During every Pride season there are one or two songs that capture the mood and memory of the event like lightning in a bottle. If you have already celebrated Pride in your city, then you may have already downloaded that song to your playlist. If you are still awaiting the festivities, then the next big Pride anthem may be right on the horizon. Ray Guell, who was born and raised in Miami, has recently remixed his song “Celebrate” for the Pride season, and it has quickly become a hit among DJs at Pride. He recently spoke with Mark’s list about writing the song, working with popular DJs and how his music career has evolved over the last few years.

My inspiration for writing this track came during several emotional challenges I was facing—the loss of my dad and the frustration I felt due to bullying and discrimination.  Instead of writing the usual relationship song, I decided to write a song that was more relevant and help inspire listeners. With the Pride season upon us, I thought what everyone needed was an uplifting song. One of my prior tracks released was "Love Is the Answer", and that particular track dealt more about the political challenges and the discrimination the GLBT community faces. I guess it was my own personal therapy.

Who worked with you on the track?

I wrote the song with Giuseppe D, with whom I have had a long- term creative relationship. We also worked together on "Love is The Answer" and "You Don't Know Me." As for the remixes, I brought back Twisted Dee, who did a mix for me on "You Don't Know Me." I also brought in my friends, J.Bartet, TimG, Julian Marsh and Lewis Martinee (producer of the group Expose), for their remixes. Additional mixes were done by the Klubjumpers, Giuseppe and Crugliano. For my die-hard fans from my days doing freestyle, I used Wilson Oliver and Lazaro Franco from Brazil.  

Do you think this song and its remixes represent Pride?

Well, I do believe that it represents the essence of Pride. Its message basically inspires you to believe in yourself and all the dreams you have for yourself. Even if you are feeling down, don’t dwell on it—it’s a brand new day. I believe Pride is about being proud of who you are despite what the establishment might predict is the norm. It all goes back to the Stonewall experience—had they not stood up for what they believed, where would we be now? 

What kind of feedback have you received from DJs?

I am super excited at how this track is starting to develop a following with the different DJs. It takes hard work and determination to get music out for everyone to listen to. I am an independent artist, and I don't have the budget that a major label has to market my music. With all of the remixes available to the DJ's, I believe that there is definitely a mix for just about everyone's style. Everyone is unique and everyone is special. No one should ever be excluded. 

How has your career in music evolved over the last few years? 

Well I originally started my recording career in a genre called "freestyle" back a few years ago. I enjoyed some success and it allowed me to venture into the Latin dance market and "house" music. Personally, it is all dance music that has evolved from disco—and I love disco.  

Who would you like to work with? 

There are so many creative people out there. I have worked with many well-know and lesser known producers and artists, and I would like to continue to work with people I have worked with previously.  

Where would you like to see your career in the next five years?

I just learned a valuable lesson to live in the present; but I must admit it is difficult, because I have always been more focused on tomorrow than today. I find myself trying to alter my thought patterns, but it is a daily struggle. My original dream has always been to be on Broadway, which I know is so far from dance music. I am also continuing to pursue my acting career. I will be filming in New York City on an independent film during the month of July, and I am very excited about that. I just hope I am living in a world where we are all respected, enjoy equal rights and can live in peace and harmony. If I got that, then everything else would just be gravy.