We were lucky to catch up with Christopher ‘C-Ray’ Roberts recently and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Christopher ‘C-Ray’, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
I honestly believe my purpose found me. Music has always been an instinctive love since I could walk. My Dad always shares a story of seeing me knocking the phone off the hook until the “off-hook” tone would start playing and I would move my head in perfect rhythm to it. He knew at that point that I would fall into a career with music. But, I was always shy about singing in front of people. My sister at the time was the performer with a BEAUTIFUL voice. She was the only one that truly heard my voice and always pushed me to do talent shows, sing at church, etc., but, I just lacked the courage. All of that changed during the summer of 1998 at a karaoke booth in Cedar Point, OH. Finally getting over my fear of stage freight, I performed “A Song For Mama” by Boyz II Men. A crowd starting with 4-5 people turned into 50+ by the time I finished. The ovation changed my life. Strangers walking up to shake my hand and asking for my name to look out for me in the future. In fact, one of those people was a record producer. He pulled my mom and I aside wanting to offer a deal to cut a record with me…we all couldn’t believe it. He actually mailed over a contract, but, my parents felt it was, too, soon and didn’t know enough at the time. They were both still in shock about it all. But, for me, that was all I needed to start this journey. I’ve never looked back since.
From there, I started writing music, eventually finding my way into studios in the small town of Kokomo, IN. One of those studios was in the house of Preston Brust, now a huge country songwriter and artist (Locash). I watched him produce, engineer, and run a session when we were all part of an “experimental” boy band group…yeah…It didn’t pan out, but, I fell in love with the process. I started studying, breaking down every song in my head that I heard trying to hear the layers of the instrumentation, drums, and vocals. I became obsessed. Slowly but surely, I was brought into another studio to start making beats and singing hooks for a local rap group, “Coalition”. I was able to get hands-on experience in recording equipment, recording and producing vocals, handling outboard gear, producing music on top-tier keyboards, and couldn’t stop. I was never home. After school, I’d go straight to the studio…sleep…school…sleep, and the pattern continued.
I’ve been producing for 25 years. And today, I’ve learned that my purpose is beyond creating music. It’s to bring people joy when they need a song to celebrate life, or to give someone who is struggling or heartbroken a song that understands them and gives them something to hold on to. Music truly is a gift. I couldn’t imagine a life without it nor a life without being a part of it. Grateful and always looking forward to where my purpose takes me next.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
A lot of exciting things happening right now! I was behind the songs for a Christmas film that recently came out, “Christmas Angel” streaming on BET+ & Paramount+. Starring DaniLeigh, Romeo Miller, and Skyh Black. Check it out!
Being able to work with incredibly talented artists like DaniLeigh and Romeo Miller was a blessing, and the music came out above and beyond anyone’s expectation. The featured song in the film ‘Angels Need Angels’ is set to be released on DaniLeigh soon and I’m excited for everyone to hear the fully produced version! Slightly different than what we used in the movie (hint hint). I’m very proud of it along with all the music in the film and have been overwhelmed with the love shown thus far. My phone and DMs have been flooded, haha! Got to give a shoutout to the amazing Director, LazRael Lison, and Music Supervisor, Marc E. Williams. Marc is also my business partner in multiple artist development projects. A lot of exciting artists to break in 2024 – stay tuned!
Currently, I’m working on music for two more films, another Christmas film (with a big R&B star artist/actor that I can’t yet reveal) and the other is a surprise. Both set to be released in 2024.
Always looking for new talent and projects. Definitely reach out! IG – @craymusic
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Discipline, patience, and to never let anyone believe in you more than you believe in yourself. There will always be obstacles, adversity, and things that don’t as planned. Always fight. Have an open mind. Take criticism constructively. Never stop growing. Never stop learning. Life is full of moments – don’t let one bad one break you. Don’t be afraid of failure – I mean, of course, we all have a fear of failure, even me. But, the fear of failure is nothing compared to my fear of not trying. Be grateful for everything in your life. If you don’t learn to appreciate the things you have now, you’ll never learn to appreciate the things you’ll receive in the future.
Lastly, talent is everywhere. Find what separates you from everyone else and OWN IT – Embrace it. Make connections. Like any business, this one is no different. Be genuine, kind, and passionate. Those characteristics will take you much further than talent alone.
Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?
There are actually quite a few.
God and my faith is number one. My guidance has and will always begin there. None of this would be possible without God in my life. Trust me, I have quite a story.
My right hand & business partner, Marc E. Williams has been nothing short of a blessing in my life. He’s had tremendous success and is one of the most genuine people I’ve ever met. We’ve been working together for over 10 years and continue to reach new milestones. I continue to learn from him and consider Marc not just a mentor, but my brother. Never seen ANYONE that works harder than this guy. I swear his blood is half human and half Red Bull. A major part of the success I’ve had thus far is all due to him and I’m forever grateful for the faith he puts into me, creatively and professionally.
Outside of the business, I have many special people in my life that inspire me to be the best version of myself, in and out the studio. I’ve been blessed with several gifts in my life, including one light when I needed it the most, Wendy. Grateful to call her my best friend and partner in crime. She pushes me to be greater than great, and is such an inspiration in my life. She has taught me valuable skills in patience, balance (one I’m still working on) and how to always see the blessings in any situation – all essential skills that I’ve incorporated into my crazy life that has given me new perspective on the importance of values and integrity. She’s a big part of where I’m at today and the gratitude I have for her is endless. She’s amazing and wouldn’t have felt right if I didn’t scream that out to the world.
Lastly, and certainly not least, my incredible and beautiful family have always had my back. They’ve been apart of my journey since day one. My mom has taught me how to fight, my father has taught me how to never give up, my sister has taught me how to persevere, and my brother has taught me how to smile, no matter what life throws at you. From signing bad deals, so walking my mom down the red carpet in Hollywood, it’s been quite a road. Always want to make them proud and I carry EVERYTHING they’ve taught me into both my career and everyday life. I’m one lucky guy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://onkeyent.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/craymusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crayonkeyent
Image Credits
The one with the watermark – Getty Images: Olivia Wong
