Today we’d like to introduce you to Raymond J Thomas.
Hi Raymond J, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My musical journey started when I picked up a guitar at 12 years old. Like many young musicians, I was fascinated by the instrument, but it wasn’t until high school that music truly became a passion. My classical guitar teacher, John Truitt, played a major role in inspiring me and helping ignite the drive that pushed me to expand my skills and eventually play electric guitar in jazz band. Around that same time, I joined my first band as a bass player, which gave me my first taste of performing live. We had the opportunity to open for several touring acts, including Metro Station, Kissing Candice, and The Wonder Years, experiences that showed me what life as a working musician could look like.
After graduating high school, that first band dissolved and I stepped away from performing for about a year. That break turned out to be temporary, because in 2016 I was invited by Armando Ortega to join his legendary world-beat group Wagogo. Over the next four and a half years, I performed throughout the state at festivals, concerts, and special events, sharing stages with artists such as Los Corraleros de Majagual and Musekiwa Chingodza; as well as helping carry the band into their 25th year as a group. Beyond performing, I became heavily involved behind the scenes, recording, mixing, engineering, and co-producing two Wagogo albums while helping develop a third before the pandemic brought everything to a halt.
In 2017, another opportunity arose when renowned New Mexico Elvis tribute artist Lonnie Yanes recruited me as his lead guitarist for the Back To Business Band. Together, we revitalized his live show and launched a sold-out return performance at the National Hispanic Cultural Center. That led to a few years of touring throughout New Mexico, performing everywhere from Las Cruces and Grants to Santa Fe and Farmington. The project came to an unexpected end during the pandemic, and sadly Lonnie passed away in 2021, but the experience taught me invaluable lessons about professionalism, showmanship, the “music business”, and connecting with audiences.
In 2022, I teamed up with my longtime friend Lexy Marquez to form Coalesce Blue. What began as a duo quickly gained momentum as we started performing regularly and writing original music together. Just months after forming, we entered a local songwriter competition and won, which gave us the confidence to expand into a full band. In 2023 we entered the studio to record our debut album, A Different Shade of Blue, and by early 2024 the album was released. That same year, Coalesce Blue earned the New Mexico Entertainment Award for Top Country/Western Band after being nominated the previous year. Since then, we’ve continued performing across New Mexico while earning additional nominations in 2025 and pending results for 2026.
In 2024, what started as a practical solution to fill a gig evolved into another exciting chapter of my career: Ray J & The Moonshiners. Featuring Ric Wilson on bass and vocals and Jackson Ahern on drums and vocals, the band has become my primary outlet for high-energy country and rock music. In just two years, we’ve had the privilege of performing afterparties for artists such as Midland and Bachman-Turner Overdrive during their Route 66 Casino appearances.
Today, I continue leading both Coalesce Blue and Ray J & The Moonshiners, writing and developing original music, refining our sound, and building on every experience that all started with that 12-year-old kid picking up a guitar for the first time after listening to The Beatles Red Album.
Looking back, every stage of my journey: from student, to sideman, to producer, to bandleader; has helped shape me into the musician and performer I am today. My goal remains the same as it was when I first started: create meaningful music, connect with audiences, and continue growing as an artist.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been an easy road, but I think that’s true for most musicians or creatives who are serious about pursuing their craft. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to balance the creative side of music with the business side. Most people see the performances, but behind every show are countless hours spent booking gigs, promoting events, managing schedules, handling finances, writing music, practicing/maintaining your instrument, and coordinating with band members. As an independent musician, you’re often wearing multiple hats at once.
Another challenge has been navigating periods of uncertainty, doubts, and change. Early in my career, my first band dissolved shortly after high school, which left me wondering what the next chapter would look like. Later, the COVID-19 pandemic brought most live performances to a halt, paused recording projects, and effectively ended some opportunities that had taken years to build. The loss of Lonnie Yanes in 2021 was also difficult, both personally and professionally, after spending that time bringing his Elvis tribute show back to audiences across New Mexico.
