Victor Ray

Victor Ray
Born
Kampala, Uganda
GenresSoul, R&B, Pop
OccupationsSinger, songwriter
Years active2017–present
LabelsDecca Records (UK), Capitol Records (US)
Websitevictorrayofficial.com

Victor Ray 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 and 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)
  • World At My Feet (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.
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