The NY artist channels diverse influences to craft a track for your dancing pleasure.
Rey is an artist whose creative endeavors span multiple genres. Operating mainly out of the Bronx and Washington Heights (although he’s been known to venture to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico), Rey has quickly become known for his ability to channel his vibrant surroundings and put that into his music. Like a skilled painter, Rey can tastefully find inspiration from almost anything, including invigorating workouts, the influence of his brother, and perhaps most captivatingly, the ever-evolving intricacies of life itself.
Rey's musical journey commenced during his early teenage years, around 14 or 15. It was ignited by a medley of events and opportunities, including his brother's possession of the Atomix VirtualDJ mixer, FL Studio, and Rey's school involvement in poetry slams. The convergence of these elements, coupled with his brother's beat-making skills, created an irresistible current that propelled him into the world of music. Flowing with the natural progression, Rey embraced his musical inclinations and pursued his artistic calling.
Rey’s most recent release, “Without You,” is a testament to the colorful palette of influences he incorporates into his music. He skillfully balances different genres, utilizing vocals tinged with R&B influences with a vibrant and inherently danceable electronic instrumental tinged at times with reggaeton. Dropping lyrics like “She will be loved, in the club,” “I can’t believe what’s next without you,” and “I can’t be all that I am, without you,” “Without You” is sure to sweep you off your feet with the urge to start moving and dancing.
With an impressive catalog of over 100 releases, Rey’s musical career has gone from strength to strength, and it will only get better from here. Whenever you’re ready, tap in and stream “Without You,” available now on all major streaming platforms. Rey also invites listeners to explore his extensive work on his own website at R-E-Y.com.
Welcome back to BuzzMusic, Rey! We loved “Without You”, before we knew it we felt ourselves move and start to dance! We have to ask, could you take us through the creative process for this song?
"Without You" was written near the end of the 2021 summer. I was in the zone because I remember writing, "Better With Time", "Amazing", "Hands Of Prayer" and "Respect" all within like a month or two. I knew "Without You" was going to be special. The song was produced in Garageband believe it or not. The recording was engineered in Pro Tools. I have no limits when it comes to inspiration. I can make a song about a frame on the wall if you put me in a room with just that. Having all this technology available to create music just makes everything so fluent.
It’s been a little while since we’ve last seen you but you’ve been going from strength to strength which is awesome to see. For any of your fans out there hoping to follow in your footsteps, what do you think is the most important quality for a musician to have?
The most important quality for a musician is honesty and a spiritual compass to audition different roles. I can't stand artists that are one dimensional. I need to hear something for the street, for the club, for the ladies and where you get your inspiration from. If you want to be like me, you have to compete at a high level, in everything, or try. I hope that doesn't sound too vulgar.
You mentioned that you operate out of a couple of different areas, not only in New York but abroad in DR and PR. How have those diverse musical cultures contributed to your identity as an artist?
Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Mambo! It's fascinating to integrate everything I've learned from while growing up in New York, into my work.
What is your favourite part about making music?
I really enjoy engineering. Producing is super cool, writing can be time consuming but worthwhile at the same time. There's a moment in writing when everything just flows. I enjoy everything about making music.
Whats next for Rey? Do you have more new music coming soon and is there anything you want to say to your fans?
I'd like to say Thank YOU! Next, It's time to take a break. Might drop some beats here and there but I feel like reflecting on the work I've done so far, so, It's that time.