Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Silvers.
Ray, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a 19 years old singer-songwriter born and raised right here in Los Angeles, California.
I have always had too much to say…I began writing at a very young age and believed I would be some sort of writer. I grew up in a vibrant creative household where all six kids played instruments. My father was a walking music encyclopedia and introduced me to all the greats- I heard & loved everything (imagine a little girl singing along to Prince’s “Controversy”). When I was in my sophomore year of high school, I started to explore combining my love of music with my love of writing and wrote my first legitimate song. I knew that all I wanted to do was spend my life helping people feel something, & somehow connect people through that feeling with my songwriting.
Cut to graduating high school in 2018, I went into college at Berklee College of Music planning to be more of a behind-the-scenes type songwriter where I would write for other artists. Maybe it had to do with me quickly realizing just how much of a tiny fish in a humongous bowl I was–everyone around me being so talented– but I soon realized the only thing that set me apart was that I was me, and no one else shared my narrative. Being in that atmosphere really pushed me to follow my own voice. At the end of my first year, I released my first single as an independent artist, and have been slowly but surely climbing this newfound sense of self and artistry ever since.
Has it been a smooth road?
I recorded & produced my first single in my co-producers dorm room. The song just came out in an evening as some fun, funky, summer anthem (with ensuing months of producing, mixing & mastering, of course). I had no idea what to expect of its release and certainly didn’t expect much. When it took off, I firstly couldn’t believe it & profusely thanked the Spotify algorithm gods haha, but I also felt a lot of pressure as to what I should do next. The entire process of writing this song was so different from my usual one, where it had always just been me alone with my guitar, and I felt divided on what exactly my sound was & could be & should be. It ultimately stopped me from putting out other releases. Looking back, the pressure I felt was definitely a product of my own mind. It’s a year later after my first release, and after living a lot of life and experiencing a LOT of growing pains, I can now say that I have more music up my sleeve that feels like me, & I am really looking forward to sharing it.
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
The essence of what my music is derived from growing up in such an eccentric dreamland of a city that is Los Angeles, and the magic that comes from California. With funk-driven grooves, folk-rock inspired songwriting & instrumental elements, and an overall pop tainted feel, my music directly reflects the complexities of who I am & the atmosphere of my upbringing. My sound is genre-fluid. When people heard my first single “Drive”, they didn’t quite know what to call it, but I think that’s what allowed it to have its intrigue. I am an artist that is willing to experiment with my sound and break expectations in order to deliver the music that exists within me honestly.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is undoubtedly the place to be if you want to actively put yourself out there as an aspiring musician. With such a lush musical history, coming here to follow in the footsteps of those who came & conquered before feels surreal. But also with today’s technology, you really can be anywhere to make music & eventually your dreams come true. It’s all about having that commitment & drive.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @raysilverss
- Facebook: @raysilverss
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1KMzsmemrnRNGISrqjaxsa?si=gQ-AIg-1S-6VXg8W7Q_mXg
Image Credit:
Star shirt & face close up: Alex Hainer, Performance shot w microphone: Jacob Pappas, Guitar shot: Madison Everett, Purple top with orange backdrop: Claudia Marin
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