Michael Ray is getting ready to release his freshman album, and he couldn't be more ready. The singer, who already released his Kiss You in the Morning EP in April, says that the full-length project is almost completed.

"We just finished the vocals on it," Ray reveals to The Boot. "It feels awesome, and I’m nervous. I’m always the guy that’s like, 'Nothing’s completely done until I have it in my hand.' So I’m still thinking about songs. I’m like ‘What about that song that we wrote?’ or, ‘What about this song that we heard?’ But I’m super happy with all the songs on the album, and I'm excited to get it out."

While his upcoming project will be his full-length debut as an artist, Ray is already a seasoned songwriter: In addition to writing a song for his new album, he co-wrote Big & Rich's "Run Away With You." Ray's introduction to Big & Rich first came in 2012, when he won the TV talent show The Next: Fame Is at Your Doorstep, on which John Rich served as his mentor, and since then, the Florida native has become close to both Rich and Big Kenny.

"They both have been great to me," Ray boasts. "I got to know John first, before Big Kenny. They’re some of the most loyal dudes. They’re all one big family.

"John and I started writing together, and I got two cuts on their new record, and their new single," Ray continues. "They taught me that Crown in the morning is fine, and they taught me how to start a great party. And even his charity events are awesome. They know how to make everybody feel comfortable, whether you’re doing it for charity or [are] just here to play music."

The title track from Ray's EP is in the Top 15 and climbing, and is available for download on iTunes. Ray, who previously served as the opening act on Sam Hunt's Lipstick Graffiti Tour, is currently headlining his own shows. Find a list of dates on his website.

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