RESPECT. Interview: Arin Ray

A post shared by ARIN RAY (@arinraycamp) on Aug 4, 2018 at 6:17pm PDT

Arin Ray has been on fire with his buzzing single “We Ain’t Homies” that features YG. “Stressin’ singer has been on sold out shows recently in celebration of his album, Platinum Fire, with some amazing artists like SiR, H.E.R. and many more. He previously released his EP, Phases, in 2016 that is a CLASSIC to this day!

With his 14-track album, there is a familiar sample on the track “F**k Y’all” in which you can hear Busta Rhymes as you vibe to the beat. If you haven’t heard of the album yet, it is a classic from beginning to end with non stop vocals and instruments! On the album it has phenomenal features by Ty Dolla $ign, D.R.A.M., Childish Major, SiR and Terrace Martin. The heartthrob is the next wave in R&B with a neo-soul vibe! We caught up with the Los Angeles-based artist and we talked about how the single “We Ain’t Homies” came about, what triggered him to pursue music, the term “Underdogs” means to him, and many more.

RESPECT.: From your recent EP, Phases, up until your first debut album release, what can you say has been the most challenging thing you have done when in the process of making the album?

It was the waiting, putting the finishing touches and putting together the rollout of the album. It was hard making the music and not putting it out. The album has a lot of emotions, and it is easy to come off the record. The process of getting the overall vibe and wanting to know what people think was scary. I want to make the content relatable to the fans.

A post shared by ARIN RAY (@arinraycamp) on Jul 10, 2018 at 11:32am PDT

RESPECT.: What does your album name mean? What do you want your fans to take from this?

I like the name by it’s vibe and it is a mood setting. I like how it sounds and the way it feels. Also, I wanted to go platinum by catching the vibe and color.

RESPECT.: I remember I first heard “We Ain’t Homies,” and knew it was going to be a hit! What was your reaction on how it was blowing up? How did you get YG to be on the track, and what was it like during the process on making the track?

I was surprised because it was the first song to do on the project. I like working the drum patterns and bass, writing the lyrics and actually finishing the song. Most people don’t know that it is two years old! I didn’t think people like it because it had a certain sound. I love the record because of the message of it.

It was easy to get YG on the record. My A&R manager and him grew up together. By the relationship and having mutual respect, that is how it came about. He wanted to be on the record and when he heard it, he laid down his verse.

RESPECT.: Define RESPECT.?

RESPECT. is by being considerate and having a good understanding by interacting with people and the world. You have to speak and act in certain situations.

RESPECT.: What triggered you that music was your passion? Was it because of the birth of your son or the music run in your family or both?

I have done music my whole life. My parents are singers, drummers and producers. I have been making beats and writing songs since I was little. I went to art school and graduated. My son inspired me from my recent album. When I found out I had a son, I was making music. When he son was born, the album was finished.

RESPECT.: I seen that your family is heavily in the music industry, what made you become great in your artistry? What are some challenges along the way that made you get to this point?

It is to learn and do my research and understand what the groove is. I learn everyday by being a student in the game. I want to get a vibe of the original soul back and the power of the mind.

A post shared by ARIN RAY (@arinraycamp) on Aug 13, 2018 at 5:01pm PDT

RESPECT.: I see that you were on tour with some amazing artists. Who are some artists that you would like to collaborate with in going on tour with and also to make music?

H.E.R. was my first tour by doing about 15-tour dates. I did a five-date sold out tour with SiR and the crowd was amazing! I would collaborate with Tame Impala because of the vibes. I would go on tour with Kendrick Lamar because of the musicianship and the stories that are told.

RESPECT.: What does “Underdogs” mean to you?

By being a person that has potential, but being good at some things but not the best at everything. You gotta put in the hours. My hometown wasn’t a music city and didn’t have many opportunities.

RESPECT.: Which song off of the album do you like to perform? Why?

With my band, “Hit Me Up” and “Take” because of the energy and vibe of the song performing live. I like them all honestly. I have performed unreleased song called “Roses” that connects with his fans.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ym9EJYJPYhI

RESPECT.: What is next for you?

There will be more shows, music and videos. I have a show in Miami on September 15 called Best Life Music Festival at the Coca-Cola Plant.

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