QUEENS, NY | SEPTEMBER 14, 2016: Shortly after announcing his debut EP, Braveheart (out 10/28/16), the powerful indie soul-pop artist Ray Hodge was thrilled to partner with Next2Shinefor the video premiere of his debut single "I Am King." Next2Shine states, "The layered vocals underneath Ray's lead vocals add the element of community and oneness. Even the title of the track calls for the encouragement of self-confidence. When an individual goes through hard times, the best way to get out of the funk is to find inspiration. Ray Hodge flat out gives you some inspiration directly, especially towards the end when you can actually feel in his voice how passionate he is with his message." The video, which was produced by Alexa San Roman (Heirsound), captivated fans and new listeners with Ray's powerhouse voice and inspirational message of hope and strength. This is what Ray had to say about the story behind "I Am King": "[this song] was born to be a lasting echo from me to my future children, and their children, and so on. It's a reminder to them that we are more than just what people say or think we are, to give them this spiritual power to move through life when days get so low. This song was meant to give strength when they felt like they didn't have it in them. Once it came to my attention that this song was so much bigger than the empowerment of just my blood line (my family) I had to share it with my people and who ever feels the power of the song. If I can help someone by giving that same reminder and feeling that I wanted to give to my future kids, it would be amazing accomplishment." - Ray Hodge

Growing up in Jamaica, Queens on an eclectic mix of music ranging from Michael Jackson to System of A Down, Ray's love of music and performing started at a very young age. Singing and performing for almost anyone who would listen, his love for music would eventually lead him to play in his first band in his early teens. Since then, Ray has been sharpening his theatrical live performance skills playing various underground clubs in NYC, as well as crafting his own original brand of music that somehow manages to encapsulate indie, pop and soul music all wrapped into one perfect package. Like it's title, Hodge's debut EP Braveheart (out 10/28/16) is a 6-song collection of songs meant to move and inspire, highlighted by the artist's powerful and dynamic vocal range. Ray's music is honest and emotional with a message of hope for anyone that has been through trying times in their life, to remind them that they are not alone and to stay strong, love themselves and push through because they are going to make it...the same mantra that Ray reminds himself of on a daily basis. The artist elaborates: "What I try to do differently than other artists is to make it about more than just the lights and glam, more than just a lyric or a good song. I create the land and the fans build the houses. In that, we make this place our place, where we become the Vibrations and electricity and in that form,we are one. We are not alone. I make it ok to release the happiness, sadness, or anger as we share it among each other in these moments we purify."

Watch the official music video for Ray Hodge's debut single, "I Am King" on YouTube and  To stay up to date on all things Ray, including new music videos coming soon, be sure to follow him on Facebook.

1. I Am King
2. Voodoo
3. Braveheart
4. If It's Easy
5. STAND UP
6. Fast Drive

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