Friends & Family by venray
On May 28, 2023, venray became the first band to play The Atlantis, a newly constructed 450-capacity music venue designed as an homage to the original 9:30 Club in Washington DC. Opening for the legendary Go-Go band Trouble Funk on the first night of the ‘Friends & Family’ shows, venray surprised many in attendance who were not expecting to hear a punky-blend of surf rock and 90s alternative–yet the combination billing of DC punk and go-go was a fitting maiden voyage performance for a replica of the storied venue. As a tribute, venray decided to name their first full-length album ‘Friends & Family’ to acknowledge the historic moment they were a part of, and to recognize all of their friends and family who supported them along their journey in creating this album. It is especially dedicated to the memories of Tyler’s sister Brynn, and Christopher’s wife Mallory.
The album artwork (by Christopher) is inspired by the coloring books that Mallory would color during her chemotherapy, specifically the work of Johanna Basford. Additionally, the cover work features a series of holes, or vacancies, which represent the artist's emotional loss. Each ‘hole’ is filled with an icon of an object, not unlike the game Operation. Sometimes holes are filled with positive objects, but mostly not. Other inspiration for the artwork was drawn from color-blindness tests, trypophobic imagery, and the album artwork of Led Zeppelin III, La Luz’s self-titled, and Green Day’s ‘Dookie’.
Vinyl album available with Limited Edition (100) clear coke-bottle vinyl and Limited Edition (20) custom turntable slipmat that matches the album cover artwork, visible ‘through’ the record when played together.
Special thanks to:
Mark Watter, Kyle Pulley, Richie DeVon, Michael McDermott, Glenn Sleasman, Harlan Petrowski, Mariamnny Contreras, Rachael & Packy Griffin, Jim & Dianne Rider, Michele McDonagh & Phil Burnham, Michael & Cari Bergin, Christian, Jenny, Noah, Alyssa & Ben Kenobi, Kyle Bergin, Norm Veenstra & Guillaume Desnoe & Scott Turyn, Allison & Patrick, Ivan & Eclair, GG & Aaron, Maryjo & Johnny, Jan & Kristian Valiente, Tony & Brian, Rich, Amanda & Mason & Nolan, Ian & Avery, Ed & James, Paul & Bert & Goeller, DeCloedt, Roose, The Wetman, SHAWKS, AJ Minite, Neil & Kim, Hector, Zyanya, Ian Brost, Exiles, Red Derby, Taqueria Habanero, The Highlands, ‘Family’, Jacky Cougar, the 4716 renters, Paul Vodra & Tony Porreco @ Hometown Sounds, Scott & Walter @ Rock n Roll Rabbit Hole on WOWD, and the Washington Irish Rugby Football Club.
To anyone we forgot, sorry but we still love you!
In memory of Mallory Day McDonagh & Brynn Mallory Bergin
For Darcy, Polly & Ben
Tracklist
| 1. | Nobody's Listening | |
| 2. | Go Don't So You | |
| 3. | Trust Fund Punks | |
| 4. | Sleep | |
| 5. | Tomorrow | 4:45 |
| 6. | Feel Nothing | |
| 7. | The Itch That You Can't Scratch | |
| 8. | Seventeen | |
| 9. | Life's A Beach | |
| 10. | Dreamy | |
| 11. | We Go Away | |
Credits
venray is:
Tyler Bergin - vocals, guitar, bass, keys
Christopher Peli - drums, percussion, backing vocals
Additional musical talent provided by:
Mark Watter - baritone guitars, background screams on 'Go Don’t So You' & 'Life’s A Beach'
Kyle Pulley - additional “Oi! Oi! Oi!” vocals on 'Seventeen'
Izzy Burke - guest vocals on 'Go Don’t So You'
Produced & engineered by Mark Watter at Headroom Studios in Philadelphia between December 2023 & August 2025
Additional engineering by Richie DeVon
Assistant Engineers: Em Damm, Jacob Blizard, Olivia Brash
Guest vocals on Go Don’t So You & spoken word on The Itch That You Can’t Scratch recorded by Michael McDermott at Bad Newz Studios in Franconia, VA in August 2025
Mixed by Mark Watter
Mastered by Matt Poirier
All songs written by venray ©2026
