Tu banner alternativo

Draft:Victor Ray

In today's world, Draft:Victor Ray has become a topic of general interest to many people. From its impact on society to its relevance in daily life, Draft:Victor Ray has captured the attention of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. Whether due to its influence on popular culture, its importance in history, or its relevance in the scientific field, Draft:Victor Ray is a topic that calls us to reflect and explore deeply. In this article, we will explore different aspects related to Draft:Victor Ray, analyzing its meaning, its impact and its evolution over time.

Tu banner alternativo
  • Comment: Needs more reliable secondary sources. Also, please format your citations correctly :) BenTanXiaoMing (talk) 11:05, 9 December 2025 (UTC)
  • Comment: Resubmitted with only token changes that don't substantively address the concerns. 331dot (talk) 11:57, 23 October 2025 (UTC)
  • Comment: Several unsourced sections. Interviews don't contribute to notability as they are not independent sources. 331dot (talk) 09:27, 23 October 2025 (UTC)
  • Comment: Clash is an announcement as is Music Week (like from a press release). Sound of Life are blog posts so not a reliable source and the other two are interviews so primary sources and not independent. S0091 (talk) 21:05, 9 May 2025 (UTC)



Victor Ray
Born (1999-08-13) August 13, 1999 (age 26)
Kampala, Uganda
GenresSoul, R&B, Pop
OccupationsSinger, songwriter
Years active2017-present
LabelsDecca Records (UK), Capitol Records (US)
Websitevictorrayofficial.com

Victor Ray (born 13 August 1999) is a British-Ugandan singer and songwriter[1][2]. He grew to fame with his 2024 viral single “Comfortable”, as well as “Stay for a While” and “It Only Cost Everything”[3][4]. Ray’s music blends soulful R&B and pop influences with a vocal style described by critics as powerful yet vulnerable[3]. After initially building a following through busking and social media, Ray signed to Decca Records in 2024[5][2][6].

Early Life

Victor Ray was born in Kampala, Uganda, and moved with his family to Newcastle, England when he was one year old[7]. Ray developed an early love for music, with one of his first musical memories being dancing to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” as a child[8]. At the age of six, he gave his first public performance at a school Christmas concert, singing a solo that sparked his passion for performing[7].

Ray grew up listening to a wide range of genres, including pop, soul, R&B, hip-hop, and rock, and was particularly influenced by artists like J. Cole and Usher[9][1]. As a teenager, he learned guitar and began performing sets at local pubs, weddings and open-mic nights, covering songs ranging from Whitney Houston ballads to pop-rock songs by bands like Wheatus[3][5].

Musical Style & Influences

Ray has described his music as rooted in personal, autobiographical storytelling, drawing on elements of soul, R&B, and contemporary pop[10][11]. He has referenced artists such as Ed Sheeran, Donny Hathaway, Michael Jackson and Usher as important influences on his songwriting and vocal style[12].

Ray has spoken about his aim to broaden representation of black British artists in mainstream pop beyond the focus on rap or grime, a stance noted by commentators who see him as “breaking down barriers” in the industry[3][4].

Career

After finishing his education in Newcastle, Ray initially planned to attend university. Missing the grades required for his chosen course in sociology[13], he instead focused more on music, busking on the streets[7]. His mother encouraged him to pursue music seriously, leading him to enrol at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute in London[14][5].

In late 2021, a video of Ray performing a cover of Hozier’s “Take Me to Church”, recorded on the street, went viral on TikTok, boosting his online profile and fan base.[15][16]. In early 2023, Ray independently released his debut EP i was.. He followed up in September 2023 with a second EP, i felt., which included the single “Popcorn and a Smoothie,” a track about his father[7]

Ray’s rising popularity and viral success caught the attention of major labels, with Decca Records announcing that they had signed him in January 2024[6]. His first release on Decca was the single “Comfortable”, which gained millions of streams after being teased on social media[6], peaking at number 62 on the UK Official Singles Chart[17].

In June 2024, Ray released his third EP, I TRIED.., which continued his confessional songwriting style. The EP featured “Comfortable” as its lead track and included a duet, “Falling Into Place,” recorded with singer Debbie[18].

