Today we’d like to introduce you to Sean Ray
Hi Sean, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I was born in Lakewood, WA and raised in Lawnside, NJ. My parents were singers and because of them, my two sisters and I are singers too! I started singing at the age of 7. When I sang karaoke in Philly at my aunts bar (at 7 years old), I knew I wanted to be an entertainer. My mother bought me a karaoke machine and that’s when I started recording myself and my cousins. As the years went by, I built a studio in my bedroom where I would record my music and other artists. While my friends were out partying, I was always in my room trying to perfect my craft. Writing, producing, engineering, vocal producing. Studying mixing and mastering. Then I started doing talent shows. I started my own record label at the age of 15 and I signed a few of my friends and cousins lol I was executive producing, writing and vocal producing and starting young gave me the experience that I have today. I moved to Orlando, FL and in 2012 I had my first album release party for my project “Broken Keys”. My sister Chanelle Ray and I decided to start a brother/sister group called “Vice Versa” and we started off by doing a High School Tour along with a few major artists. We were working with major producers and writers and that led us to Los Angeles in 2014. Working with major artists and songwriters and got to know the business more. We decided to work on our solo careers and that’s when I created my production company “Converted Collective”. I teamed up with my business partner Haywood Cross and we now own a recording studio in Hollywood where I engineer and produce songs for clients, working from indie artists to Disney artists. In 2023 I released my debut album “Lost Love Songs”. In 2024, the album is now gaining a lot of recognition and a few of the songs will be featured in a movie on Peacock this year. “Lost Love Songs” was written & produced by Orlando Wade and I. Recorded, Mixed & Mastered by me. My single “Punch Drunk Love” was penned by Denali Nova and I. The album features Mali Music (we recently performed “Shamayim” for the first time at Million Dollar Theatre downtown LA). Lost Love Songs also features Kes Kross (who has written for Chris Brown, Teyana Taylor & more). I’m grateful to have been able to perform at venues in Los Angeles such as, Million Dollar Theatre, Senator Jones, The Sayers Club, GRAMMY Museum, L.A. Live, The Canyon at The Rose, Avalon Hollywood, Seventy7 North Lounge, Universal Studios, Romanov Restaurant & Lounge (just to name a few). Stay tuned for my next album “Dear Love!”
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I feel like trying to be successful in the music business is one of the hardest things to achieve. I’ve had a lot of ups and downs. Exciting moments and disappointments. A lot of broken promises. I’ve sat in offices at major labels, took meetings with top execs but things didn’t pan out the way we hoped for but I don’t believe in coincidences, I believe I was protected from the unseen or unknown. There were a lot of disappointments but I’m grateful for the journey. I’ve learned a lot along the way. I have been stuck in contracts and shelved. That’s honestly why I’ve chosen the indie route in my recent years. Music is in my blood and it’s my passion so I will keep going!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a vocalist, songwriter, vocal producer, producer, engineer & business owner. I record, mix and master my own music as well as many other artists. I create and edit all my content (social media, website). I love the stage! One thing I’m most proud of is our recording studio in Hollywood. I started recording artists in my bedroom and I always said I would run my own studio. Starting my own production company is another thing I’m proud of!
Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I took a huge risk when I moved from Florida to Los Angeles. I left my job and apartment and took a leap of faith. I take risks every day when it comes to being an independent artist. Investing in yourself is very important but can leave you broke eating noodles and sandwiches every day lol The risk taking doesn’t stop! Success is the goal! “He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kingseanray.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kingseanray
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingseanray
- Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/kingseanray
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@kingseanray
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/cross-converted-studios-los-angeles
- Soundcloud: https://www.soundcloud.com/kingseanray
Image Credits
Images by K Haus Studio
