Myalup Beach singer-songwriter Ray Jones celebrates after receiving WA Country Male Artist of the Year

A Myalup Beach singer-songwriter has gone back-to-back in one of WA country music’s most prestigious accolades. Ray Jones joined Jonny Reid in being recognised as the 2024 Male Artist of the Year at this year’s WA Country Music Awards, following on from his win in the same category last year. He said it was surprising and “a little surreal” to take out the honour once again. “It has been wonderful,” he said. Jones admits he never thought he would win a country music award in Australia and had never aspired to receive one — let alone two. “It wasn’t something that was on my radar as like ‘I’d really love this to happen’, I just felt like it was always going to be someone else,” he said. Since Jones took out the Male Artist of the Year at last year’s WA Country Music Awards, a number of doors have opened up for him. He has travelled more than 30,000km on tour, played 65 shows across the State and recorded music with fellow South West country music singer Codee Lee, who took home four gongs of her own at this year’s awards. “Just so much came from winning that award and it just generated this whole momentum,” Jones said. One of his highlights from the past year was performing at the Harvey Recreation and Cultural Centre as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations. Being raised in the town, it was a full circle moment for the singer. “It was a wonderful show and the talent that is in Harvey is great,” Jones said. “It was seriously good and it blew my mind.” The next 12 months are not expected to be as hectic for Jones, but they will still be busy. Some of the items on his calendar include the Red Earth Arts Festival in the Pilbara, a songwriters retreat on Dag Sheep Station in rural NSW, and hopefully recording a new album. He thanked his family and the community for their continued support. “I’m incredibly grateful for the wonderful support that I’ve had from all of the people in the South West,” he said.