Ray Gibson is a British singer-songwriter and visual artist known for his emotionally rich live shows and raw, expressive creations on canvas.
In 2008, Ray walked away from a conventional office life to follow a deeper creative calling—writing songs and painting full-time. Challenged by oddly shaped hands and fingers, he developed a unique guitar style built around open strings, adapted chord shapes, and minimalism that gives his voice room to breathe and resonate. His music carries echoes of Bon Iver, Radiohead, Noel Gallagher, John Lennon, David Bowie, Jarvis Cocker, and Elbow—but never imitates. Ray is, unmistakably, his own man. Listen here
As a technologist following the latest trends in software and AI, Ray experiments with multimedia techniques to bring stories to life, such as the IP Police music video which uses AI mixed with real footage to create an immersive, futuristic experience.
Equally at home in the studio or with a stick of chalk in hand, Ray’s visual art is an extension of his songwriting. He works intuitively, mixing colours directly on the page, feeling shapes emerge through smudging, sharpening, and shifting tones with his fingers. Many of his works are deeply connected to his music—drawn from lyrics or entire songs like “The Lighthouse Keeper” and “Red Ribbon”, forming a visual soundtrack to his storytelling.
Ray has performed across Europe—from intimate clubs to crowds of 5,000—and released two albums with his former band, The Roads (winners of RGM Live Space 2009), as well as two solo records. His shows range from delicate acoustic sets with a cellist to full-band rock performances packed with soaring anthems and tender ballads.
His artwork has been exhibited at Prague Castle and shared in unique live formats—touring BBC radio stations in the UK with a blend of live music and painting, and performing at community art and music events like Gluren bij de Buren in Haarlem.
Ray Gibson is based in Haarlem's Leidsebuurt where he lives with his wife, 2 boys, 2 geckos and dog. He lives for connection—through melody, lyric, line, and colour. Whether on stage or on the page, he invites you into a world where sound and vision blur, and stories come to life.
