Ray Parkes is a Multi Instrumental, musician and Composer, who's work is as diverse as the instruments he uses to make it. Part Electronic, part Acoustic, it is formed from traditional instruments, such as Guitars, Pianos and Synths, to ''Found sounds'' such as for example, a Paper Guillotine, and  Field recordings, such as the manipulated sound of Penguins and Marsh Birds. (The sound was manipulated, not the penguins).

Starting in the mid 90's as part of Leicester based, Indie Art rock outfit, Bocca, who recorded two studio albums, and an e.p. for Anglo-German label, 'Captive  Recordings'. The band played throughout the U.K. at festivals, and Universities, supporting International artists such as, The Czars, Lift to Experience, Gemma Hayes, Howe Gelb, and (Britpop luminaries), The Bluetones, as well as headlining spots in their own right, before disbanding in 2005. Later that year, he worked with Canadian environmentalist, Jan Wylie, for a short film, entitled ''The Tar sands'', for which he wrote and recorded the music.

Since then he has recorded four studio albums , between 2015 and 2026. as well as a 'trilogy series' of E.P's, entitled 'The Pier Sessions', Volume 1-3. 

The first of these was  released in December 2022, part two released in January 2023, with the third in May 2024.

Where as 2025 was a quiet year musically,with the exception of a guest vocalist spot on COURT JESTER'S,  stunning ''Icarus'', from the e.p.   I'm My Favourite Clown'.

 2026 saw a  passionate return with the full length album 'The Lost art of Falling Apart', as well as two e.p.'s 'Reworks vol one' and 'Girl on Sacred Heart Street.' with more to come before the end of the year.

Describing himself as a 'music maker', rather than a composer, his work has none the less had comparisons made with such luminaries as, Clint Mansell, Erik Satie, John Parish, Brian Eno, Giorgio Moroder, and Steve Reich, in particular Reich's 'Electric Counterpoint', as well as various 'Post Rock', and Electronic artists, from past to present. It is impossible to categories, as it fits in no one camp, yet utilizes characteristics, of many...

All his projects and releases, are available on Amazon, Spotify, iTunes, You tube, Soundcloud, and Bandcamp.

A future full length L.P.  entitled ''The Lost Art Of Falling Apart'',  as well as two E.P.'s entitled Reworks vol1. and Girl On Sacred Heart Street, are out now.

Demos will be uploaded to the Soundcloud page.

For all correspondence, including licensing, please contact 1969mantaray@gmail.com.

Updated 26/08/2026.

Bandcamp - YouTube - Spotify - Amazon - SoundCloud