RAY GUELL

Cuban American, Ray Guell, was always drawn to the arts ever since he was a child. His parents say, that he started dancing before he could even walk. Music came very easy to him and his ability to put melodies together on his guitar or on the piano was amazing for such a young child, even without formal training.

Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Ray’s formal studies in the arts didn’t start until he was in college where he first began to actively seek a career in acting. Ironically, he never focused on his vocal talent , although music was his first love.

While continuing his studies in Los Angeles, he auditioned for a theater company and was asked if he could sing. Unprepared for this request, he sang one of his favorite songs, “What I Did For Love” (from the musical, “A Chorus Line”), acapella. Fortunately for Ray, he did not get the part but was asked to audition for another director that was putting together a Spanish version of the musical, A Chorus Line. He auditioned and landed the part of Paul, which was one of the lead parts in the production. During the rehearsals, Ray received news that would alter his path. His father fell ill and Ray quit the show and went back home to Miami to be by his father’s side and to offer support to his family.

Now back in Miami and although Miami is not well known as a “theatrical hub”, Ray began “testing the waters” on his own to make something happen for himself. He eventually stumbled upon a local new wave band that needed a lead vocalist. Ray assisted in financing the band’s demo and approached an independent record label in hopes that they might sign the group release the music. They weren’t very interested in the band, but they were interested in Ray.

The working relationship with Tolga blossomed into the second successful production on Turnstyle/Atlantic Records, which was called, “You Took My Heart”, in 1992.

In Brazil, Ray’s music was often referred to as “Funky Melody” and both songs hit the top 10 simultaneously, establishing him as a major dance music artist throughout Brazil. After the simultaneous Top 10 successes, Ray enjoyed a period as a “Funky Melody” superstar, and toured frequently in Brazil.

In 1996, Ray released his first full length album called, “Inspiration”, based on the success of the title track released independently on Hot Apple Records.

He collaborated with such influential producers as Grammy Award winning producer, Chris Barbosa, local Latino producer, DJ Lucho, Carlos Sarli and others. He then assembled the new tracks along with the earlier hits, and released the album on Groovy Tunes Records.

The album was recently reissued in July of 2010, via Ray’s own label, RG Music to include the updated missing track of Let Me Go that was produced by Chris Barbosa. This version was not available on the original album but is now available on the reissued album.

In the summer of 2010, Ray teamed up with dance producer, Giuseppe D., and has collaborated on a few of songs for an upcoming album release (TBD). The first single from this artistic pairing is the prolific message song, “Love Is The Answer”, which has been released to clubs throughout the U.S. Ray says, “I wanted to write about something important and current regarding the state of the world, so the lyrics have a bit of a ‘political slant’”.

This track has been well received and remixed for various types of dance floors from tribal and progressive house treatments as well as alternative, tech house and mainstream flavored mixes. The original cut of the video is available on YouTube, as well as the alternative lifestyle version produced by Barry Browder.

Love Is The Answer held on strong on many dance club charts including the Billboard Dance Charts. This track is still being heard all over the world.

Remixers who worked on “Love Is The Answer” include producer/songwriter Giuseppe D., Monster Taxi, DJ Tom Tom, Alex A.D., Mikey Maze, C-Rod and Brazilian DJ sensation, Gustavo Scorpio. There is also a remix video which was produced and edited by local DJ/VJ and Billboard reporter, Barry Browder. “Love Is The Answer” is still going strong and is now burning up the air waves and dance floors in Brazil with the new added mixes from Brazilian remixer Juniur ON.

Ray’s new release is “You Don’t Know Me” which he wrote and collaborated with Giuseppe D. It is now available at all the digital music outlets including Itunes, Amazon, Rhapsody,Nokia Music and many more. This new release includes several different remixes from different dance music genres including the “Commercial Club mix” produced by Giuseppe D. Also included is a wicked progressive tribal house remix by Twisted Dee. Other mixes include the “underground house mix” From Vidal and Cales N Mr Hyde. The jazzy house mix was produced by Frankie C and Audio Jazz. On a sophomore collaboration, there is Mikey Maze who produced the “Tribal Rock mix” and the Arenna remixers from Brazil who produced an exciting “House remix”. Three other Brazilian remixers joined this production and produced three different “Freestyle” versions. There is the “Electro remix” by Junior ON, the old school break beat flavored remix” by Viper X and the very hot remix by Wilson Oliver. No one has been left out; there is something here for eveyone’s audio palet. These tracks are already receiving great reviews and are building momentum very fast. The video for “You Don’t Know Me” can be seen on Youtube as well as on this web site. Get to know…….”You Don’t Know Me”……….. you won’t be disappointed!

Just in time for summer 2012, Ray’s new release, “Celebrate”. Already getting great reviews and feedback. Original mix is produced by Giuseppe D. Remixes by Twisted Dee, J. Bartet, Julian Marsh, TiMG, and from Brazil Lazaro Franco and Wilson Oliver. With this positive and uplifting track it’s time to “Celebrate” !