Ray Laurél – ‘Hunter Schafer’
With poignant lyrics and old-school guitar tones, ‘Hunter Schafer’ combines poignant lyrics and innovative production - creating the ultimate dreamy psychedelic soundscape.
British Asian singer-songwriter Ray Laurél debuts with his new single, ‘Hunter Schafer’. The track is a love letter to identity, and the freedom that comes along with its embrace. Laurél challenges heteronormative structures head on, tackling them musically with queer and genre-bending musicianship.
Hailing from London, Laurél calls upon Prince and Frank Ocean as his influences. His debut embodies Purple Rain meets modern-indie electronic and bedroom pop. Swelling grunge guitar tones reminiscent of the iconic Purple Rain dominate the second half of the song. It is a celebration of his reconciliation with himself - unapologetic in all its grandeur and dramatic flair.
With an intriguing title at the outset, Laurél pays homage to the Euphoria actress. He cites Schafer as his muse for the single, “I was going through quite the identity crisis,” he shares, “and the show really helped me feel comfortable in my own skin again, especially with my newly-realised sexuality.”
“I started dressing different, talking different even - I felt me again.”
Innovative, original and compelling, Ray Laurél’s strong debut is a striking introduction to his creative capabilities. With his debut EP set for release in the summer, it is sure to make waves in the scene.
Words by Rachel Min Leong
