THE MOURNING Vocalist Johnny Ray Launches Solo Career With “Free My Soul”

Johnny Ray, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist for THE MOURNING and vocalist for 3 HEADED SNAKE, has launched a new solo project with debut single “Free My Soul.”

The Florida musician's first release under his own name takes a more personal approach than his work with his established bands, pairing melodic metal with a song about escaping survival mode and regaining control of one's life.

“Free My Soul” began through a collaboration with Shane Madere and Lance Jarreau, both former vocal-coaching students of Ray. After hearing an early instrumental version, Ray quickly decided he wanted to become involved.

“I loved it so much that I basically told them, I have to sing on this,” Ray said.

Madere and Jarreau handled the composition, with Madere also producing the track. Ray contributed vocals and lyrics while overseeing vocal production and creative direction.

Lyrically, Ray describes “Free My Soul” as a conversation between the conscious and subconscious mind after an extended period of simply pushing through life.

“Free my soul means stepping out of survival mode and reclaiming your life, choosing to live with intention rather than simply getting through the day,” Ray said.

The song depicts the subconscious as sounding an increasingly urgent alarm while the conscious mind has remained disengaged. Eventually, the latter recognizes what has happened and takes responsibility for moving forward.

For Ray, the single also creates an outlet distinct from his existing bands.

“I wanted something that could exist under my own name and be a little more personal,” he said. “‘Free My Soul’ felt like the right song to start with.”

Ray continues to handle vocals and keyboards for progressive-metal band THE MOURNING while also fronting 3 HEADED SNAKE, which features former MINISTRY guitarist Sin Quirin.

“Free My Soul” is available now on digital platforms, with an official music video also released.