Idle Ray

Idle Ray is a Michigan-based indie pop band that started as a solo project for Fred Thomas, a longtime fixture in the state’s experimental and indie rock scenes. Over time, Idle Ray evolved into a three-piece featuring Fred, Devon, and Frances, with occasional help on drums from other local musicians. Their music blends lo-fi pop rock with thoughtful, introspective lyrics, often touching on themes of isolation, friendship, and anxiety. The band’s self-titled debut album, released in 2021, was praised for its catchy melodies and emotional depth, and they’ve continued to build on that sound with releases like “Corridors of Summer,” the “Eternal Fade” EP, and their 2025 album “Even in the Spring.” Idle Ray’s creative process is rooted in writing lots of songs and seeing what sticks, resulting in a body of work that feels both spontaneous and heartfelt.