Those who have had celebrated a performance by rising superstar Ray Goren are completely overwhelmed without question. Although Goren is only 19, his songs reflect the maturity of someone much older and wiser. He has played with some of the most legendary icons in the music world including Leon Russell, Robbie Krieger, Eddie Kramer, and Will I Am to name a few. He is a multi-instrumentalist and a world-class guitarist.
Ray and I exchanged questions and answers regarding his career, his love of music and his future hopes and dreams….
What first interested you in songwriting and becoming part of the music industry?
I always loved songwriting from a very young age. It was an outlet that I could just express the way I feel and communicate it to the world without feeling judged or self-conscious. I was very blessed at a young age to have been mentored by a songwriting great named Leon Russell. He took me under his wing and really taught me how to write songs. Writing is something that I love doing so much that I dread going to sleep and love waking up because when I wake up, I can write again.
If you could have your ultimate stage fantasy what would have to happen?
My ultimate stage fantasy is to have tens of thousands of people in the audience singing every lyric to my song as I’m playing for them. It doesn’t matter where, as long as there are people who love my music, that’s all I care about.
What inspires your song themes when writing?
My life experience inspires my song themes the most. Whether it be love, loss, or worldly things going on. I try to just write my truth, cause people know the truth when they hear it.
What do you like best about performing live?
My favorite part about performing live is getting to connect to people via my songs. There is no better feeling then making someone’s day better because they listened to something you wrote and went damn, that’s exactly what I needed to hear right now.
What is the best advice your parents ever gave you?
My best advice my parents gave me (and it’s gonna sound super cliche) it’s to be yourself. Through the years I’ve come to realize that there’s a reason why everyone says that…
If you could help me ask you any question on this planet what would it be and how would you answer it?
What is my favorite food? My favorite food is sushi!
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years I see myself selling out venues across the world, and having a fan base that loves and appreciates my music.
Who are your musical influences?
My musical influences are Ed Sheeran, J. Cole, Max Martin, John Mayer, Johnny Cash, Leon Russell, Julia Michaels- there are many more, but you’d be reading for the next year or so…
What is new for Ray in 2020 and beyond?
In 2020 I’m just going to continue to work extremely hard. I’m gonna keep writing, producing, touring, and most importantly enjoy all of it.
The official website for Ray Goren may be found at http://www.raygoren.com