Dev Ray is the solo project from California native Devin Ratliff, former member of dream-punk bands So Many Wizards and Tomemitsu. Exploring the intersection of understated 90s Chicago indie, lo-fi, and the wide-screen melancholy of Thatcher-era alternative pop, Dev Ray’s debut 2017 single was a moody, synth-drenched take on The Pointer Sisters’ 1982 soul classic, “I’m So Excited”. Dev Ray’s single “Can’t Hide” was released by Dangerbird Records in July 2018 followed by “Palaces” on August 31. Both songs are part of Dangerbird’s ongoing Microdose singles series.

“Can’t Hide”, “Dev Ray’s previous single for Dangerbird Records, (Matt Costa, Slothrust) is described as a spirited piece of uptempo indie pop that showcases Dev’s musical style with a balance of ghostly vocal melodies, articulate guitar lines, and sparkling synth arpeggios. These elements coalesce over a driving rhythm section to form an earworm that demands repeated listening and will not leave your head for weeks afterwards. Dev’s accompanying single “Palaces” is more of a subterranean creeper that retains his tuneful sensibilities but slows them down into a drowsier arrangement submerged in eerie layers of organ and distorted vocal harmonies.”

Dev Rey “Palaces”

On MICRODOSE:

MICRODOSE is a monthly single release and live event series celebrating new music from our neighborhood (LA’s Eastside) and beyond. This platform will serve as a launchpad for up-and-coming artists, uniting and expanding our artistic community. Monthly singles will include an A-side and B-side, and each artist will perform live at Dangerbird’s Silver Lake based HQ/event space.