In collaboration with

Reflecting on the year that brought the proudest moment of his career, Victor Ray talks to us for his Amazon Music Breakthrough UK: 2025 Artists To Watch list, in collaboration with NOTION, digital cover.

Once a busker serenading the cobbled streets, Victor Ray is now pop music’s biggest sweetheart after eight transformative years. Fresh and electrifying, his take on R&B captures hearts and playlists alike, and with forthcoming tour dates in the US, his stocks will continue to rise. 

 

It all kicked off when a raw clip of him performing in Newcastle exploded online and catapulted him into the limelight. Since then, Victor has harnessed the power of social media, creating a vibrant tapestry of engagement that invites fans into his artistic evolution. From selling out Camden’s iconic KOKO to signing with Universal Music Group’s Decca Records, he is on a meteoric rise. Now, he’s deep in the process of creating his debut album, which looks set to solidify his status as a defining voice.

 

 With relentless passion and a magnetic drive, Victor is a testament to the idea that anything is possible when you dare to dream. Here, we sit down with him to find out what he hopes people take away from his music and his most unexpected inspirations.

Do you remember the moment you fell in love with music?


It’s my earliest memory of music: I must’ve been about four or five and I remember my sister and her friend making a dance to ABBA’s ‘Dancing Queen’ and that song made me so happy.

Tell us a bit about your latest single ’Sticks and Stones’. How did the collaboration with Kojey Radical come about? What do you hope people take away from the song?

Ah, that song makes me so happy because of how it came together. I incidentally met Kojey [Radical] years ago when I was singing on the street and he stopped to give me credit on Instagram. So to have this moment to talk about my story with him and Strandz who are both artists I’m inspired by is incredible.

What are you manifesting for 2025?

I’m manifesting growth and more authenticity in my music and life.

Who are your ones to watch?

My boy Myles Smith, he’s killing it. Also Pozer, Debbie, Odeal, Lola Young, Flowerovlove… There are loads but those names come to mind first.

What is your dream venue to play this year?

I’d love to play Royal Albert Hall this year!

What’s the proudest moment of your career so far?

I’m most proud of the show I did in KOKO London. it just showed me how far I’ve come and how this city really has my back.

What do you hope people take away from your music?

I hope the message I put into each song helps people find peace, relatability or clarity in their own life and journey.

What’s your most unexpected musical inspiration?

My most unexpected musical inspiration is probably a TV show called Arcane. The soundtrack has been living in my head since it came out.

If you could channel the energy of anyone in 2025 whose would it be?

I want to channel the energy of my mum. I don’t think there’s anyone I know that works harder or inspires me more.

What song or album changed your perspective on making music?

Blonde by Frank Ocean has been hitting me deep these last few weeks. The soundscapes he uses and the structure of his songs are so freeing.

What’s next for you?

More music, more shows and more eyes on what is happening here. I’m still early in my career but I want to make sure everyone hears the stories I’ve told and the ones I’m yet to tell.

Listen to the Amazon Music UK: 2025 Artists to Watch playlist now:

Magazine – NOTION / Agency – Studio NOTION / Production Company – DELA.STUDIO / Creative Director – Daisy Deane / Producer – Elly Craig / Photographer – Yana Van Nuffel / Digi Op – Julia Eskell / Lighting Assistant – Luke Weller / Lighting Assistant – Emily White / Self Shooter + Editor – Liam James / Video Assistant – Eliezer Franco Chiquete / Soundie – Sahishnu Tongaonkar / 1st AD – Micheal Baugh / 2nd AD – Jade Ashleigh / Set Designer – Hannah Knowles / Set Assistant – Luke Marchant / Stylist – Ellie Rimmer / Stylist Assistant – Tori Parry / Stylist – Phoebe Butterworth / Stylist Assistant – Clemmie Coles / Stylist Prep Assistant – Alice Sanders / Makeup Artist – Maya Man / Makeup Assistant – Babi Campos / Makeup Assistant – Ocean Wright / Hair Artist – Tarik Bennafla / Hair Assistant – Misty Mosharrafa / Comp Artist – Romario Maher / Cover Graphics – Chrissie Trappl