Just outside Piccadilly Circus underground station, located on the steps of the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, is the even more iconic Victor Ray - the Newcastle native who captured hearts and ears alike with his soulful melodies and heartfelt lyrics.

From effortless covers to hauntingly beautiful originals, if you’re looking for a voice to sink into on a Sunday afternoon, you’ve come to the right place.

FORE spoke to the man behind the mic to learn more about Victor’s upbringing, how it’s influenced his music, and what special ingredients he uses in his music to get us in our feels.

Q: How did your upbringing in Uganda and Newcastle influence your musical style?

My Ugandan and Kenyan background plays very subtly into my musical influence as I have very few memories from there. However I was raised with this culture and it means I see the world in a different light. Now being raised in Newcastle also meant that I was exposed to a lot of varying music. My mum would be playing her Kenyan cassettes in the car and at school I’d be hearing a lot of pop and rock music, from bands like Oasis to artists like Ed Sheeran. I think my upbringing very much stimulated my love for music. 

Q: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when you first started busking?

I can name so many. It could be cold or wet or both, The streets could be almost empty, The money could be tight. I’ve had money stolen from my case and I’ve had drunk people try to steal the mic and start shouting down it. It can be a lot. 

Q: Can you share a memorable experience or encounter from your early days of performing in public spaces?

I remember when I was 17 or 18, I was walking through an underpass in Newcastle and there was a young homeless girl about 22 years old. I didn’t have any money on me but I had my guitar as I had just finished busking. I ended up talking to her for an hour or two and busking beside her as a few people would walk by every now and then inbetween our conversation. She was so kind and open with her story, as sad as it was, and she was so excited about me and my singing. In the end we had made maybe thirty pounds which was enough for her to get some food and somewhere to sleep. Hopefully she’s doing better now wherever she is. 

Q: How do you approach the creative process when you're writing a new song? Do you have any rituals or routines that help you get into the zone?

I don’t have too many routines to be honest, I like to let creativity in at all times. This way I can pick up my guitar and try to write something when I’m inside or I can hum a melody into my phone when I’m out, or just write down a lyric I think of randomly. That way I feel like I can fight off ‘writer's block’ by constantly being creatively open. 

When making the songs. I tend to let the music speak first, meaning I like to find the chords and instrumentals and then over the top of that I’ll try to hum or sing whatever comes to mind and then something will feel right here and there. It’s almost like the song is whole already, but the pieces are scattered and I’m just putting it back together. 

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