TRAY DOMINIC INTERVIEW: VIPER PRESENTS: Tray Dominic, better known as Tray, is an emerging artist captivating listeners with her soulful voice, heartfelt lyrics, and genre-blending fusion of R&B, Afrobeats, and Contemporary Pop. Get familiar…
What five words define your sound?
Eclectic. Vulnerable. Vibrant. Bold. Experimental.
Tell me something unique about your creative process.
I’m always in the state of creation and constantly inspired by what’s around me. It could be a line from my favourite character in a show, early sunrise beaming through my sheer curtains, a sound my cat made last week, the jingle of my best friend’s keychains, a game at an arcade I walked past on a date, or my sister’s voice when she whispers on the phone. I notice those little things that are often overlooked and they are the genesis of all my ideas; from how I dress, to production of a beat, to the melodies within a song. I love it. The world gives me a little and I give back in my own way too.
Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?
I would love for people to listen to my song ‘Fall Short’ first. It is definitely my favourite and a good introduction to my music.
What inspired you to make that song ?
I was super inspired by my loved ones. It’s a declaration of love, appreciation and gratitude. It’s such a privilege to love and be loved in return. Even when I’m messy or loud or crazy or silly. They never make me feel stupid, they still treat me like I’m my best self and it’s such a humbling feeling. It’s difficult to even express with words just how special unconditional love is.
What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?
Whenever I need someone to talk to, music is a lifelong friend. It’s like a time capsule. Sometimes words fail me but i can always express a melody of what’s inside. I have this unreleased song called ‘believe’ and it’s about how out of control I’ve felt in my early 20s. There’s a line in that song that goes “cause I’m not strong enough to deal with change but I’m so scared things will stay the same” and it was so difficult to admit this at the time. Wanting something that I was simultaneously SO afraid of. Sometimes the person in your way is you, and the vulnerability to just say how much doubt I felt really helped me overcome that; so I hope it can be the same for others too.
What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?
In March 2024 I opened for a rapper named Keeya Keys at his headline show and in the middle of my set the sound cut off and I just kept singing until it was fixed. It turned into somewhat of an a =capella moment. My first time ever performing my own music and THIS HAPPENS? A bad experience that turned into a great one because the crowd hyped me up and I got to flex my vocals in a raw way. I can do anything now and take on any crowd, any technical difficulty. It’s a memory I’ll cherish forever.
What is your favourite song to perform?
‘Option’! It’s so fun, the crowd sings back every time. The energy is potent when that one comes on. Definitely mine and everyone’s favourite.
Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?
Michael Jackson’s ‘Thriller’ album is a classic that my parents would play on vinyl growing up. Every song is crafted to perfection. Frank Ocean is a huge part of why I make music. I discovered him on a friend’s iPod when I lived in Nigeria and I literally became obsessed with him. I think I was 11 and I heard ‘Channel Orange’ for the first time. That album literally changed something in my brain chemistry. It was so experimental and so different for that time; He’s a true trailblazer. SZA’s ‘Ctrl’. I’ve never heard an artist who can express emotions in such a visceral way it was like she was talking about my experiences. I’ve never felt so connected to an artist before. Doja Cat is constantly pushing the envelope. Every era is something different. She’s so uniquely herself, she just stands out. Rihanna is a huge inspiration! From music to fashion even just as an entrepreneur. ASAP Rocky’s ‘LSD’ video is literally INSANE. He challenges me to make everything more interesting and creative. Tyler The Creator! I spend all DAY watching his interviews and just stealing nuggets of wisdom. Lady Gaga is an icon, she shaped my childhood. P!nk’s song ‘perfect’ is so beautifully written. I’d watch it on Trace Urban on the TV whenever it came on growing up. The weeknd! Paramore! I remember watching Tiwa Savage’s ‘Without My Heart’ music video and I was like yeah I wanna be like her when I’m older. WizKid! P-Square. SO many people inspire me, I just love art.
What’s the meaning behind your name?
Tray is a nickname I’ve had virtually all my life. It’s basically my name at this point so it felt natural since that’s what everyone knew me as anyway.
If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?
I’ll probably be a teacher or a therapist or vet. Something like that. I love animals and kids. I love helping. I always want to be of service to people in some type of way. Maybe travel. See life from a different perspective.
What’s success for you?
Being healthy. Loved. Having abundance to give and receive whatever I desire. The ability to create daily. Having genuine people around.
What moment in your life/ career forced you to change direction?
I visited Nigeria in summer ’24 and I had a spiritual awakening at the beach. I realised how short life is and I just decided that nobody deserves my support or love more than I do and that I was the one stopping me, not anyone else I thought was the reason. Now I’m just thinking less and doing more.
Where can people keep in touch with you?
@traydominic on all social media platforms
