It's the perfect kind of Sydney evening only early autumn provides, as Oxford Art Factory prepares for British sensation Victor Ray.
The busker turned mainstream excitement is making his Australian debut (2 April), and the crowd waits restlessly for his arrival. Opener JERUB enters under smoke and white lights, his convicting voice crying out – "don't tell me I'm wrong". His notes shake your soul."I'm from Nottingham," he shares. "This is my first performance outside Europe." The crowd welcomes him warmly. "This was from a time in my life when I was figuring out what I was doing. My friend asked me, and I said I'm finding my feet. . . Can I teach you the song?" he then asks and the crowd agrees. "You have the Opera House, so this should be good." 'Finding My Feet' is sweet and the crowd get it quickly.
"You know what I love about Australians?" JERUB asks rhetorically. "Everyone is so nice." His next song is about a friend going through a rough time, his high notes resonating with emotional pain and promise. He is an authentic performer.
'Deeper' is a standout as JERUB moves between falsetto and strong chest. "Thank you, my name is JERUB like cherub," he shares before his last song. "I'm not an angel though." "Yeah you are," one crowd member calls out. "I was fishing for that one," JERUB smiles. His set went by in the blink of an eye.
The main show starts with rock guitar riffing out, as Ray enters. "Sydney how we f...ing feeling?" he asks to loud cheers. He grabs the mic with intensity and power, his leather jacket reflecting the golden lights, as he riffs through vocal runs with agility and emotion.
"Sydney, thank you so much for being here, my first ever show in Australia. I'm going to tell you some stories," he promises.
'Sink Or Swim' flows under purple lights, the guitarist swapping to acoustic guitar. Ray starts a sing-along, his energy magnetic. 'Like The Moon' starts a cappella, Ray's notes floating out under the blue lights and smoke, striking right into your heart.
Read our recent interview with Victor.
"This is gunna happen a lot tonight. I'm about to sing about a girl," Ray laughs. He recounts an unfortunate Tinder date that led to the beautiful, sad 'A Little Less Lonely'.
Ray melds into Sam Smith's 'Stay With Me', and the crowd enjoy a sing-along moment, before the stage floods teal, Ray a silhouette of sweetness. 'Comfortable' begins slow, until Ray explodes, his vocals shaking the walls. The song is intense and memorable. The crowd erupt at the song's end as Ray declares: "Man I love you. I wasn't expecting that."
'Falling Into Place' features all the phone lights in the room, and it's magical, before 'It Only Cost Everything' is strong and emotive under orange lights. 'Off Balance' recounts a friendship break-up that left Ray feeling unsure of his identity. The acoustic guitar rings out under the blue lights and smoke. "Sydney, I wanna hear ya!" Ray declares. His songs are quickly singable.
'Sticks And Stones' features spoken word that cuts to the heart, as Ray recounts his story through the lines. 'Hollow' follows aggressively as Ray's lower vocals hang in the air. 'Popcorn And A Smoothie' was written for Ray's half brother, a beautiful tale that divorced parents can relate to.
'Hearts Break And People Change' draws a big cheer from the crowd, simmering under red lights. 'Stay For A While' has the biggest sing-along of the set, Ray belting out notes like breathing, as he closes the regular set.
'World At My Feet' serves as the encore, Ray's voice as powerful and emotive as always. He's gone too soon, but his presence hangs in the air.
The crowd filter out, their heads and hearts full of emotion and release. Ray is a vocal powerhouse that proves letting go and sitting in your emotions can feel really, really good.
