Very much the music lover, Don-Ray developed his admiration at an early age by growing up in a musical household.

Born to Jamaican parents in Kingston, he moved to Toronto, Canada, at a very young age and lived most of his early years there.

His mother was very influential musically, even though his father had a large record collection of reggae and soul. His mother had gone the distance as a promoter and was the first to bring the world-renowned reggae artist Dennis Brown to Canada. She ran an independent label and was a prominent businesswoman in the early 90’s.

Don-Ray developed his craft first through band music and then classical as a saxophonist. He eventually went on to the flute, bassoon, and then guitar during his years at musical elementary and preparatory schools. He traveled in orchestras all over Ontario, Canada, and eventually to Washington, D.C. (U.S.A). His skill as a pianist was what first brought him to popular music and has been part of his life ever since.

His initial foray into the music industry was as a solo artist creating music for compilations along side acts such as Roni Size, and Adam F. He eventually began remixing for Sony music. His work was not limited to producing as he also was technically educated and was hired to work along side the legendary producer Daniel Lanois as a young asst. audio engineer.

Eventually he began releasing his own productions under several monikers and bands including one named Maxelle that eventually garnered a Best New Electronic Act of 2000 from the Urban Music Awards in Toronto. He soon followed up with a full album under his own name; entirely produced by him. Although it had a limited release, it was named one of 2005’s best albums by KUSF out of San Francisco. The album featured guest vocals from artists such as Lady Alma, and Navasha Daya of Fertile Ground as well as airplay from DJs worldwide.

Thereafter, as part of his dedication to music, Don-Ray began his own podcast which soon became one of the top downloads in its genre. His followers began growing worldwide and he soon received not only accolades for his musical selections, but also requests to syndicate his show in countries such as Russia, Italy, Brazil, South Africa, and in South East Asia. This past year he was requested to DJ live for the first time in Tokyo, Japan. Almost a million downloads later, Don-Ray is about to venture on his first tour after releasing a mix CD entitled “As Is Above, So Is Below”.

This CD features several artists who have contributed their works.
These artists where either admirers of Don-Ray’s work as a producer/DJ or had worked with him in the past.

Tortured Soul’s Ethan White had heard of the podcast and also worked with Don-Ray on one of his own projects. He was happy to contribute two songs including the house classic “I Might Do Something Wrong”
featuring Osunlade’s Lonely Mix.

Fertile Ground’s Navasha Daya and James Collins had worked with Don-Ray on a couple of projects so they were aware of his status as a producer and gladly gave their blessings for the project contributing “Come to Me”.

Wunmi had heard of Don-Ray through common musical interests and had worked with him on her Kick Starter Project. Her contribution of A.L.A. was significant as it consolidated the musical, spiritual, and visual elements of the compilation.

As for the other artists on the compilation, they were either admirers of Don-Ray’s work or requested by Don-Ray due to his admiration of theirs.

Don-Ray has been making music for most of his life and shows no signs of stopping. He’s currently working on another album as well as taking his DJ skills on the road later this year. Look for more from Don-Ray in the near future.