Victor Ray – I Tried

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Some of my musical influences include Donny Hathaway, Ed Sheeran and J Cole. I’ve always been drawn to storytelling in music and these artists don’t fail to draw me in.

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Falling into Place.”

A) “Falling into Place” is a hopeful song for a change. It’s the story of meeting and falling for somebody and feeling the sparks and euphoria that comes with it, but also recognizing that this could end in heartbreak. It probably will end badly but you choose to try anyway.

Q) How did you come to connect with Debbie for her to be featured on the single?

A) I’ve known Debbie for a little while. We’ve played on the same stages at times. Also, we share a close collaborator in a producer called Jake Tench. I actually asked Debbie to feature on the song while we were busking together in central London. We were singing each other’s songs, and she sounded so good on “Falling into Place” that I had to ask her to be on it!

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) What got me hooked on the song was the choir harmonies in the chorus. Something about a choir just gives you a warm feeling when it’s done right, and I think a lot of fans connect with that.

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) The music video for this track really explores the shared struggle Debbie and I are expressing. We are separated in the video, and only connected through our voices, which helps to portray our blind faith in a happy ending to the relationship.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) My process shifts day to day, but I usually like to create the music and lyrics simultaneously. Playing the guitar for example whilst humming melodies and finding words that seem to fit. I like to imagine that the song already exists and I’m just finding the right pieces.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) A lot of the music I’ve put out I wrote on my own and so I would produce the demos for the tracks. A handful of my production elements may remain in the final track, but I’m hoping to get more involved in it over time. I love making beats and producing so it’s definitely a go of mine.

Q) Your EP i tried is out now.  What are some themes you will be exploring on it?

A) On I TRIED I wanted to explore the themes of self-acceptance, humility and hopefulness. In my previous two projects there were many moments of toxicity and loneliness in which I felt I shifted the blame on external parties in a lot of instances. As I grow, I want my music to reflect that, so I have tried to be more self-aware and reflective as I search for deeper connections.

Q) You recently toured in support of Teddy Swims. What can fans expect from a live Victor Ray performance?

A) Teddy is an insane performer so jumping on tour with him was a blessing. A Victor Ray performance is mad because I leave everything on that stage. It might be my background in busking, but I really can’t hold back while performing, so I lean into that energy and drama with the sonics. Also, my band are incredible musicians and just that elevates everything!