Ray Vans on Collaborating with Mod Sun & Kellin Quinn, Music Industry Hacks & a Horrific Acid Trip

In this episode of Mike Squires & Friends, Ray Vans dives deep into his music journey—discussing collaborations with Mod Sun and Kellin Quinn, the keys to networking in the music industry, and how he’s navigating the evolving landscape of music production. He also shares insider tips on music distribution, the power of genuine connections, and the importance of consistent output for emerging artists. But it’s not all about the grind—Ray opens up about an unforgettable (and horrifying) acid trip, lessons learned from touring, and how overcoming challenges has shaped his career. Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by DistroKid. To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires Crazy Merch: https://lifeismerch.com/ Join The Squires Squad (Early Access): https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires Connect with Mike Squires: https://set.page/mikesquires/ Stream Mike Squires & Friends: https://pods.to/mikesquires Connect with Ray Vans: https://www.instagram.com/rayvans_/ Merch: https://lifeismerch.com/ 00:00:00 The Importance of Genuine Connections in Social Media 00:02:06 Revolutionizing Music Distribution with the Distrokid App 00:04:38 Networking in the Music Industry 00:07:17 Machine Gun Kelly's Transition and Influence 00:09:45 Journey into Music Production and Evolution 00:12:09 Forming Lifelong Bonds Through Shared Experiences 00:14:37 Reinvigoration through Music Jam Sessions 00:17:16 Unexpected Family Visit During Trip 00:19:43 A Lesson on Fireworks and Life Choices 00:21:59 Overcoming Technical Difficulties on Tour 00:24:19 Overcoming Sound Issues on Tour 00:26:27 Overcoming Sound Issues During Live Performances 00:28:38 Overcoming Performance Challenges and Learning from Mistakes 00:30:47 Returning to Live Shows: Overcoming a Four-Year Gap 00:33:01 From Jamming to Performing: A Journey in Music 00:35:23 Discovering the Parallels Between Kama and Music 00:37:43 Learning from Songwriting Courses: Tips for Success 00:39:53 Creative Songwriting Tips from Charlie Puth and Ryan Tedder 00:42:05 Creative Recording Techniques: A New Perspective 00:44:07 Consistent Output for Emerging Artists 00:46:21 Overcoming Social Media Burnout 00:48:39 Achieving Success: From Futuristic Tour to Mod Son Collaboration 00:50:46 The Power of Showing Up in the Music Industry 00:52:58 Meeting Promoter Rich and First Shows in Rhode Island 00:55:06 The Importance of Professional Mixing in Music Production 00:57:07 Building a Supportive Community 00:59:29 Collaborating with Kellen Quinn and Song Creation Process 01:01:38 Collaborating with Music Industry Icons 01:03:48 The Importance of Networking in the Music Industry 01:05:56 Outsourcing Music Production: A Learning Experience 01:08:09 Unexpected Observations Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices