Exclusive interview with Charlie Ray

​Charlie Ray started producing music at 18 years old, but it was not until a year later that he started to produce more seriously. With his groovy and progressive sounds, he immediately started to get recognition from none other than Hardwell, Martin Garrix, Sick Individuals and others.
He entered his first remix contest together with Waysons, and they were awarded with the 3rd place. After that, he started focussing on original records, this resulted in releases on Republic Records and Blow The Roof Records. But Charlie did not stop there. He and Waysons combined forces once again and made Homeland. Hardwell immediately fell in love with the record and released it on Revealed Recordings. This was the kickstart Charlie's career needed.
After that, releases on Protocol Recordings, Armada Music and Wall Recordings followed. Now he is working with some of the biggest producers around the world, making some of the finest work of music you have ever heard. 

​How do you start a new track? What's your favourite DAW?

I usually start a track with a drop, since that part is essentially the heart of the track. Once i feel like i have an idea what do there i move on to a break and do the same. I like working with a full draft and take it from there. My favorite (and only) DAW Is FL Studio. It was so easy to pick up on that, the software feels really accessible.
I tried Logic too but i think once you picked your DAW you should stick with that one, since you're most familiar with it. More importantly, there is no 'right' DAW.
The biggest producers all use different software.

You just released your track "Out Of Time" featuring Jonny Rose, how this collaboration started?

​'Out of Time' was a funny one. I finished that track a while ago, i believe in the fall of 2016. I had some trouble with the label where it was signed, so i decided to put it out as a free download. I did that because i loved the track, and i really wanted people to hear it.
Jonny Rose's vocals are always amazing and he did not disappoint on 'Out of Time'.
I had goosebumps the first time i heard the topline!

Any advice for upcoming producers?

I think it is most important for upcoming producers to know that they have to take their time. The first thing producers want to do is sign a track on Revealed or Spinnin, but it does not work that way. Mastering a craft takes time. Finish as many tracks as you can, get feedback from your surroundings, and surely you will get bigger and bigger.
I did it like that, finished a couple tracks for free and some got put out on small labels. After that i released 'Homeland' at Revealed Recordings and everything changed after that. Another perfect example is my Italian friend 'Dumbers'. As we speak we are finishing a track together. Luca (Dumbers) signed tracks at some smaller labels a couple of years ago and with that he really found his sound. Once he nailed that he landed tracks on Flamingo and now three(!) tracks on Protocol (Nicky Romero's Imprint).

Any good news you want to share with us about your future projects?

I'm going for about 6/7 releases this year, a bootleg, a solo release and as i said a couple of collaborations (with Dumbers, Jordan Jay and Reggio) that i am really excited about. I'm also going to be touring Europe (for now Italy and Germany) and Asia this summer/fall.
I can't wait to be back in Asia, i loved it there the last time. I'm hoping to play in Malaysia soon as well!