Los Angeles-based comedian Ashley Ray is dropping some financial truth bombs wrapped in humor with her debut album, Ice Cream Money, set to release on March 1 via Blonde Medicine. Ray, a seasoned stand-up performer, uses her sharp wit to find the funny in everything from Midwestern upbringings to dating misadventures and even her mom’s unexpected foray into Seth Rogen’s podcast sphere. This album isn’t just about laughs; it’s about the universal pursuit of “C.r.e.a.m Get The Money”—that desire to secure the sweet things in life, even if it’s just the metaphorical “ice cream money” for everyday joys.
“I’m so excited for this to be out in the world,” Ray shared, reflecting on her eight years in stand-up. “This is a wonderful culmination of everything I’ve learned and laughed about in my life and on the road. I’ve been really thankful to do a lot of festivals and tour all over the country. And, I think there’s something for everyone here.” Indeed, Ice Cream Money offers a relatable and hilarious take on modern life, proving that laughter truly is valuable currency.
Ashley Ray – Ice Cream Money
Unpacking Pop Culture and Personal Finances with Humor
Listening to Ice Cream Money feels like catching up with a witty friend who effortlessly dissects pop culture and personal experiences. Ray’s comedic style is both insightful and deeply funny, especially when she tackles topics like the public’s fascination with Pete Davidson’s dating life. It’s a reminder that even in the realm of celebrity gossip, there’s a certain financial fascination – a curiosity about value, desirability, and what makes someone “worth” the attention. Ray’s comedy operates on this level, subtly questioning the currencies we value, be it fame, relationships, or, yes, actual “c.r.e.a.m get the money.”
Ray aims to create a welcoming atmosphere in her shows, mirroring the intimate vibe of Brooklyn’s Union Hall, where the album was recorded. “Union Hall was one of the first spaces where it was like, ‘Oh, this is a real comedy, well-known establishment and I’m performing here where legends have done things.’ So, it was kind of like a return to that part of my career where I was so excited about it,” she explained. This sense of community and shared experience is central to her comedy, much like the shared pursuit of financial stability and the “ice cream money” to enjoy life’s simple pleasures is a common goal.
“C.R.E.A.M. Get the Money” and the Polyamory Punchline
Track eight, titled “It Takes 21 Minutes for Ashley to Mention She’s Polyamorous,” playfully addresses audience expectations and Ray’s comedic approach. She intentionally subverts the stereotype of comics leading with identity politics, instead choosing to weave personal narratives with self-deprecating humor. This track title itself is a comedic investment in audience engagement, promising a payoff of personal revelation delivered with impeccable timing. It’s a comedic strategy that mirrors smart financial planning – building anticipation and delivering value when you least expect it.
“I think people sort of expect a comic like me to really lead with identity politics and identity jokes and a lot of Ice Cream Money is me making fun of myself as much as I make fun of the situations I run into in life,” Ray elaborated. Her comedy, like sound financial advice, encourages self-awareness and a realistic perspective. Just as “c.r.e.a.m get the money” is a well-known mantra, Ray acknowledges the potential “cringyness” of discussing polyamory, embracing the humor in potentially awkward situations, and turning them into comedic gold.
Family, Finances, and Funny Stories: A Mom-Approved Portfolio
Ray’s comedic portfolio extends beyond relationships to family life, mining hilarious moments from both everyday occurrences and significant events, such as her mother coming out. These stories, told with equal measures of affection and humor, resonate because they tap into universal family dynamics. And, importantly, the material is mom-approved, suggesting a level of trust and shared understanding that’s as valuable as any financial security. The inclusion of her mother’s story, even to the point of Seth Rogen interviewing her, highlights the unexpected “returns” life can offer when you embrace vulnerability and humor.
