“Life’s not a promise, let the wild orchids grow,” a friend told Michel Neray on the phone in the hospital. The friend had been emergency airlifted to the hospital, and at the time, they weren’t even sure he was gonna make it. It reminded Michel that we should all do what makes us happy when we can, without waiting for a day that may never come.

For singer-songwriter Michel Neray, that means taking a week-long motorcycle trip on the “Brothers’ Ride” across the country and state lines. Many times, a brother will extend an invite to another to join them on the trip, but more often than not, an excuse always seems to surface.

That’s what inspired his Americana-influenced song, “Let the Wild Orchids Grow.” It’s his reminder to himself and others that you can’t take this lifetime for granted.

We caught up with Michael Neray for an exclusive interview below!

What can you share with readers about your new project?

Every year, I go on a week-long motorcycle ride with a bunch of guys. We’ve traveled the north shore of Lake Superior all the way down to the Dragon’s Tail in Deal’s Gap, North Carolina. When friends hear about the adventure, they inevitably say, “hey, I’d love to go with you,” to which we respond with, “well, you can.” But after a litany of excuses, they don’t end up joining us. 

A few years ago, a friend had to be airlifted to hospital. We weren’t sure he’d make it. He said to me, ‘Life’s not a promise, Let the Wild Orchids Grow.’

We spend far too much time worrying about what people think, or what the norms of society say we ‘should’ do. There’s no day of the week called ‘Someday’. Gotta live the life you choose, and choose the life you live!

How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the Past?

Most of my songs and stories shine a spotlight on the unavoidable, inherent contradictions in ourselves and the world we live with. More than anything, I want people to give themselves permission to accept themselves as we are instead of holding ourselves to an unattainable standard. In that respect this song fits right in. 

What about this single makes you most proud?

That I was able to weave together two different stories into one cohesive storyline. That really forced me to work at the craft of songwriting. Also at how visual the song is; many listeners have told me how it takes them on an imaginary journey as if they’re watching a movie. Whether people dissect the lyrics and all the different references, or they just listen and sing along with it, they relate to it. That feels good to me. Actually, there are a lot of things I’m proud of with this release.

Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?

Yes, I really wanted to embed a powerful life lesson without hitting people over the head with it. Getting an imaginary figure – ‘a mountain man on two wheels, with flies between his teeth’ – to share that lesson was the songwriting device that makes it work.

What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?

I believe that the purpose of any art is to help the audience see something about themselves or the world around us in a different way, even if it’s staring us in the face. Humans have evolved to respond powerfully to music and stories – they make us who we are as much as our opposable thumbs and our ability to walk upright. Songs allow me as a songwriter to blend both into my message – I love that.

If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.

Anyone and everyone. I love co-writing and collaborating with other artists because the process of working with others forces us to think more deeply about what we are trying to communicate. And when one of us hits a wall, it’s the other person who easily sees a way past or over it. I’ve done it for others as often as they have done it for me. 

What was the last song you listened to? Favorite all-time bands/artists?

I feel like I am always discovering and rediscovering songs. The last song I listened to is an old one by a songwriter who I used to go see perform at a bluegrass bar near where I went to university. Not many people have heard about Willie P. Bennett but he’s considered a legend by people who do know him. Only now do I realize how much I was influenced by him. 

Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?

All my social and streaming links are here. Yes, let your readers know they can reach out to me. https://michelneraymusic.com/stream-social

I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?

Hope you come to the album release party on June 8, 2023. If it’s already past that date by the time this gets published, well, I hope you come to the next one… I’m already working on it!