Arin Ray Takes Over The Roxy with Powerhouse Vocals and Tributes to Michael Jackson and Andre 3000
15.2k Likes, 162 Comments - ARIN RAY (@arinraycamp) on Instagram: "i love what I do. thank you LA 🌹"
Arin Ray Takes Over The Roxy with Powerhouse Vocals and Tributes to Michael Jackson and Andre 3000
The former X-Factor contestant turned singer-songwriter, Arin Ray, owned The Roxy Theatre on Monday. On a stage with only his live band, Ray’s three-stop tour kicked off in Los Angeles more than a year after his debut album Platinum Fire was released under Interscope Records.
The intimate venue was packed with fans of his latest project, Platinum Fire, who animatedly chanted “Arin!” as the black velvet drapes rose to reveal the Cincinatti, Ohio native. Clad with a welcoming smile and a printed silk top, Ray set the vibe by opening with the rhythmic guitar pulse track, “Communication” that features DRAM.
LA, I can't thank you enough for a SOLD OUT show. ❤️ Brooklyn, (also SOLD OUT), I'm headed your way!
2,267 Likes, 114 Comments - ARIN RAY (@arinraycamp) on Instagram: "LA, I can't thank you enough for a SOLD OUT show. ❤️ Brooklyn, (also SOLD OUT), I'm headed your way!"
Ray’s music stretches the R&B genre by synergizing modern-pop tunes, sweet soulful melodies, and strong vocals that feel so familiar. Inspired by “old school” performers like Lionel Richie and Michael Jackson, Ray’s tunes are reminiscent of a young Babyface and his stage presence is one that holds weight - confident in his strong, sexy demeanor while forming genuine connections with the crowd. “I came here with SIR maybe a year ago, we did this shit but, this is special man, y’all came here to see me, so bless y’all, thank you so much” he stated before delving into Andre 3000s “Prototype” with beautiful vocals and soft guitar strings. After his tribute to Andre 3000, he covered Michael Jackson’s “Butterflies.” Though the throwback covers were met with a silent crowd, the appreciation for his strong voice and captivating stage presence maintained the interest of a relatively young audience.
2,380 Likes, 91 Comments - ARIN RAY (@arinraycamp) on Instagram: "special nights ahead. got my dawg @childishmajor pullin up w/ me! very grateful. a few tickets left..."
Halfway into the show, Ray brought a fan on stage that was patiently waiting at the venue from 3pm until his stage arrival around 9pm. He thanked her for her dedication, helped her into the seat that appeared and kicked off a routine we’ve seen at most male-led R&B shows. What set Ray apart was his light-hearted admission, “this is my first time doing something like this, this is crazy,” and the excited fan who knew every word to his newly-release romantic single, A Seat. Finally indulging the audience and releasing his silk shirt, Ray performed the sultry record with a level of stage comfort that’s hard to find in new artists. Ray then showed his range with the crowd-favorite “We Ain’t Homies,” a less melodic bop with strong hip hop influence that features YG.
The self-proclaimed “creator of dope vibes” kept the crowd moving and engaged consistently throughout his set and closed with the 90s-inspired “Change” featuring Kehlani that took crowd participation to a new level. He may not be a household name yet, just give him time. The tour continues throughout November with stops in Brooklyn and Atlanta.
