Circle Network launched its newest docuseries, Inside the Base, on October 1, 2022 with the premier episode featuring country singer Michael Ray at West Point.
“Where I was raised it’s very God, family and country. From an early age we were raised to respect and understand the rights that we have, the reason why we have them and the freedoms we have,” Ray shared. “The reason we have them is because men and women lace up and camouflage themselves to put it all on the line.”
Known for hit songs like Kiss You in the Morning, Her World or Mine, Think a Little Less and Holy Water, Ray has spent his career championing the military community. From volunteerism with organizations close to his heart all the way to formally recognizing the service of veterans at his shows, patriotism is a big part of who he is. And it started with his roots.
Growing up the singer was surrounded by a family of first responders and a deeply held respect for the military community. Getting the opportunity to not only visit West Point but to train along with cadets was a dream come true for him. “When this came up I remember calling my manager immediately and telling them whatever we got to do for it because this [Inside the Base] is going to be one of the coolest things I’ve ever done,” Ray explained. “It meant a lot that they would even think about me to ask me. It was something that I took very seriously, because like I said, I never in a million years thought I would ever be able to do that.”
From the moment he entered through the gate and through security, it was on.
The singer was awakened before the sun to join the potential Army officers in morning conditioning. “Man, I feel like I keep myself in pretty good shape. I workout, eat right but just like when people watch the Olympics and they say they want to swim next to Michael Phelps to really see how fast Michael Phelps is – it was that type of thing,” Ray shared. “I think viewers should be excited just to see that it’s truly behind the base. We are going into the mechanics of each of these bases and we’re getting a little piece of behind the scenes of just a fraction of their daily life. I think fans are gonna find it very interesting.”
The Circle Network
The Circle Network is filled with programming dedicated to country music fans. Opening the trailer for Inside the Base, Ray asks viewers if they have what it takes to be a military officer. Though he was prepared for the early wake up, cadence and flag raising – there were surprises.
“I didn’t know that they started their morning shooting the cannon. It was just a really cool thing to see and I almost felt like I had a VIP ticket backstage,” he said. “Getting able to talk to those men and women and not just young ones but also the higher ups that have been there, They walked me through when they were in that same position and to see the level of respect that everybody has for each other was incredible.”
As for unexpected truly discoveries in the entire experience, there was one standout moment in participating in the cadet’s final week of Basic Training. “You’re gonna see the fact that I found that I was scared of heights,” he laughed.
Circle Network is committed to supporting the U.S. Military recruiting efforts in conjunction with giving music fans the opportunity to go deeper into artists’ stories. To unveil the docuseries, the network partnered with the Department of Defense to host a premiere screening event at the National Museum of the United States Army at Fort Belvoir, in Virginia.
Ray gave an intimate performance of his music for those in attendance.
“As I’ve gotten further in my career and God’s blessed me with a bigger platform it means a lot to me to shine that light on those men and women,” he shared. “They [military] gave me this chance because I was born in a place like the United States.”
To watch Michael Ray and other country music stars Inside the Base, click here.