Today we’d like to introduce you to Ray Banz.
Hi Ray, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I began my musical journey at the age of 21. I was attending FAU (Florida Atlantic University) for the jazz band, but I didn’t get a call or anything, so I was wasting money by going. I then tried to change my major to multimedia studies until I got on academic probation, and at that point, I knew I was done with school but still wanted to achieve my music aspirations. Time went by, and a friend of mine had a cousin by the name of Koolie LaKool. We moved in together, and he began to show me how to produce. From there, I was grinding each year. I would be working full-time as a manager at fast food restaurants and coming home cooking up beats. It was a nonstop cycle even to this day. After learning how to create my own sound, I began diving into the recording side of the music business. I’ve been recording for about 3 years and making beats for 6 years. Then, last year, in September, I got my foot into the scene with a feature from Dj Khaled, chasing my subsequent placement and trying to get known for my craft. Each day I grind, whether it’s my day off making music, before work, and/or after work no matter the time, while being a dad to 4 kids. Nonetheless, I’m not okay to stop until I get to the top, and when I do, I’m not turning back.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It’s had its ups and downs. Some of the struggles were being a father at 21 and having 2 more back-to-back. I am trying to adjust from barely making enough to pay my bills and getting evicted from an apartment to being homeless, sleeping in my car, and hotel hopping. Now, I have moved home to Orlando, where I was raised (along with moving back and forth to Palm Beach), and I have a newborn. I am facing challenges and still trying to get back on my feet.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a producer/ engineer. But you can say an artist as well since I had to tap in because finding a serious artist payment-ready and severe about the craft just as I am is hard to come by, so why not take matters into my own hands? I specialize in production and engineering. I’m proud of my perseverance and determination never to let a job or people kill my dreams. I have no problem working 9-5, but at the same time, I put in the same effort and work as if I were working for a 9-5 when it comes to my music. What sets me apart from others is that I’m not chasing this for the money; although it would be nice, I genuinely care and am passionate about music and my craft. I pour my emotions into any beat, and I don’t sound like all the other producers who predominantly create what is in the now.
Networking and finding a mentor can positively impact one’s life and career. Any advice?
I have two mentors. My brother is like a mentor, Koolie LaKool, and a guy who found me through my kid’s mother’s mom (J Gucci). My advice for networking is don’t be afraid of the no’s because that yes could be the start of something great. What has worked well was my mentor because if you’re not careful, networking can lead to people stealing your creative ideas or just stealing money out of your pockets when it comes to paperwork.
Pricing:
- Recording $60 an hr min 2 hr
- Beats (Lease) $200
- Beats (Exclusives) $500-1,000
- Mix and Master $150
- Artist Development $250
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/raybanz3x?igsh=aXhiYXg1cWRtcXdo
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/nC8969U4XdESer5Q/?mibextid=ibOpuV
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@raybanztheproducer88?si=gITUiouuRKSMoU-T
Image Credits
Koolie LaKool, Tuck Ramond Bedford III, Heiress Bedford, Kinsley Bedford, Reneè Smith, Amaya Bedford, Martavious Barber
