“I am a soldier. Although I’m no longer serving, I still see myself as a soldier, still honoring the red white and blue,” says Raymond when asked about his inspiration behind his latest single, Red White and Blue. “ I remembered the feeling of coming home from training, how overwhelming it was. I wanted to recapture that moment in this song.” Red, White and Blue is one of a long list of production accolades coming from the young singer. Hailing form the city of Dillon, South Carolina, Williams remembers his early inspirations growing up in the South. His grandmother introduced him to musical greats like Marvin Gaye, Clarence Carter, Luther Vandross and Patti Labelle, and he was instantly drawn to music. His fascination compelled him to begin singing in the church, and later audition for talent shows around the city to test his skills., singing a myriad of gospel, and R&B tunes he’d fashioned together. RAYMOND WILLIAMS Discography 1. Red, White, and Blue 2. Red, White, and Blue Remix. His endeavors paid off, placing second in the Dillon County’s Got Talent Showcase. After a critique from Angie Stone’s Assistant manager, Williams dove into his music, and began performing all over the city to perfect his craft. Doing so has placed him in the path to work with local artists, including Pee Wee Clark, Rebekah Mashael, 220 Flame Squad, as well as Rhythm of Gospel’s Male Gospel Vocalist of the year, Maurice McZeke. He really enjoy singing all genres of music so he’s ready to network and build. While his current sights are set for the upcoming performances of his latest R&B mixtape release Tracks Of Life. He has plans to return to the studio to begin work on his upcoming projects. “The music I grew up on—Melvin Waiters, Gladys Knight, Luther Vandross—they are true legends to me, legendary story tellers. I hope to capture the same power in the story of my music.”
Exposed Vocals: How did you hear about Exposed Vocals? What made you decide to sign up?
Baby Boy: I heard about Exposed Vocals through social media on Facebook from a friend of mine who is an R&B artist. I signed up due to the fact my friend is from Atlanta and doing well in music. And he’s using your site and I entrusted my information on your site on his behalf, and will do further business as time permits.
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
Baby Boy: I grew up in Dillon, South Carolina a small town near the North Carolina border. My decision to become an artist was like a calling for me. Begin singing in the house and then went to the choir stand , then to talent shows, then karaoke, then to studios, then live performances and it became a passion and love. Growing up listening to all genres of music made me happy watching Apollo, Soul Train, MTV and BET programs sitting dead in front of the television trying to sing every song. Listening at various artist express their love and emotions made me feel great and I wanted to do the same ever since a young age.
Exposed Vocals: How did you come up with that name? What was your inspiration behind it?
Baby Boy: I came up with my name due to the fact I was always a little fellow. The youngest out of 4 kids from my father, The youngest out my friends who I used to hang out with, and I was my grandmother Baby from birth. When the doctors gave up on me as I was born, she still had faith in God, and me to pull through. She had six kids and she took the time to put extra care in my life as well as my mother when she never raised none of her kids. This is my inspiration to “Baby Boy”
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Baby Boy: Online sharing is a great asset to the world today. The convenience is what people are looking for today. Very cost efficient as well versus the old days where you had to travel for all business. I do give away music on a lot of promotional websites. The reason why is because I want the world to hear my stories through music and make them understand how I feel and how they can feel. I also give them a option to purchase to support as well.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
Baby Boy: The advice I want to give is never give up and keep pressing. Budget, Network, Promote, and keep God First!!!! Dreams Come True
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
Baby Boy: Yes, I make mistakes during performances from time to time. I handle it by continuous practice and steady getting back on the floor. I’ve also taken the time to go to Artist Boot Camp for The Stars with Dominique Mitchell. I advise all artist to check him out.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Baby Boy: I have not had the chance to tour yet, but I travel a lot to artist showcases. I recently released my R&B mixtape Tracks of Life. So I am accepting dates trying to put together a tour for 2016 now.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
Baby Boy: I gather my songwriting inspiration through life experiences. My process normally consist on the mood and then I contact producers and give them my thoughts. After that we get a feel for beats and put the words to the music. Practice, practice, practice then to the studio.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Baby Boy: Yes I have a band website on Weebly, I use Reverb Nation, Facebook, Audio Mack, Exposed Vocals, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
Baby Boy: Don’t really have any embarrassing songs on my mp3 player.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Baby Boy: I would thank God!! I would invest my money into my music production, My non profit organization, and make sure my family is taken care of. I love helping those who are less fortunate and that will be my chance to give back to several needed states.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Baby Boy: Yes I plan to upgrade very soon. Right now I use Adobe, Reasons, and Pro Tools
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
Baby Boy: I find ways to promote through browsing the web, promoters, and networking with other music artist.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Baby Boy: That’s a hard question. But I would have liked to perform with James Brown. Amazing stage presence, performances was great, and he knew how to make the crowd feel him. Soul master at its best. For the new generation I would love to perform with John Legend and Tyrese. These two hear are RNB icons to me. John Legend is just so smooth and big ups for Tyrese being a great vocalist and independent.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
Baby Boy: Now I am currently working on a new single with a very well known producer and songwriter. Name will be released at a further date.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
Baby Boy: Help build up many communities with non profit organizations to really be there for people.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
Baby Boy: Wow, not really but I think it was (DRS) Cassette tape, and Boyz II Men. I said when I grow up I’m going to sing just like them.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Baby Boy: Its very hard trying to pursue but with God and great team players I manage to get it done.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016
Baby Boy: Fans can look forward to hearing great projects, and performances.
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Twitter @ raymondwill69
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