Michael Ray says the heartbreak expressed in current single “Her World Or Mine” and poignantly brought to life in the song’s latest video, “is the reason I got into country music.” The video premiered today exclusively with Good Morning America and ABC.com. Ray’s third single is the emotional centrepiece of his 11-song sophomore album ‘Amos’ and starkly contrasts the carefree theme and upbeat sound of his last single and third #1 hit, “One That Got Away.”
“I wanted to tell the story of my parents’ divorce and that part of my life – the confusion and the fact that it wasn’t easy for a while. And losing my grandparents was a massive hit, not only to me, but my whole family,” explains Ray.
The new video features film and television star Chad Michael Murray in the role of Michael’s father. The two met at the CMT Awards four years ago and have been friends ever since.
“This song touched me. It’s my favourite, personally,” Murray said. “Watching the song play and seeing everybody react and seeing them go through their own honest memories is trippy. It’s really fun to watch.”
The video for “Her World Or Mine” is based on Ray’s experience as a child of divorce, with his entire family and himself as a child portrayed, as they navigate hard life changes and separation until the death of Ray’s grandmother brings them together.
“It’s so relatable and it deals with so many issues that everybody’s going through,” continued Murray. “You’re going to see so many people come up to you and say, ‘That’s my song.’ And it will be for different reasons because they went through different trials and tribulations to get them there. That’s what’s cool about it.”
Ray was raised in rural central Florida and was very close with his grandfather, who taught him how to play guitar.
“When my parents were going through their divorce is when my grandfather started teaching me guitar chords – it was my outlet. It was my way to get away from all the hell and chaos that was going on,” shares Ray.
However, this year has brought the singer new-found happiness with his love Carly Pearce. Earlier this month, Ray married the country star in Goodlettsville, TN. The pair’s nuptials were featured in PEOPLE Magazine with all the details of their big day.
Ray is currently on the road with his popular Nineteen Tour, which brings him to the UK for five headline shows next week:
Tue 22nd October – London Bush Hall
Wed 23rd October – Birmingham Institute 3
Thu 24th October – Liverpool Arts Club Loft
Fri 25th October – Manchester Night & Day Café
Sun 27th October – Glasgow Stereo
Learn more about Ray at MichaelRayMusic.com or follow him on Facebook at facebook.com/MusicMichaelRay, Instagram @MichaelRayMusic and Twitter @MichaelRayMusic.