“She [Ray’s mother] loves it. It happened awhile ago when she came out and we talked about it as a family. A few years after she was really able to laugh about it – and I made sure she was comfortable with me using that – and I think when Seth Rogen asked if he could interview her about it, she was like, ‘I’m so comfortable with it,’” Ray shared, laughing about the track, “Seth Rogen and My Gay Mom.” This anecdote underscores the album’s core appeal: finding humor and value in personal narratives, much like finding smart investments in unexpected places.
Ashley Ray
From Chicago Open Mics to “Ice Cream Money”: Investing in Comedy
Ashley Ray’s journey to Ice Cream Money began in the supportive Chicago comedy scene, a far cry from the cutthroat environments of the coasts. Starting at open mics at Cole’s Bar, she honed her craft, finding her voice and comedic rhythm. Her recognition as a 2021 HBO Max Queer Comic to Watch and 2023 BET Black Woman Comic to Watch are testaments to her hard work and comedic investment. This trajectory mirrors the path to financial success: starting small, building skills, and consistently working towards your goals.
“It was so supportive in Chicago and there isn’t that competitive, grind culture of the coasts,” Ray noted, acknowledging the encouragement from hosts like Becca O’Neal and Sarah Sherman. This nurturing environment allowed her to experiment and discover what resonated with audiences, much like a safe financial market allows for calculated risks and growth. Her early joke about Gypsy Rose Blanchard, which landed surprisingly well, illustrates the importance of taking comedic chances and finding unexpected connections with the audience. It’s a comedic “investment” that paid off, setting her on the path to album success and more.
Beyond Stand-Up: Diversifying the Portfolio with Podcast Power
Ray’s talents extend beyond stand-up to television criticism and podcasting. Hosting TV, I Say w/Ashley Ray on the Earwolf network, she champions overlooked TV shows, acting as a curator of quality content in a saturated market. This diversification of her creative portfolio reflects a sound financial strategy – not putting all your eggs in one basket and exploring multiple avenues for success. Just as financial advisors recommend diversifying investments, Ray diversifies her comedic and media presence, increasing her overall reach and impact.
“I think today, there’s so many TV shows, people are always missing things. Things don’t get promoted as much as we want and I wanted a place where I could fight for the little shows that have these amazing actors or writers that maybe you haven’t heard of but you should be watching,” she explained. Her podcast serves as a platform to highlight undervalued gems, much like a savvy investor identifies undervalued assets. Her current TV obsession, The Traitors, further showcases her discerning taste and ability to spot quality entertainment.
“Ice Cream Money”: The Sweet Reward of Laughter and Relatability
The album’s title track, “Ice Cream Money,” emerged from a relatable anecdote about a grown man lamenting his lack of funds for a simple treat. This interaction sparked the realization that “ice cream money” is more than just pocket change; it represents the little financial freedoms that bring joy and comfort. Ray transforms this everyday observation into a comedic metaphor, suggesting that everyone deserves access to these small indulgences, both financially and emotionally. Ice Cream Money, the album, becomes a vehicle to deliver this message of relatable humor and the pursuit of everyday happiness, funded by laughter.
“He was 40 and not a child who didn’t get his allowance,” Ray recounted with amusement. “It made me so sad. It was a perfect joke and I knew that I had to put it in my set. I also thought everyone should have ice cream money.” This simple phrase encapsulates the album’s charm and its connection to the “c.r.e.a.m get the money” ethos – it’s about valuing the small joys in life and recognizing the humor in the everyday financial realities we all face.
Ray concludes, “This is my way of making sure everyone in the world has a little bit of ice cream money. It’s something kind of sweet. A lot of the jokes are about my family and my background and it is just a love letter to all the things that make me, me.” Ice Cream Money is more than just a comedy album; it’s an investment in laughter, relatability, and the sweet rewards of finding humor in the pursuit of “c.r.e.a.m get the money,” however you define it.
You can pre-order Ice Cream Money digitally or on vinyl now and catch Ashley Ray co-hosting Flex at The Comedy Store in Los Angeles starting March 13, with a national tour planned for the summer. Click here to pre-order the album and stay updated on Ashley Ray’s comedic ventures at Theashleyray.com.
