How The Song Was Born
Discography
New single “She Buys Her Own Boots” coming November 20th, 2026
(Written with Stone Aielli and Kylie Frey)
This high-spirited anthem kicks off with a swampy reggae feel and evolves into a country shuffle that speaks to the power of women who walk their own path, make their own rules, and use their heels to dig in and stand firm…with a wink and a shrewd smile, of course.
“She ain’t an MRS, she’s a CEO, hustles on heels, runs her own show”….”She gets what she wants and buddy she don’t need you because she buys her owns boots."
"I Can Drink To That"
Released: August 2025/Lil Dude Records
(Written with Django Walker)
This song is all about the moments worth celebrating; good dogs, great friends, and the everyday joys that bring us together. It’s an anthem for everyone, and it just makes you feel good. “To live in the land of the free. A Good dog that will never leave. Little money in your pocket, clothes on your back…I can drink to that.”
"Borrowed Time"
Released: June 2021/Lil Dude Records
(Written with Django Walker and Gordy Quist of Band of Heathens)
We wrote this two days before Covid hit, and Kobe Bryant had just died. All three of us have athletic backgrounds and we loved hearing all the stories about Kobe’s effect on people’s lives. It got us thinking about how heartfelt words about a loved one is often saved for their eulogies instead of said to them while they are still alive. This song encapsulates loving each other, being intentional, and grasping this time we have on earth.
“We are all on borrowed time, the only thing guaranteed, we’re born, we die, so why don’t we try, to make the best of the in between.”
"Tennessee Me"
Released: April 2018/Lil Dude Records
(Written with Django Walker and Amy Wilcox)
There is always two sides to every love story, and this song is the sweet southern tale of a partner's understanding of the travel, distance, and sacrifice it takes to support the dreams of their spouse. A modern take on “absence makes the heart grow stronger.
“I’m not in a rush, but it sure gets tough when you need someone this much. I think it’s time I see your face and feel your touch. Right now the sound of your voice just ain’t enough. So, why don’t you come and Tennessee me.”
"Pacific-O"
Released: July 2017/Lil Dude Records
(Written with Mark Leach)
I was in Cabo, Mexico sippin’ on Pacifico, and started laughing at the rhyme. The song was born from that amusement. This is a head-bobbin’ laidback groove stretching from the prideful anger after a breakup to the 20/20 hindsight of missing her.
#GoesGoodWith
Released: May 2016/Lil Dude Records
This 6-song EP is imbued with those signature buoyant vibes that Ray Johnston’s music is known for. Songs like the Tex-Mex infused “Little Lupe,” the straight up countryfied “My Liver Don’t Live Here Anymore,” the pure love song “Beautiful You,” and “Make Mine A Double” has got you covered for the satirical sides of life.
“I like for the songs I co-write and sing to be like a good romantic comedy. The right balance of humor, joy, love, honesty, wit, and always with more sun than rain. It’s all here on #GoesGoodWith.”
No Bad Days
Released: September 2014/Lil Dude Records
This debut album earned applause across outlets including Billboard and Country Weekly Magazine, as well as airplay on programs like CMT Pure. The album quickly established Ray Johnston as a genuine songwriter and artist, and also confirmed how much music fans are drawn to his special brand of “happy.”
“No Bad Days” are three powerful words that every human being should commit to memory and live their lives by. It’s a rally cry to ditch the self-defeatist mindset and to truly appreciate the gift of life, and every single day that you get to live it. This is a song that defies all genres. At its core it is happy and optimistic, a creed that Ray Johnston lives by.
“As long as your heart’s beating, there are no bad days. When you got something to believe in, there’s no bad days. As long as you're dreaming, preaching, seeking, Make no mistake. As long as you're breathing, there's no bad days.”