Ray BLK drops new Empress project, says it's important to "remind people that they are enough"

Ray BLK's Empress project is the latest achievement for the flourishing R&B singer, who was crowned as BBC's Sound of 2017, and has since gone on to collaborate with some huge names, including Gorillaz, Kojo Funds, Naughty Boy and RAYE.

In August Ray BLK shared the compelling "Run Run", before revealing the empowering "Empress" track, and then going on to announce her Empress project.

The eight-track project is a personal one, visiting topics such as Ray BLK's family, social environment, independence and empowerment.

We managed to get a quick chat with the blossoming singer/songwriter about her new project, which you can read below.

BEST FIT: Your Empress project seems like it holds a lot of personal themes like family, the environment you've grown up in, and embracing your independence - how did you piece it all together?

Ray BLK: "I think it all came together naturally because of the headspace I was in. I knew I wanted to make a project that empowered and uplifted people and so drew on my own experiences that I’ve made it through or lessons I’ve learned in relationships. When I go to the studio I try to be open and ready to lay everything out in my music."

Can you expand on the importance of the themes across your project?

"When I was writing these songs I was in a space where I was rebuilding my confidence after it being knocked down in a bad relationship and from speaking to my friends it just felt like we all go through that. Asking why someone won’t love us, asking if were good enough, especially with social media right now selling an image of perfection in every post its hard to love yourself as you are and so I think its more important than ever to remind people that they are enough!"

Have you got a favourite track, or moment from making the Empress project?

"It always changes but I think my favourite track right now is Mama because I’ve never written a song sooo honest about my family and upbringing and every time I sing it live I remember the times i'm talking about and it either makes me smile or want to cry."

Did you have to overcome any obstacles when making the project? If so what were they and how did you move past them?

"While making this project there was so much pressure after winning the sound poll I really had to not get distracted and pressured into making what I think people wanted to hear or what people expected from mean a “next step” and do what felt right. That was so challenging but I just had to keep reminding myself that I won because of who I already am and not by copying or following other people so to continue doing what felt right. If I like it and it feels right then I should go with it and if it doesn’t feel like me just drop it out."

Have you got a particular routine when it comes to writing/recording? Or any food/music you need to get you in the zone?

"I like keeping my mouth busy in the studio lol so I often bring popcorn or nuts…I like to start with the beat and let it loop and just get on the mic and freestyle any melodies in my head then pick the best bits and write to it but that usually only happens when im extremely comfortable with who i'm working with. Otherwise I like doing it all in my head. I’ll just be silent for half an hour and be like OK i'm ready to put the verse down."

What would you say is your proudest moment of 2018?

"Musically I would say releasing my first single of the year, "Run Run". My team and I had been working hard behind the scenes and overcoming setbacks so having that song and video finally out was such a moment for me, and then furthermore the song meant a lot to so many people and had a message behind it that i'm so proud of."

Any exciting plans for next year?

"My debut album, a tour, and global domination commences."