In this Wellness Wednesday feature, I had the pleasure of speaking with Ray Carlisle, vocalist and guitarist of Teenage Bottlerocket. It wasn’t just another interview; it was a chance to delve into the unique impact that music can have on people’s lives — including my own. We will touch on that in a bit.
Teenage Bottlerocket hails from Wyoming — a detail that often piques curiosity, as it’s the least populated state and perhaps not the first place one imagines as a punk rock hotbed. He laughed as he mentioned that when people ask about the band’s sound, he often references the Ramones. “It’s just easier,” he said. Yet, there’s so much more to Teenage Bottlerocket than a Ramones-style sound. “It’s powerful stuff. And we feel so fortunate to be able to play music and travel the world playing music. To have an impact on people’s lives is something that we feel lucky to be able to do.”
Reflecting on the band’s early days and some pivotal moments has brought Teenage Bottlerocket to where they are today. A turning point came in 2004 when Toby from Fat Wreck Chords sent them an email expressing interest in their music.
Ray described how monumental that moment was. “You can’t do it alone in the music industry.” Toby’s belief in the band, and Fat Wreck Chords’ support, gave Teenage Bottlerocket the platform they needed to reach a larger audience. “It was the first break we got,” he said.
With over 20 years of music under their belts, the band’s career has been a mix of intense touring and continuous creative work. Ray shared insight into the constant balance they maintain, both in their personal and professional lives. They’re not just creating music for the moment — they’re thinking ahead, with shows already booked for 2025 and a new album in the works. In fact, as of next month, they’ll be in Fort Collins, Colorado, at the Blasting Room studio to record their next project. “All I can think about right now is what we’re going to do with these songs in the studio,”.
Ray’s life, including his bandmates’ lives, is a constant juggling between recording sessions and tours. “It’s a lot to balance,” he admitted, noting the challenges of being away from his wife and kids while on tour. Technology has eased some of the strain. He stays connected with his family, sharing moments from halfway across the world. On his recent tour in Japan and Australia, he was able to keep in such close contact that by the time he returned home, he didn’t have any new stories to tell — he had already shared them all over FaceTime. “There was no catching up because they knew everything already!”
One of the most touching parts of our conversation came when we discussed how Teenage Bottlerocket’s music resonates with fans on a personal level. Ray, admittedly known for his lighthearted personality, did say that he finds it challenging to talk about the serious side of his music. However, when he reads messages like mine — about how “They Call Me Steve” has a soothing effect on my son — it hits home.
Teenage Bottlerocket’s song, “They Call Me Steve” has been a source of comfort for my son, who has autism. When my son struggles to settle down or is upset, I will hum the song’s chorus and it remarkably calms him down. “It’s an indescribable feeling, knowing that something we created can help someone in a tough moment… it just gives you this glow inside.”
It’s a team effort with the band members to create. The magic they collectively bring to the table can mean all the difference in the world.
They Call Me Steve was written by Kody, the band’s other vocalist, who came up with the song’s concept and melody. Their producer Bill Stevenson suggested shifting it to a different key during pre-production. That small change transformed the song, bringing it to life in a way Ray hadn’t expected. “I cried in the studio,” he said.
It was a reminder that sometimes, the most memorable creations come from collaboration and openness to change. “It’s just another reason why I love playing music and why we love playing music. People were writing some messages that we have never even expected, and we never thought that our music could affect someone in the way it does.”
Music’s impact is unpredictable. “Fox Sports once used one of our songs for a commercial where a football player was crowd-surfing to get Wendy’s nuggets.” He confessed that he would have never imagined that particular song fitting in a mainstream sports ad, yet it did. It’s moments like these, he explained, that remind him how every song has its own life, and you never know which one will resonate with someone.
Our conversation returned to “They Call Me Steve,” and Ray expressed his gratitude for how the song has resonated with my family. When he received my email, he read it aloud to the entire band while they were on tour in Japan. “Your email came as a surprise to us. It was shocking to read that like, oh my God, our song does that. That’s incredible. And it just made us all feel, I think, put lumps in our throats and put glows in our hearts. It was a wonderful message, that’s for sure.”
When I asked Ray what he’s most proud of, he didn’t hesitate. “My kids,” he said, his voice filled with pride. His son Milo, now 18, has grown up around punk music, even touring with the band twice. Ray shared that while he and Milo might have different tastes in music!!, he’s proud of the young man his son is becoming. He’s also spoke fondly of his stepson Jackson, whom he described as “super smart,” and his younger kids, who keep him grounded amidst the chaos of a musician’s life.
For Ray, being a dad is his greatest accomplishment, a role that balances his life on and off the stage. Reflecting on our conversation, I’m reminded of the unique and powerful connection that music can create. Teenage Bottlerocket’s music isn’t just about catchy riffs and rebellious lyrics — it’s a lifeline for those going through tough times. It’s also a source of comfort for families like mine and a reminder of the universal language of music.
Ray and the band may be punk rockers from Wyoming, but their influence reaches far beyond the genre, touching lives in unexpected and meaningful ways.
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