Tell us a little about yourself?
Hi there, my name is Ray. I am the vocalist of Acaedia. We are a metal band from Miami, FL, and weāre known for our energetic and melodic take on modern metalcore. The band currently consists of Mike Collantes (drums), Gus PeƱa (bass), Javi SardiƱas (guitars) and myself.
How did you come up with your artist name?
Acaedia (pronounced ah-sea-dee-ah) is a variation of the word Acedia, which stands for apathy. Our songs often encompass themes that exhort our listeners to break away from the state of listlessness. We should concern ourselves more with where we fit in this world and how we can make it a better place for others and ourselves. I felt the name was a great way to carry that message, so I changed the spelling to make it somewhat different.
How long have you been in the music industry?
Iāve been into music for as long as I can remember. However, Iād say Iāve been in the music industry or performing professionally, since 2010 when I joined my previous band, Abiotic.
How did you get started in the music business in the first place?
It all started when Abiotic signed to Metal Blade Records, and we released our first album āSymbioisā in 2012. Eventually, I went on to form Acaedia with my current guitarist Javi.
How would you describe your latest single?
The latest single is really personal to me. This song deals with the concept of death, something that I found myself struggling with after losing my grandparents. It is one of our most impactful and energetic songs to date for sure.
When can fans expect the visuals for the single?
Definitely before the end of this year.
Who are your inspirations in the music industry?
Anyone willing to do what we do is an inspiration because this aināt easy. As far as bands that inspired me: Korn, Killswitch Engage and The Black Dahlia Murder, among others.
How do you go about writing a song and what is your process?
Iām nocturnal, and thatās usually when I get inspired to write. I put down any crazy ideas that come to mind, and I immediately reach out to Javi because heās our riff master. He just has this ability to bring on the riffage and create the overall layout for a song fairly quickly.
What is the concept behind your forthcoming project if working on one?
There isnāt a prevailing concept per se. Weāre just writing songs dealing with stuff weāre passionate about.
Any plans on touring to promote your latest single?
Thatās a tough question considering the ānew normal.ā Weāre itching to get out there and disseminate our music to the masses, but we are also mindful of the current state of the world. We want to do our part to keep others and ourselves safe and healthy. As of right now, we donāt have any plans set in stone, but we look forward to doing so as we continue to transition out of the pandemic and opportunities present themselves.
What did you buy with your first check off music?
Iām still waiting for my checkā¦
What are must haves when your in the studio working?
Lots of black coffee.
What is the best piece of advice in this business you actually followed?
Create an amazing team because success cannot be achieved by one individual or band alone.
Will you be collaborating with any other artists in the future?
No plans at the moment, but I donāt see why not.
What artist have you had the pleasure of working with and what was it like?
I recently got to collaborate with some really cool people, but Iām not allowed to talk about it yet. Lol
Name an artist(s) that you would love to work with?
I would love to collaborate with Jonathan Davis from Korn.
Do you think your music is mostly enjoyed more for the beats or for the lyrical flow and content?
Both. Our lyrics tackle many social themes that our listeners tend to relate/connect with, but the music is what really brings everything together.
What area do you need to improve on in regards to your career? (Example: Better production, Delivery, Stage presence, etc…)
Probably production. As a musician, I donāt think youāre ever fully happy with any production. Youāre always going to strive to make it better than the last.
What’s your all-time favourite song?
My Heart Will Go On.
What was the last album you listened to?
F*CK LOVE 3+ by The Kid LAROI
Your favourite artist of all time and why?
Korn. Itās the band that I can never get tired of listening to.
Whose your favourite five artists right now?
Jon Bellion, DJ REZZ, Glass Animals, The Weekend and Dua Lipa.
In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Iām gonna name 5 because I canāt decide:
As I Lay Dying, Killswitch Engage, August Burns Red, Trivium and Architects.
Who have been some of your favourite artists that youāve been able to work with?
The Faceless, Within the Ruins, Goatehore, Behemoth and Between the Buried and Me.
How do you feel about the current state of music?
Itās a little weird right now. We have all hoped for a smooth transition, but I keep seeing shows cancelling and venues closing down. Itās a bit alarming.
Any dream award shows you hope to one day play at?
Iāve never really cared much for award shows.
What is your main goal as far as music?
Music is one of my biggest passions. If I can keep doing it and sharing it with as many ears as possible, I will.
Who would you say your music relates to the most?
Anyone seeking to make the best of this journey through life while we still have it.
What separates you from other artists? (What’s makes you different?)
Our band doesnāt try to fit in or copy what others are doing. As cheesy as it sounds, we just write what we feel, and we share it with those that will listen.
When your not in the studio, What do you like to do for fun and relaxation?
I recently picked up electric skateboarding.
If you could work with any producer who would it be?
Iāve always wanted to work with Adam D. From Killswitch.
Whatās the biggest highlight of your career thus far?
Playing Main Stage at Warped Tour. Iāll never forget that.
What is your dream venue to perform at?
Iāve never played Red Rocks.
Whatās the name of the last book you read and by whom?
The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka.
Whatās your favourite sports team and why?
The Miami Heat because I have to represent the 305. LOL
Whose your favourite actor or actress and their best movie?
Keanu Reeves: The Matrix.
Name someone famous who inspires you and why?
My family is what inspires me.
What can we expect from you in the future?
Lots of new music and more music videos.
Where can the fans check out for your music?
YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music and whatever streaming platform you prefer. Weāre everywhere!
Support this artist by using the links below:
Is My Music Fire š„ 