RAYE

Key Insights

00:06 - 56:42

• Successful people may not always consider themselves business savvy
• Ray, a British pop singer-songwriter, had a tumultuous journey through the music industry
• Ray's vulnerability and honesty in her music resonates deeply with fans
• Ray values honesty and openness in her performances to connect with the audience
• Ray's debut album was independently released after facing roadblocks with her previous label
• The speaker started as a songwriter at the age of 14 and quickly learned about songwriting formulas like accessibility, repetition, symmetry, and the importance of sculpting melodies.
• They gained skills by working with pop-rock songwriters in Sweden and realized the need for persistence and adaptability in songwriting.
• The transition from pure expression to commercial success in the music industry involved learning to please others and navigate false promises from labels.
• After being signed at a young age, they realized the challenges of the industry and the importance of understanding contractual clauses like a key man clause.
• Early stages of their career were focused on playing ball with decision-makers but their goal has always been to be an album artist.
• The debut album started coming together about four or five years ago with some songs having been around for a while before being finalized.
• The speaker had a life-changing experience in New Orleans at the Preservation Jazz Hall, which influenced their love for music and songwriting.
• The speaker's childhood road trip across America exposed them to various music genres and deep, moving stories through blues music.
• The speaker was inspired by albums like 'The Diary of Alicia Keys' and 'Who is Jill Scott?' during their childhood, which had a significant impact on them.
• There is a blend of jazz club atmosphere and vulnerability in the speaker's album, creating a unique listening experience.
• The speaker appreciates the authenticity and unpredictability in artists like Jill Scott, admiring their style of singing and performing.
• The speaker's musical influences include Drake, The Weeknd, and other artists from a young age.
• The speaker's family has a history of music involvement, with relatives who wrote songs and sang in church choirs.
• The speaker's early exposure to music and desire to write songs stemmed from family influences.
• Gospel music played a significant role in the speaker's upbringing, with exposure to artists like Kurt Franklin and Donnie McClurkin.
• The speaker faced challenges and pressure related to producing a dance album under constraints set by their record label.
• The speaker reached a breaking point after feeling unfairly treated in the music industry despite years of effort to prove themselves as a musician.
• The decision to send out a tweet expressing frustration with the music industry was spontaneous and without strategic planning.
• The speaker's tweet led to them being released from their contract, allowing them to put out their album independently.
• The success of the song 'Escapism' on TikTok brought unexpected attention and changed the narrative for the speaker in the UK music scene.
• The song 'Escapism' was written during a road trip in Utah, where the speaker had a challenging skiing experience.
• The speaker faced a challenging skiing experience and took time to write songs during a seven-day retreat, focusing on titles as song starters.
• The producer of the album displayed eccentric behavior during the writing process in a log cabin with beautiful views.
• There was discussion about environmental concerns and societal issues, including a reference to Boris Johnson's alleged drug use.
• The speaker emphasized the importance of addressing unfairness and societal issues through music.
• The conversation touched on the unique sound production in the songs, including harmonizing voices and mixing first and third person perspectives.
• The speaker struggled with intense cycles and unhealthy habits while portraying a different persona publicly.
• They felt distant from their family and lost, but eventually became more open with them.
• The speaker chose to be an open book as an artist, despite the challenges it brings.
• Vulnerability and honesty are crucial in creating music that deeply connects with listeners.
• The song 'Ice Cream Man' was difficult to record but had a profound impact on a listener who found healing through it.
• The artist feels safe and powerful expressing vulnerability through music, which allows for honesty and comfort in sharing personal lyrics.
• The new single 'Genesis' is divided into three parts, each representing different emotional themes and musical styles.
• The artist aimed to create a song that guides listeners through processing tough emotions towards positivity and hope.
• Collaboration with producer Darkchild involved meticulous work on the song's production details over a long period of time.
• Discussion about making changes to a song before its release, including adding new elements like strings and brass.
• The importance of creating music that stands the test of time and working with talented singers like Janet Jackson and Toni Braxton.
• The artist's approach to creating a new album, emphasizing the need to live more to gather stories and ensure high quality.
• Acknowledgment of challenges in the current music industry with short attention spans, but commitment to releasing only music that meets personal standards.
• Excitement for the upcoming album and dedication to producing work that is better than previous releases.