Powerhouse indie-soul artist Ray Hodge is currently on top of the world, and with good reason. With his motivational debut EP, BraveHeart out now, the singer is turning heads and inspiring his fans to overcome difficult obstacles and learn to love themselves. Recently, Hodge released a stunning cover of Katy Perry’s “Rise,” and an emotional video for his own track, “If It’s Easy,” and with an entire year ahead of him, we can’t wait to see what he does next!
Interview by Shannon Shumaker
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for any readers who might not be familiar?
I am Ray Hodge and I am a singer that just came out with an EP called BraveHeart. I’m a very simple person in the most complicated way.
What first inspired you to become involved in your music scene?
I like to think something bigger than me brought to the music scene. I feel that my intuition and all the love and pain brought me here. When I would listen to music I felt like I had all the answers, like all I need to know was right there. Music saved me millions of times. But yeah something bigger than me brought here and I’ve been following that voice in my head ever since… To me love is life and life is music.
You released your debut EP, BraveHeart last year! How does it feel to finally have it out for fans to hear?
It feels amazing! Words can’t express how happy I am to share these songs with them. Can’t wait to share so much more.
The songs on BraveHeart are all very inspirational and motivational. Was this a conscious effort on your part? What feelings did you want to evoke with the EP?
This was my intention, I want the fans to know they are not alone and that they have the power to move and change whatever they will. I want the fans to feel no judgment and to feel free and go through whatever they feel. My music is on the the earth for them to build their house.
Did you have any goals in mind when working on those songs?
Just went in with the intention to sing my heart and to tell story of that time. Each song is from a place in time when I was younger. I wanted to make sure I evoke that feeling from that time and plant it where it needs to be
Along the same theme of the EP, you recently released a cover of Katy Perry’s “Rise.” Why does this song resonate with you?
Powerful and empowering is what I felt when I listened to Katy Perry’s “Rise” and when I felt that I thought of my EP and I had to cover it. Plus I’m a huge fan of Katy Perry.
Do you have any plans to release any new music this year? Could we expect to see you on the road at all?
I have already begun writing some new and amazing songs, Sooner than later I should be on the road, just don’t have a date when I will be touring. You can expect maybe one more music video… but, I can’t tell you which one. I want to surprise everyone.
What goals do you have for 2017?
My goal for this year 2017… To learn to be my own Being
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
You’re not alone and don’t be afraid to just be you. Just be.
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