!!

[@rvilletto123]

I want to be more like Ray.

[@tompelham7035]

Very cool, this man is different;)

[@DanDDirges]

Not sure I understand it all but I think I can dig it

[@timegallon708]

I think it's interesting that Ray says there were songs on his first two albums that were, in a way, man handled, or force written. I thought his first few albums were genuine and most interposed between his emotion and his expression. Ouroboros, on the other hand, sounds daring and experimental, and to a degree, forced. It seems like a, "let's try this and see what happens," album and although, I enjoy it (reminds me a lot of Pink Floyd's dark side of the moon), it doesn't hit me with the honestly that his first few album have. His first two albums (among his others) seemed to be crafted from pure emotion. Even if ouroboros came from the same naked place (I'm sure it does), there's a virtue of simplicity involved that (although simplicity is often most adorned), in my opinion, it doesn't hit me as hard as the clever construction of poetry, wit, ambiguity, and honesty that his first few albums did. I like Ouroboros. Nearly every song seems to be designated to the ears of the listener, instead of the ears of pop-culture. I like that Ray denies conforming to the pop culture's tempting "success" at the expense of depth. If there's one thing to take away from song writing, wether it's simple, esoteric, or some brilliant combination of the two, there's room enough to say whatever you want to say. I just hope Ray keeps having something to say.

[@ALangston35]

I think that the first two albums you find his authenticity most in his lyrics and singing, whereas this one it seems more the music and emotion behind the song, if that makes any sense. The "aura" or "vibe" of the songs are so powerful on ourboros. Its a moving album to me. I dont see it as forced. If any, Id think supernova sounds the most forced of all of them. Experimental, less "Ray" that we're used to.

[@westlisbon6307]

Teared up is all I can say. In a good way.

[@TheBackpacker1974]

I own all of Ray's stuff including Ouroboros. This last one took more time for me to warm up to. I didn't dislike it. I just prefer the old stuff better. Sounds a little over produced and too thought out. Ray's best work was simple musically and lyrically and gritty and less psychedelic and random. In the segment above he criticizes his old self for trying too hard on the first two albums. Funny thing IMHO is that they were his best and most critically acclaimed. I'll keep on loving his creativity. And he's certainly entitled to do whatever.... but why abandon what works? Just not sure I'll throw $ down for it as in the past.

[@manoneal1724]

I need to give Ouroboros another listen, but as of right now, I agree with you. His first two albums are certainly his most impassioned works in my opinion.

[@ALangston35]

@@czaczacza he said here this feels more organic and authentic to him though, and I can feel that listening to it

[@chaddreier8888]

Funny, i think this is his best album. I immediately bought his older albums after listening to this and was disappointed.

[@elpas.6974]

[@dreadthedreads]

Infp or infj?

[@lizglydelsuyu4570]

Explanation kills the art.

[@skyryder7662]

Why someone would name their album after a major symbol in Witchcraft is beyond understanding. Unless that's what you're into