Now that Raymond “Ray Terry” Cutcher is retired, he is focusing on his passion by starting a business in Ooltewah right on the Collegedale line called RayTerry Productions which helps new artists create albums to launch their careers.
“I’m trying to diversify in the music business,” said Cutcher, who has played the drums for 40 years. “I’m backing a friend in Nashville named Brandon Maddox. He has an album [called] ‘Weightless.’ I’m the executive producer of the album. Having been a drummer, I am branding out to do other things now.”
Raymond Terry Cutcher shows his first project at his new RayTerry Productions music studio. He is assisting his friend, singer-songwriter Brandon Maddox, of Ooltewah, in recording his first album in Nashville. RayTerry Productions will serve as executive producer of the album.Also a local resident – Maddox resides in Ooltewah – Cutcher met the singer-songwriter when they played in country band Slim Chance together. Cutcher is now helping him fund the production of his own original work, so far donating $2,000 toward the production of Maddox’s country-folk album with plans to donate more as the need arises. “Weightless” contains Maddox’s original tunes and is being produced by Reba McEntire Band leader Doug Sisemore.
“I’m in a position now to help my friend produce his first album,” said Cutcher. “I’m glad I’m able to help him.”
Cutcher said the opportunity presented itself when he found his former band mate’s Kickstarter page online. Through the online pledge system people can donate to help launch Maddox’s musical career in exchange for various levels of coordinating rewards ranging from a pre-release digital download of the album to a private concert to an in-person songwriting session with the artist.
According to Maddox’s Kickstarter page, he has wanted to be a singer all his life. He has 700 songs in his catalog.
“Brandon has played with a lot of musicians in Nashville,” said Cutcher. “I would like to get him in Riverbend too. He would like to play for his hometown.”
Two other projects are in the works for RayTerry Productions including a project with another former band mate from The New, singer-songwriter Danny Garland whom Cutcher plans to help create a country-rock album. RayTerry’s third project is for Cutcher’s home church, Chattanooga Church. It is called “Here” and features his own original song “The Here Song” about the importance of attending church.
Cutcher said he focuses solely on original songs by the artist on each album.
Music has been a passion for him for four decades. He plays the drums by ear; his nickname is “The Clock” because he keeps perfect rhythm on time to a consistent beat, he said.
“I started playing the drums with paint cans and peanut butter knives as a kid,” he said. “We did not have drums so we made our own. My cousin Joe Payne, a drummer, inspired me.”
After purchasing his cousin’s vintage American-made Slingerland drum set in the 1970s, Cutcher’s passion for music took flight. He still owns the vintage set, but also owns a Yamaha electric drum set too.