Music Existence Because of Music, We Exist
The powerful indie soul-pop artist Ray Hodge has been making waves with the release of his debut EP Braveheart in October 2016 and unveiling the inspiring music video for “I Am King,” blindsiding new and old fans with his powerhouse vocals and uplifting, emotive lyrics. As a follow up to the inspirational EP release, Ray Hodge is thrilled to be partnering with Cliché Magazine to unveil an official music video for his cover of Katy Perry’s “Rise,” laden with his soaring powerhouse vocals which are sure to give you chills. The video, which can be viewed here, was directed by Alexa San Roman (HEIRSOUND, Love, Robot) and instrumentation of the track was produced by Mikey Cross. This is what Ray had to say about the video and why he chose to cover “Rise:”
“I chose to cover ‘Rise’ by Katy Perry was because it resonates with my EP ‘Braveheart’ The song is like a new chapter to me, when you’re rising from the feeling of loneliness and hurt, and down for the fight for oneself and rising from the ground after pushing and falling for so long. I chose it because it’s about not giving up.” – Ray Hodge
Growing up in Jamaica, Queens on an eclectic mix of music ranging from Michael Jackson to System of A Down, Ray’s love of music and performing started at a very young age. Singing and performing for almost anyone who would listen, his love for music would eventually lead him to play in his first band in his early teens. Since then, Ray has been sharpening his theatrical live performance skills playing various underground clubs in NYC, as well as crafting his own original brand of music that somehow manages to encapsulate indie, pop and soul music all wrapped into one perfect package. Like it’s title, Hodge’s debut EP Braveheart is a 6-song collection of songs meant to move and inspire, highlighted by the artist’s powerful and dynamic vocal range. Ray’s music is honest and emotional with a message of hope for anyone that has been through trying times in their life, to remind them that they are not alone and to stay strong, love themselves and push through because they are going to make it…the same mantra that Ray reminds himself of on a daily basis. The artist elaborates:
“What I try to do differently than other artists is to make it about more than just the lights and glam, more than just a lyric or a good song. I create the land and the fans build the houses. In that, we make this place our place, where we become the Vibrations and electricity and in that form,we are one. We are not alone. I make it ok to release the happiness, sadness, or anger as we share it among each other in these moments we purify.”
