The Ironsides

Collective of Bay Area musicians. It melds classic psych-soul sounds with sweeping orchestral arrangements – reminiscent of a cinematic soundtrack from a 60s European film. Inspired by the soundtracks and library music of European composers during the 60's and 70's, the Ironsides set out to create lush songs that evoke a diverse range of feelings, emotions, and memories.

The Ramey brothers (who, together with Jamie Payne, constitute the main nucleus of the group) trace their heritage to Liguria, Italy – the birthplace of their maternal grandfather. They pay homage to both their Italian heritage and many of the composers who inspired the cinematic and instrumental direction of their sound.. In the early days, The Ironsides’ singles found a home in the hearts of cinematic-soul lovers. “We started the band to write music that evokes cinematic landscapes.” The band’s first release, The Raven (2013, originally composed by Piero Piccioni), fit the mold and foreshadowed an elaborate sound.

For the first full album (2023),“we hired a group of Bay Area working musicians (to play Lou King, a New York based maestro, arrangements). Many of them play a range of music, from jazz to classical, in clubs and orchestras", Max Ramey explained. cinematic and instrumental direction of their sound. “The songs are inspired by landscapes - each one could mean something to someone and create a completely different meaning for someone else.”