Ray Soo delivers a serene shift in sound with 'Slzzpzr'

Ray Soo’s second album ‘Slzzpzr’ has just dropped via his very own label, Love International, and it continues to highlight Ray’s soulful vibes and quirky rhythms — only this time, in a more gentle tone.

Love International, now in its sixteenth year, stands as a testament to his dedication to global sounds, boasting over 130 releases from artists worldwide.

Staying on the theme of numbers, the Malaysian producer also commemorates his 30^th year dabbling in music.

"This DJ and music thing has been an obsession since I was 13 or 14 years old... the genuine human connections and friendships made via all the travels with amazing people through this work continue to fuel and inspire this way of life as an artist," he mentions exclusively to Mixmag Asia.

In the early 2000s, Ray's residency at Zouk Kuala Lumpur laid the groundwork for his sonic odyssey, where he seamlessly transcended borders with his magnetic performances alongside giants like Carl Cox, John Digweed, and Sven Väth, from the pulsating energy of Singapore to the labyrinthine clubs of Berlin and beyond.

Reflecting on his growth since his first LP ‘Love Again’ in 2016, Ray shares: "For ‘Slzzpzr’, I wanted to keep the music as simple as possible...an analogy of how I have mellowed a bit more as I get older and learning to let things flow more naturally."

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Admitting to having moved on from big build-ups and intense breakdowns for this album, Ray’s compositions definitely lean towards a more tranquil tone, without being over-pacifying.

Among the gems of ‘Slzzpzr’, opening track ‘In Another Way’ holds a special place in Ray's heart; “It has a meditative healing effect on me every time I listen to it…”

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“‘Muska’ is also a standout as it conveys how I love things to be quirky, freestyle and surprising,” he adds. The track is just that; full of off-kilter rhythms, funky synths, cosmic, laser-like jabs and a dash of layered, spoken word vocals that transcend listeners to another realm.

In short, the album is a vibrant mosaic of eclectic electronica, reflecting Ray Soo's evolution as an artist and his commitment to his craft.

Ray is also currently on tour in Asia, promoting his stellar new release. Details and dates below.

- April 12: Kuna, Kuala Lumpur
- April 13: The Villa Project, Saigon
- April 19: Secret Location, Kuala Lumpur
- April 20: Iron Fairies, Kuala Lumpur
- April 26: Hatch, Bali
- April 27: Datdash, Bali

Purchase 'Slzzpzr' here.

Amira Waworuntu is Mixmag Asia’s Managing Editor, follow her on Instagram.