P.S. Don’t mind the scratch vocal. I’m trying to blend Bryan Adams energy with The 1975 shimmer and the early-2000s influences I never shook. What does it sound like to you?

I don't really play piano, but here's another scratch track. Oh the break up songs... 

I Keep Thinking

LOW ROAD

Skating In Circles - 2

Can't Lose You / Here With Me

Can't Lose You

Peace with the Past is an emotional indie rock ballad shaped by atmospheric pop and soft rock nostalgia. The song explores the moment when old memories resurface and force you to confront the version of yourself you thought you had already left behind. Built on warm guitars, intimate vocals, and a slow burning lift, it captures the quiet tension between heartbreak and healing.

The production leans into cinematic textures and early 2000s rock influence, creating a sound that feels familiar and new at the same time. It is a reflective track meant for anyone caught between letting go and holding on, and for anyone still learning how to make peace with their own story.

Peace with the Past is the first step in TRISTAN RAY’s return to music after nearly two decades away, and a reminder that the past only loses its power when we are brave enough to face it.

Peace with the Past

This is an unreleased demo from a single set to release in Q1 of 2026. Still in progress (still exactly where I’m at in my life right now).

I started making music again in 2025 after almost 18 years away from it. I used to play in a band in high school and then I walked away from all of it for a 9-to-5. Thinking that chapter was done, I spent YEARS trying to fit into versions of myself that never felt like home.

When I came back to music, I leaned into a modern country lane at first (singer-songwriter vibes, ya know?). But somewhere along the way, I realized the sound that actually feels like me is the one I grew up on: emotional pop-rock, 80s shimmer, atmospheric guitars, and big, cinematic choruses. Sounds that stir up emotions and memories.

“Leap of Faith” is literally what’s happening in my life as I’m typing this. I'm running toward something I walked away from years ago and FINALLY choosing purpose over expectation. It's got arena-leaning drums, alt-rock grit, 80s glow, and a little pop edge. I’m trying to build a sound that’s mine: alt rock…but cinematic…but emotional…but 80s...but pop.

Don’t usually share unfinished things, but learning to put myself out there more. If you found this, I’d love to know what you hear in it.

Written by: TRISTAN RAY, Iyan Evans
Produced by: Nick Stone

alt pop, pop rock, alternative rock, 80s rock, cinematic, atmospheric, indie rock, emotional, the1975, coldplay, bryan adams, arena, alt emo, guitar, synth, demo, unreleased, worktape

UNRELEASED_Leap of Faith_12012025_DEMO_v6

Chain Smokin'

Los Angeles born singer-songwriter making emotional indie rock with atmospheric pop energy. I spent years behind the scenes in entertainment before coming back to the dream I walked away from almost twenty years ago. Now I am making music that feels honest, nostalgic, and real.

Peace with the Past is my first release, a song about letting go, holding on, and learning how to rebuild your life piece by piece. If you are somewhere between who you were and who you want to be, you might find something here that feels familiar.

UNRELEASED_Leap of Faith_12012025_DEMO_v6

TRISTAN RAY

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