The adventurous soul of local musician Chris Raney is illustrated by the admiration of fans and the display of his talents through performances around town at venues such as Oyster Bar and Grill and the Balcony Bar.
Raney, senior in business management, attended Venice High School of Venice Beach, Fla., where he would frequent the beach after school or longboard down a popular, dangerous drag of road called "The Friend Killer."
Raney has worked at Oyster Bar and Grill on North College Street for five years where he currently works once or twice a week.
While Raney works at Oyster Bar and puts on late night performances throughout the week, he also works for Eidson Company doing real estate appraisal with his boss's son and close friend, Chase Eidson.
"There are very few people that I have met who strive to better themselves like Chris does," Eidson said. "I have seen Chris play for five or six hours until two in the morning while being exhausted after a long day's work only to do it all again the next day."
After he graduates in December, Raney said he hopes to relocate to Utah with Eidson where they plan to save money working at Canyons Resort of Park City while networking to gain valuable, unforgettable life experiences and memories.
"Once he has his sights set on something, he is going for it," Eidson said. "At the same time, he won't let personal goals get in the way of being a good friend, or more importantly, a good person," Eidson said.
In his spare time, Raney can be found riding his longboard or relaxing by the pool. Actually, he would be the one attempting new board tricks or doing back flips off ledges into the pool.
Raney said he also enjoys his pets Moses, a Columbian Red Tail Boa known as Moe; Larry, an Irian Jaya Jungle Carpet Python and Curly, an Albino Ball Python.
During his down time, Raney says he enjoys watching "How I Met Your Mother," "Big Bang Theory," "South Park" and "Family Guy," as well as Jim Jeffries' stand-up comedy on HBO.
Raney said he recently finished and highly recommends the book "Scar Tissue," an autobiography of the lead singer of the Red Hot Chili Peppers Anthony Kiedis.
Raney said that his most memorable experiences include attending the legendary Hangout Music Fest in Gulf Shores this past May, where he made his debut appearance on the news as a visiting tourist that stood out.
Raney has also been involved in a local bowling league, where he met friend and future band mate, Sam Register.
Raney and Register are currently working with other local artists Scott "DJ Esko" Sheppard and Nick Bili of Birmingham to form a band that will potentially begin in August.
Raney's stepbrother, Jorge Sotomeyer, is also involved with music as the lead vocalist in the band Adaliah which recently signed with MediaSkare Records.
Adaliah is a talented group of teenagers ranging in age from 16 to 19 years old that released its first album, Broken Families, on June 10 and is currently touring throughout the U.S.
Before his most recent performances around Auburn, Raney played solo for a year, opening for local bands such as Alpha State and the Good Doctor, until collaborating with Austin Gray of the Good Doctor in 2009 and occasionally with other local artist, Jesse White.
His weekly performances include Wednesdays on the patio at Uptown on Opelika and Thursdays at Oyster Bar and Grill.
"Chris really enjoys music, and you can feel his energy when he's up there playing," said Hannah Rae Johnson, Oyster Bar and Grill employee. "He plays groovy tunes that everyone enjoys, and everyone has a blast when he plays. He has been bringing in crowds to the Oyster Bar which is really helpful for the business ... good energy, good drink specials and good music."
He also plays on Friday nights downtown at the Balcony Bar and Saturdays at the Irish Bred Pub in downtown Opelika.
"He has a very good, unique voice and does a great job playing music that the whole crowd can sing and dance along to, and he's an excellent guitar player," said Balcony Bar bartender Drew Seyfried. "Two thumbs up."
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