Five Questions With: GRAMMY nominated Singer, Songwriter Ray Dalton

Ray Dalton (Label Submitted)

So who is this amazingly talented Ray Dalton? His hook work hit for a GRAMMY nom alongside Macklemore and Ryan Lewis Can’t Hold Us and which is also RIAA Certified 6x Platinum. That was the big break that set Dalton firmly on the path to creating new music for his ever-increasing supporters. He’s stepping out center stage with his debut single If You Fall.

Here’s the official line on RAY DALTON

When DJ and record producer Ryan Lewis contacted him on Facebook for a possible collaboration in 2011, Ray Dalton was in the midst of pursuing his goal to work with every big hip-hop artist in Seattle. The multi-talented singer/songwriter was hoping that any of the powerhouse hooks he was creating would help him get discovered as an artist. The one that finally caught on – his infectious chorus for Macklemore and Ryan Lewis’ hip-hop anthem “Can’t Hold Us” – helped spur the track from the duo’s GRAMMY-winning album, THE HEIST, into an ongoing global phenomenon.

It also laid the groundwork for the 26-year-old Dalton’s emergence this year as an artist in his own right, with the release of his deeply grooving debut pop-soul single, If You Fall.”

“I feel like the song is reflective of who I am, happy and upbeat, so it’s the perfect introduction to me as a solo artist,” says Dalton of the track, which he co-wrote with Scott Effman (Chris Brown, Kelly Clarkson, Mike Posner) and was produced by Rufus Dipper. “I love combining a soulful vocal with elements that get you jumping and buzzing. ‘If You Fall’ is me talking about how I feel about love, whether it’s in a romantic relationship, or family and friends, or my incredible fans. I’m saying, I want to show you how much I love you.”

Dalton is excited about sharing his deeper, ever-evolving artistry as a songwriter and vocalist with the fans who know him best from “Can’t Hold Us.” Certified 6x Platinum by the RIAA, the track was a #1 hit on four Billboard charts, including the Hot 100, and a chart-topper everywhere from Australia to Sweden, the UK and Poland. Named “The Most Streamed Song of 2013” by Spotify, it currently has over 520 million views, and its massively popular, Grammy® nominated video – featuring scenes Dalton shot while on tour in New Zealand in 2013 – has more than 520 million views. The clip also earned the singer two MTV Video Music Awards.

Dalton recognizes that he’s at a unique turning point in his career, as he breaks out of the “famous featured artist” role and begins to forge his own identity and share his true musical soul. He says, “If You Fall” is just the first of many tracks he will be releasing in the coming months.

“What’s becoming clear to me, is that I’m an artist who wants to represent love and show people a good time. As the world gets crazier, it’s crucial that artists and activists stay aware of what’s going on and bring elements of that to their work. It’s also important to let people know that they don’t have to always be worried about the future. We need times where we can kick back, have a barbecue and drink some tequila. I don’t ever want to take the focus away from the serious things happening all around us, but I also want to be who I am by using my music to pick up the spirits of others. Sometimes we just need an escape, and I would love my music to be a soundtrack to those beautiful moments in people’s lives.”

The Hype Magazine got the GRAMMY Nominee to weigh in on a few things

From the outside looking in, who is the GRAMMY nominated singer/songwriter Ray Dalton?

Over the past few years I’ve used my talent to help some amazing artists share their stories, but that’s only one side of me. Now I’m ready to share my story with the world as a solo artist. I’m incredibly competitive and creative, but also emotional and very loving. Those who know me best know I love to have a great time all the time. It’s been exciting to reveal these different parts that make up who I am and my music.

What brought you to the entertainment industry, music specifically?

I sang in one of the most unique gospel choirs called the Total Experience Gospel Choir growing up. Helping people heal through the music and traveling the world to do it made me want to sing as a career.

You’ve added your magic to a growing list of smash hits, what brought you center stage?

After collaborating with so many amazing people, I wanted more for myself and my dream. I felt it was time to take Ray Dalton to the next level.

Tell us about your current project and what’s on the list to finish 2017 and make 2018 amazing!

“If You Fall” is my debut solo single that I just released. (It’s still crazy saying that! Ha!) The new music video drops in November, which I can’t wait to share with everyone, and you can look for a new single in early 2018.

Last but not least, HYPE wants to know…What’s your CRAZIEST “Where they do that at?!” aka WTF?! moment…

One of my WTF moments was driving around Seattle with my friends and hearing “Can’t Hold Us” comes on the radio for the first time! It will always be one of my favorite memories, and I know there will be even more to come.

Get Connected

Twitter: @RayDaltonMusic

Instagram: raydaltonmusic

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Tags: macklemore, Ray Dalton, Ryan Lewis

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.