Building original music projects from the ground up has also required a great deal of patience and persistence. When Lexy and I formed Coalesce Blue, we started with little more than a shared vision, a handful of songs, and a willingness to put in the work. Growing that project into an award-winning band took hundreds of hours of writing, performing, networking, investing in recordings, and continuously refining our sound. The same has been true with Ray J & The Moonshiners, where we’re still working to expand our catalog of original music and growing our audience.
Despite the challenges, every obstacle has taught me something valuable. The setbacks have made me more adaptable, the difficult seasons have made me more determined, and the successes have been even more meaningful because of the work it took to achieve them. Looking back, I wouldn’t change much because each challenge played a role in helping me become the musician, producer, and bandleader I am today. I truly feel blessed to have such a wonderful group of musicians, family, friends, and fans that continue to show up and give us love and support day in and day out.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
At my core, I’m a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, producer, performer, and bandleader. My work today is centered around creating memorable, connected, live music experiences while also developing original music that reflects my influences and culture. Whether I’m performing with Coalesce Blue or Ray J & The Moonshiners, my goal is always the same: connect with people through great songs, present authentic and heartfelt performances, and build up the community.
I specialize in live entertainment and versatility. Over the years, I’ve performed everything from reggae, cumbia, traditional Zimbabwean music, to heavy metal, country, rock, blues, and pop. That range of experience has taught me how to read a room, adapt to different audiences, and create performances that keep people engaged. I love writing original music, but I also take pride in interpreting classic songs that people know and love in a way that feels fresh and genuine.
What I’m probably best known for is being a musician who can wear many hats. In addition to performing, I’ve spent years recording, mixing, engineering, and co-producing music. I’ve learned that success in today’s music industry often requires more than just being a good player; you also have to understand songwriting, production, promotion, and leadership as well. Those experiences have allowed me to help guide projects from the first idea all the way to the stage or finished recording.
What I’m most proud of is helping build Coalesce Blue from a simple duo between two childhood friends into an award-winning band recognized across New Mexico. Winning the New Mexico Entertainment Award for Top Country/Western Band was certainly a proud moment, but what means even more to me is seeing the relationships, opportunities, and community that have grown from that project. I’m equally proud of launching Ray J & The Moonshiners and watching it develop into a respected act that has shared stages and afterparties with both regional/nationally touring artists.
What sets me apart is my willingness to continuously learn, adapt, and invest in every aspect of the craft. I don’t just show up and play guitar; I enjoy building a band, developing an image, producing recordings, creating opportunities, and helping shape a unique musical experience. I also believe in supporting the local music scene and creating something that represents New Mexico and my heritage in an authentic way. At the end of the day, success for me isn’t measured only by awards or accomplishments; it’s measured by the impact the music has on people and the connections that are created because of it.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
There are a lot of ways people can support what we’re doing and become part of our journey. The easiest way is to connect with us on social media, where we regularly share upcoming performances, new music, and videos from both Coalesce Blue and Ray J & The Moonshiners.
For those who enjoy original music, I’d encourage everyone to stream Coalesce Blue’s debut album, A Different Shade of Blue, on their favorite music platform. Every stream, playlist add, and share helps introduce our music to new listeners and allows us to continue creating and recording new material.
Another great way to support us is by engaging with our content online. Liking, following, subscribing, commenting on, and sharing our videos and posts helps tremendously and allows us to reach audiences far beyond our local music scene.
Of course, one of the best ways to support independent musicians is to come see us live. Whether it’s a festival, brewery, concert venue, or private event; live music thrives because of the community that shows up, sings and dances along, and help create those memorable experiences with us.
For musicians, venues, event organizers, and fellow artists interested in collaborating, I’m always open to conversations about live performances, songwriting opportunities, recording projects, special events, and creative partnerships. Some of the most rewarding opportunities in my career have come from collaborating with others, and I’m always excited to meet people who are passionate about music and building the community through it.
At the end of the day, every stream, share, follow, and live show attendance makes a difference. The support of friends, fans, fellow musicians, and the New Mexico community is what allows us to keep creating, performing, and growing.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://allmylinks.com/rayjabq
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayjabq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rayjabq
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/RaymondThomasGuitar
- Other: https://allmylinks.com/coalesceblue
