Interview: Vence Ray Shares Insights About His Musical Journey

Welcome – Thanks for sharing your music with us! How has 2021 been so far for you?

Thank you for taking the time to listen to my music. 2021 is shaping up to be a very productive year for me so far.

Your latest track “1,000 Cuts” REMIX is a laid-back blend of smooth lyricism and a clean production. This remix won a remix contest hosted by Nadia Vaeh and Fluid Audio. How did this song come together?

I had three songs to choose from for my remix. I wanted a song that would stand out: a song that I could put a cinematic and somewhat of an epic spin to. I made the conscious decision to not listen to the originals before working on my remix. Listening to the vocal stems, the “1,000 Cuts” melody and lyrics stood out to me the moment I heard it.

Where do you draw inspiration from when you compose your music and what’s your favorite part about the process?

I always look for the story in the music I’m composing. As cliche as it sounds, I like to “let the music create itself” and orchestrate with sounds and chords that tell the story, no matter the genre of music I’m creating. For example in the “1,000 Cuts” remix, I used a rhythmic clock ticking sound when the lyrics said, “clock runs out…” Or before the line, “I only love you when the lights dim,” I have a light switch sound that cuts every other sound in the music. This also happens to be my favorite part of the process: discovering the elements that tell the story.

How did you first get started in music? Run us through your story.

When I was about six, I started playing the piano with the help of my father. Later on, I went on to learn the drums, guitar, and pretty much any other musical instrument that we had at our home. At the age of 10, I started performing in my parent’s band in Haiti. I got my first taste for music production while creating musical arrangements for our band’s live performances. In 2010, I found myself in the U.S. without a band to perform with and discovered the world of Digital Audio Workstations. This discovery revealed my true passion for music production and composition. I have been creating music ever since.

If you didn’t like music what would you like to do?

If I wasn’t doing music, I would definitely be doing something in the fitness industry. I love being at the gym and working out on a regular basis.

What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town?

One of my fondest musical memories would have to be when I could finally do a proper octave on the keyboard. My hands were still small and my left hand couldn’t reach a proper octave for what seemed like an eternity. I was so happy the day that I could finally play a Cmaj9 accompanied by a proper octave on my left hand.

What’s your motto or the advice you live by?

“You are your most important piece of gear.” We musicians (myself included) get wowed too easily by the “latest and greatest.” I have to remind myself that whether I’m using just an iPad or a full studio, the feeling in my music should not change because I’m the most important piece of gear.

What would your idyllic life as an artist be like?

Making the music I love, seeing my music have a positive impact on people, and supporting myself and my loved ones with my music would be my idyllic life as an artist.

If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be?

There are many amazing artists I would love to collaborate with. I loved working with Nadia Vaeh. If I had to choose someone else right this moment, it would be Sia. Her songwriting, tone, and versatility are out of this earth.

What’s been your greatest musical accomplishment so far?

I would say that winning this remix contest has been my greatest musical accomplishment so far. I had been holding off on releasing my music to major streaming platforms, but this contest kind of forced my hand in a very good way. Now that the wheels are rolling, I plan to keep that momentum going!

Thank you for speaking with us! For our final question, is there anything else you would like to add?

Thank you for having me. Thank you to Nadia Vaeh, her team, and Fluid Audio for the opportunity. Be on the lookout for new projects from me in the near future.

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