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On this interview, A&R Manufacturing unit welcomes Cloud Ray, a Hip Hop and Pop artist from New Jersey, USA, recognized for his revolutionary mix of genres and energetic performances. Cloud Ray discusses his new observe “Drip,” his musical influences, and the way his sound has advanced through the years. From early inspirations like Usher and Nicki Minaj to acting at main festivals and embarking on worldwide excursions, Cloud Ray shares insights into his artistic course of, collaborations, and what followers can anticipate from his stay exhibits.
Cloud Ray, welcome to A&R Manufacturing unit. Earlier than we get into your red-hot new observe, Drip, may you share your sonic origin story?
Whats up A&R Manufacturing unit, thanks a lot for welcoming me to your platform! I’m a Hip Hop & Pop Artist from New Jersey, USA and I’ve been creating music as ‘Cloud Ray’ for the previous 4 years now. Artists like The Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Nicki Minaj, Ludacris, and J. Cole who’ve impressed large adjustments within the music panorama and the music trade proceed to encourage me.
My music positively has hints of all of the aforementioned artists however I attempt to all the time retain originality in what I do by breaking down style limitations whereas nonetheless paying my respects to those that got here earlier than me. Rising up being surrounded by many various genres and kinds of artistry, I used to be in a position to select from a collective of my favourite genres and mash them collectively in a approach that felt distinctive to me and who I’m as an artist. My very first launch, ‘City Metropolis Magnificence’ garnered over 1 million streaming listeners and the music builds on that day by day.
What had been among the early influences that formed your sound?
Among the early influences that formed my sound got here from artists like Usher, Kanye West, and even Nicki Minaj. Hip Hop served as an outlet for me to specific my emotions in addition to a spot for me to increase on my creativity. These artists all the time deliver a singular sonic package deal that stamps lots of their information as timeless hits. The Black Eyed Peas launched me to a mix of Hip Hop, Pop, and EDM that basically set a basis within the music trade for my music to even be doable and accepted. I used to be all the time a fan of the way in which EDM music had a celebration vibe to it. I really like when you possibly can go someplace and really feel a collective uplift in power and pleasure. For me, I discovered that going to curler skating rinks, carnivals, amusement parks, and even nightclubs, the place this music was usually performed, locked in core recollections for me. As an artist, I knew that I wished to present again the identical emotions and experiences that each Hip Hop and Pop music have supplied me all through my life.
The place has your music taken you to this point?
I’ve been really blessed to see the place my music may take me. In 2023, my music took me on a 4 month US tour to lots of the main cities the place individuals had been listening to my songs. Most lately, I launched into a brand new US tour that began in February 2024 to focus on cities I’ve beforehand been to in addition to cities that I haven’t. I additionally ventured abroad for the primary ever time in my profession to Europe the place I carried out in a number of international locations together with France and England. I’ve made it to main award exhibits just like the BET Awards and The Grammys in addition to many festivals together with A3C Pageant, Rolling Loud, and SXSW.
How has your sound advanced since your debut? Are you able to describe some key milestones which have outlined who you might be as an artist at this time?
This can be a nice query. My sound has advanced in such a approach that makes me really feel nearer to discovering freedom in no matter style I do whereas my voice and method are nonetheless identifiable as Cloud Ray. I feel by means of new experiences and an ever-evolving soundscape, change is inevitable. With this freedom, I can all the time ship one thing recent and thrilling. I’m additionally capable of discover my cultural roots in addition to collaborate with different proficient artists. Among the key milestones which have outlined me as an artist at this time come from my sound evolving. ‘Burn It Down’ turns the warmth up for the summer time whereas shining a lightweight on my Caribbean roots whereas my newest single ‘We Want’ showcases the extra weak aspect of me that I don’t share that deeply too usually.
How did your collab with Tati Dior come about, and what was the artistic course of behind Drip?
The collaboration with Tati Dior got here collectively after I was trying to find the suitable feminine to placed on the observe. I keep in mind my group suggesting that we pitch the tune to her and after they reached out to her she responded that she cherished the observe and was all in. After I came upon that she was going to be on the document, I used to be past excited. I knew that she would deliver the extent of professionalism, high quality, enthusiasm and artistic model to this document that solely she may deliver. This document was initially meant to be part of ‘City Metropolis Magnificence’ which was launched in 2021 however it was ultimately determined that it will be higher as a standalone single. Whereas that EP showcased songs about heartbreak and therapeutic, ‘Drip’ was written about feminine empowerment and luxurious residing. In 2024, it’s such a fantastic feeling to have this tune lastly be launched with the perfect function on it.
Are there any upcoming exhibits your followers ought to stay up for? What can your followers anticipate after they see you on stage?
Sure! I will likely be performing in San Diego on June twenty first after which Los Angeles on June twenty second. At present I’m on a US tour till November and extra dates will likely be introduced quickly. Extra info concerning my upcoming exhibits may be discovered on Spotify, www.cloudraymusic.com/occasions or by looking ‘Cloud Ray’ on Songkick or Bandsintown. While you see a stay Cloud Ray efficiency, you possibly can anticipate a excessive power, crowd participation moments, and connectivity. I usually have merchandise on the market at my exhibits and generally you would possibly get a sneak peek into what’s subsequent from me.
What’s subsequent for Cloud Ray?
New content material is all the time on the way in which and I’m presently engaged on a couple of collaborations with some very proficient artists! I’m presently on tour with new dates and cities being introduced quickly. I’ve a significant announcement in September that I can’t wait to share however you’ll have to remain tuned to search out out what it’s. You will discover me on all socials @cloudraymusic so faucet in with me!
A&R Manufacturing unit, I wish to thanks once more for interviewing me at this time and giving me the chance to step into the highlight of your world for a quick second. I wish to thank all of the readers tuned in on your continued help and I stay up for the subsequent time that I get to speak to you. Keep blessed, keep lit, and one love.
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Uncover extra about Cloud Ray through his official web site.
Interview by Amelia Vandergast
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