Grant Ray shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Grant, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Who are you learning from right now?
At the moment I am learning from recognized feelings I used to respond to emotionally rather than strategically. By that I mean this – often times we, as human beings react rather than take adequate time to process and think before we respond . By doing this we allow our feelings to drive how we handle situations and not our brain. When you take a step back, breath, reassess and think, you are able to calm down, get back in alignment and respond with a solution rather than an in the moment emotional reaction. This takes self awareness and is a byproduct of growth – 2 of the biggest areas of focus of my self work present day on my journey
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Grant Ray but my stage name is GKING. I am an independent music artist and longtime working live vocalist and entertainer based in Florida. I have been performing since I was a child and professionally since 2015. I started releasing my original music independently in 2011 and have released 5 studio albums present day, over 30 music videos, merch, my autobiography and other merchandise. My latest single titled CAFFEINE is out now on all digital platforms and is my first real summer anthem so to speak. What I believe to be unique about my brand is the fact that I am essentially many different artists in one package – I have taken important influences from many genres throughout my life and have truly created a sound all my own and an instantly recognizable vocal style. When you hear my music or are at any of my gigs – you know it’s a Grant Ray production
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
My earliest memory of feeling powerful dates back to my childhood. I was an obese child and struggled with overeating as a form of coping with a dark, abusive and impoverished childhood. At age 13 I tipped the scale at over 300 pounds. After an embarrassing incident during summer school in which I was unable to run up several flights of stairs in physical education class,I made the decision that I was done being overweight and was going to become the fit, good looking and in control person I was meant to be. And in only a couple months of brutal hard work, focus and unbridled dedication I did just that, losing over 100 pounds and finally seeing the real me in the mirror – For the first time I had a real sense of power and a confidence that would continue to build over the next few years during my journey into adulthood
When you were sad or scared as a child, what helped?
Coming from a very violent and corrosive childhood, there were few safe spaces and being a biracial kid without a father put me in even more of an isolated, dark place. Often battered, afraid for my safety, in fear of being homeless or killed, I discovered music, songwriting and singing early on and it was music that became the foundation of who I am. Music was the one thing that gave me an escape and gave me a true purpose in life and to this day it has saved me in every way. I would not have survived had it not been for music and I am forever grateful for it.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
One of the main people I have always admired for their character and not necessarily their power is one of my musical heroes Mariah Carey. She was always one of the artists who dedicated her life and her craft to inspiring, uplifting and saving the life’s of countless people across the globe with her music. Many famous people have a mission of achieving money and status but I feel her mission was always to help people achieve and be a beacon of hope for those with a dream of becoming the best version of themselves
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
When I am gone I hope people remember the music I put out into the world, the fight that I fought to become all I was told I couldn’t and the hard work and dedication I put forth my entire life to hone my craft and bring my vision to life
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/grantray100
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@therealone52?si=xJecVDSvnVW_XILM
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2b7VXM7rVRE5amEpoV5OD9?si=5X0uTsGCTGmEF-6P6TlCRA
