INTERVIEWS PRINT

Interview: Rikaan Ray on music & life in London

Jake Craney
Latest posts by Jake Craney (see all)

Rikaan Ray is a neo-soul/pop artist from London. He’s been on the grind creating music with his unique blend of styles and he recently released his new EP Inaugurated. GroundSounds recently caught up with Ray to discuss his music, the scene in London, and more. Check it out below!

 
Your EP Inaugurated is out now. What was your main goal for the sound/style of the EP?

My main goal of the EP’s sound and style was to showcase the genres Pop. Neo-Pop, Neo-Soul, Dream-Pop, Soul and R&B whilst ensuring that all tracks beared relevance and sonic similarities. For the tracks to sound different but follow the same path, basically.

 

I really dig the track “Colours.” What inspired the song?

Aw thank you! What inspired that song was seeing so many individuals around me full of so much fantastic ideas, intentions and plans (these are what I mean when I say ‘colours’), however were and continue to be too afraid to carry them out due to worrying that others will disapprove. Fearing what others think of you is a global sickness to me, it’s that bad. Too much people around me were falling victim to this fear and it really started to affect me, especially as these were dear friends of mine and their ideas were so AMAZING. So like I do whenever I’m affected by something…I wrote a song about it.

*sings* Don’t be afraid to rock your colours, like Pokemon we catch ’em all…And with these colours we go our own way…Run with the colours unstoppable! *sings*

 

You studied music in college correct? How did that experience strengthen or improve you as a songwriter?

I’m currently studying music at college, I’m in my second year and graduate in July next year. My experience has helped me go from

strength to strength as not only a songwriter, but as an artist and musician as a whole. My tutors have been in the industry themselves so I’ve learnt a great amount from them. A lot of my peers are too artists/musicians like myself so it’s great feeding off them and seeing how they approach things. My college experience has really opened my musical mind, and has made me more musical tolerant. I’m loving it!

 

What is the current music scene like in London? Is one genre/style really dominating the scene right now?

For me, the current music scene in London is quite repetitive, in the sense that the majority of the songs which do well (become popular, generate a lot of listens etc) sound the same. Not that I dislike all of these songs or the artists who release them, but a variety would be nice! American trap music is dominating a lot in London right now.

 

What is your favorite music venue in London?

A venue called ‘The Vibe Bar’ in London’s Shoreditch area. Funnily enough I’ve actually been booked to perform there on November 10th, but yes I’d say that this venue is my favourite because the vibes are so warm and jolly and it’s like the perfect size for nice intimate gigs. not too small, not too big. But yeah the vibes are amazing!  No wonder why it’s called the Vibe Bar! Lmao

 

What musicians inspire you? What are you currently listening to?

Barry White, Mint Condition, New Boyz, Lil’ Wayne and Nicki Minaj are my primary inspirations, some in terms of fashion, and some in terms of vocals and artistry. Artists I’m currently listening to include Paramore, Lil’ Kim, Drake, Jessie J, Jhené Aiko and Beyoncé. I’m really feeling U2’s latest album also.

 

What’s coming up for you the rest of the year and what are your plans for 2015?

I’ve started filming a music video for my EP’s lead single, a track titled ‘Snakes & Ladders’ and luckily there’s only a few more shoots to go now! I’ve also been recording my debut mixtape that I intend to release early 2015, however for this last quarter of the year I’ve been booked quite a lot so I’ll be performing live around London mainly. Oh how I can’t wait to release my mixtape in 2015! It’s gonna allow listeners to get to know me better and understand my character better…

 

Have you performed in the States yet? Where in the US would you most like to tour and perform?

No unfortunately, I haven’t performed in the States yet, I haven’t even ever been! *sad face*. I’d LOVE to tour the whole US at some point, and perform in particular at LA’s Staples Center and also at the legendary Coachella festival.

 

For anyone heading to London, what is one thing an American should do while visiting?

Hmmm, besides coming to one of my shows haha, I’d have to tell anyone heading to London to hit up a joint named ‘Mr Pretzels’, buy themselves a cinnamon pretzel and prepare for their tastebuds to fall in instant LOVE! I’d also advise them to bring some extra money with them to Mr Pretzels, as when they have one, boy oh boy, they’d DESIRE more! LOL

 

Where is the best place to stay updated with you online?

My BandCamp site is where the party’s at! That’s where all my releases can be found ~[rikaanray.bandcamp.com]

Do also keep me with me and what I’m doing on Twitter ~[twitter.com/rikaanray]

and also like my FaceBook page ~[facebook.com/rikaanray]