In 2025, Ray followed up with I WILL., released via Decca/Capitol.[19]. The EP was led by the single “Hearts Break and People Change” and the hip-hop-infused track “Sticks & Stones”, featuring British rappers Kojey Radical and Strandz[20][21][22]. Ray stated that he was working towards his first full-length album, expected in 2026[8]

In November 2025, Ray had his first UK Top 40 single with the release of "You & I", reaching a peak of number 29 on the UK Official Singles Chart[23].

Discography

EPs

  • i was. (2023)
  • i felt. (2023)
  • I TRIED. (2024)
  • I WILL. (2025)


Singles

  • Hollow (2022)
  • A Little Less Lonely (2022)
  • Like The Moon (2023)
  • Off Balance (2023)
  • It Only Cost Everything (2023)
  • Stay for a While (2023)
  • Popcorn and a Smoothie (2023)
  • Comfortable (2024)
  • Halfway There (2024)
  • Falling Into Place ft. Debbie (2024)
  • Still The Same (2024)
  • Sticks & Stones (2024)
  • Hearts Break and People Change (2025)
  • Contagious (2025)
  • You & I (2025)

References

  1. ^ a b Fofana, Oumou (2024-03-24). "The Rise of Victor Ray from Busker to Breakout Artist". BET. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  2. ^ a b Bardsley, Miranda (2024-01-30). "Decca signs London-based rising star Victor Ray". Music Week. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  3. ^ a b c d Morris, Damien (2024-06-22). "One to watch: Victor Ray". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  4. ^ a b O’Connor, Roisin (2024-12-31). "From dark alt-pop to mind-melting techno-rock, the 10 acts to look out for in 2025". The Independent. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  5. ^ a b c Wehner, Cyclone (2025-03-28). "Victor Ray On His Debut Australian Tour: 'It's Quite A Soulful Experience; It's Very Raw'". The Music. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  6. ^ a b c "Victor Ray signs to Decca". Record of the Day. 2024-01-30. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  7. ^ a b c d Kawashima, Dale (2025-05-02). "Victor Ray Interview - U.K. R&B/Soul Singer & Songwriter". Songwriter Universe. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  8. ^ a b Dunn-Christensen, Millie (2025-01-25). "2025 Artists to Watch Digital Cover - Victor Ray". Notion. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  9. ^ Whelan, Leonie (2024-06-19). "Victor Ray & Teddy Swims' Street Corner Cover of "Crazy" WILL Give You GOOSEBUMPS". The Music Man. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  10. ^ Phillips, Aimee (2024-07-22). "Victor Ray Interview: 'I'm excited to really push the boundaries'". Principle Magazine. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  11. ^ Haylette, Charlene (2024-12-02). "Cover Story With Victor Ray". BLK BRIT. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  12. ^ Kylene, Jazmin (2024-08-12). "Next Wave #1184: Victor Ray". Clash Magazine. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  13. ^ Long, Jen (2023-08-30). "Victor Ray is on the rise - Interview". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  14. ^ "BIMM graduate Victor Ray joins Teddy Swims for sold-out tour". BIMM Music Institute. 2024-03-20. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  15. ^ Borkowski, Callum (2025-05-20). "Newcastle's own Victor Ray on his journey from Northumberland Street busking to touring with Teddy Swims". The Courier. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  16. ^ Charlton, Stephen (2023-08-02). "Busker Stops The Street With Incredible Soulful Cover Of "Take Me To Church"". The Music Man. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  17. ^ "COMFORTABLE". Official Charts. 2024-01-25. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  18. ^ Damara Kelly, Tyler (2024-05-16). "Victor Ray releases new single "Falling Into Place" featuring Debbie". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  19. ^ Forrest, Jo (2025-04-11). "Victor Ray releases New EP and Single". TotalNtertainment. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  20. ^ Damara Kelly, Tyler (2024-11-18). "Victor Ray links up with Strandz and Kojey Radical on new single, "Sticks & Stones"". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  21. ^ "Victor Ray, Strandz & Kojey Radical unite for "Sticks & Stones"". GRM Daily. 2024-11-15. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  22. ^ "Sticks & Stones ft. Kojey Radical & Strandz". Record of the Day. 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
  23. ^ "YOU & I". Official Charts. 2025-11-20. Retrieved 2025-12-09.
Wikious
Boobota
Sagapedia