Ray Blanco

Ray Blanco is an American film producer, musician, photographer, entrepreneur, song writer & drummer.

Life and Career
Blanco was born and raised in Los Angeles, Ca. He is a founding member and drummer for hipster, alt-rock band  †b5.

Ray Blanco was once the drummer for Maverick Records artist; Home Town Hero. The band was able to shape up its professional image by performing at the world famous Whiskey A Go Go. In 2000-2001 the band participated in the Vans Warped tour which gave them national exposure, ultimately leading them to eventually performing with Hoobastank, Incubus_(band), Onesidezero, Weezer, Stone Temple Pilots & countless other international acts. The band's eponymous major label debut was heavily promoted by Warner Bros. Records, and their single "Questions" received significant airplay in major American radio markets. They also signed a lucrative publishing deal with ASCAP" to license their music. Questions" was included in the video game soundtrack for Legends of Wrestling II. The members of Home Town Hero would eventually part and start other bands. (The Bangkok Five, †b5, Under the Influence of Giants, Awolnation)

Blanco has also performed drums with artist: Deftones, Papa Roach, Hoobastank, Far_(band) & many others.

In 2002, Blanco teamed up with director Derek Dale to produce music videos of all genres. Together they founded Generator Productions. Derek Dale directed the video "Superfly" for the popular Christian band The O.C. Supertones.

In 2003, Blanco would tour as Drum Tech for José_Pasillas of Incubus_(band) on Lalapalooza. As early as 1996, Blanco would periodically tour with other artist as road crew and has worked with: Far_(band),  Shaun Lopez, Incubus_(band), Mike Einziger, Black Pacific, Papa Roach, Snapcase and others.

In 2004, Blanco was with "Fader" and was voted best band in Los Angeles by Gibson Guitars. Fader disbanded the same evening as receiving the award which led Blanco to working with a variety of artist and producers including: Mikal Blue, Shaun Lopez, Paul D'Amour, Dave Lichens, Ginger Sling, Geoff Siegel In 2005, He became part of the group The Bangkok Five. In 2006 The Bangkok Five toured with Papa Roach throughout Europe. They also did dates on Warped Tour as well as toured with Buckcherry The Cult & remaining members of The Doors; Riders on the Storm.

†b5, was previously known as The Bangkok Five. With Blanco on drums The Bangkok five have recorded several albums including 2006's 'Who's Gonna Take Us Alive? on Universal Records followed by their 2008 release 'We Love What Kills Us'  on Sony Music Entertainment subsidiary Long Live Crime Records.

Blanco currently plays drums for †b5. In November 2012, Blanco co-produced and released a music video of Lady Gaga "Poker Face" starring Seth Green & Clare Grant. Directed by Garrett Warren. This video features Blanco performing drums underwater.

Outside of being a drummer,Ray Blanco started a bar called the Lowtide Lounge in Esterillos Oeste, Costa Rica.

Countervail

 * Countervail (1997)
 * An Empty Hand for a Heart (1998)
 * The Most Abused Word (1999)

Home Town Hero

 * Home Town Hero EP (2000)
 * Home Town Hero LP (2002)

The Bangkok Five

 * Who's Gonna Take Us?
 * We Love What Kills Us
 * Under the Covers

Videography
Music Videos Produced by Blanco

Endorsers
Thrust Drums

DW Pedals & Hardware

ProMark Sticks

Zildjian Cymbals

Remo Heads

Equipment

 * Drums - Thrust Custom Smoke Acrylic


 * 26" x 14" Kick Drum
 * 18" x 16" Floor Tom
 * 16" x 14" Floor Tom
 * 14" x 10" Rack Tom
 * 12" x 8" Rack Tom
 * 14" x 6 1/2" Custom Black Beauty Thrust Snare
 * 14" x 6 1/2" Custom Alloy Thrust Snare
 * 14" x 8" Rocket Shells Carbon Fiber


 * Cymbals- Zildjian


 * 15" Master Sound Hi-Hats
 * 19" Custom Z Rock
 * 20" Custom Z Rock
 * 22" Custom Ping Ride
 * 24" A Ride


 * Pedals & Hardware- DW


 * DWCP9700 Series Boom Stand X4
 * DWCP9300 Series Snare Stand X2
 * DWCP9100AL Pneumatic Airlift Throne X1
 * DWCP5000T Single Pedal X1
 * DWCP9900 DBL Tom Stand X1
 * DWCP9500TB Hi Hat Stand X1


 * Heads- Remo


 * Toms: Coated Emperors - batter, Clear Ambassadors - resonant
 * Bass Drum: Powersonic - batter, Standard DW Head - resonant
 * Snare: CS Emperor Black Dot- batter, Ambassador - resonant