Alvaro Soler and Ray Dalton
Singers have become friends through eating
Alvaro Soler (left) and Ray Dalton became friends during their collaboration.
© Olivia Rudnitzky
Love goes through the stomach, as is well known, friendship apparently too: Alvaro Soler and Ray Dalton like to eat and that’s how they got to know each other.
Ray Dalton (30) and Alvaro Soler (30) have become not only colleagues but also friends. The two will release their single “Manila” on October 15th, named after the capital of the Philippines. Dalton generated more than 94 million streams in the lockdown year 2020 with his hit “In My Bones”, and thanks to songs like “Sofía” and “La Cintura” Soler is no longer a stranger. As the US voice miracle explains in an interview with spot on news, the two have become friends through eating together. Dalton also reveals what makes Germany so enthusiastic and why he always finds time for his hobbies.
Manila is the capital of the Philippines. What do you associate with this country?
Ray Dalton: I love the Philippines. Manila is an amazing city. There is great food, culture and beautiful islands there. My really close friends are Filipinos. Every year at Christmas we celebrate at their home and make lumpia (kind of spring rolls, editor’s note), poncet (dish with rice noodles, editor’s note) and play games. This has been a tradition for years.
What was it like working with Alvaro Soler? What do you think of him as a singer?
Dalton: Working with Alvaro was amazing. Not only is he musically gifted, he really lives for it. In the hotel where we stayed, he saw a piano, started playing and said, “Ray, sing!” (laughs) It’s always a great time with him. He likes to eat as much as I do, so eating quickly made us friends.
In Europe you celebrate – among other things – great successes in Germany. For example, you worked with Felix Jaehn on “If You Fall”. What do you have in common with Germany?
Dalton: Germany just understands me. I have the feeling that the love that I convey with my music is arriving in Germany. There are so many incredibly talented people here.
“In My Bones” ran up and down on German radios in 2020. How do you react when you hear yourself on the radio?
Dalton: When I started making music, I only dreamed of hearing my voice on the radio. It makes me emotional every time my team tells me about my progress on the radio. That will always leave me butterflies in my stomach.
You were recently in Berlin. What did you like in particular?
Dalton: I love the history and culture of Berlin. The city has been through so much and has so much to offer at the same time. The music, nightlife and food here are a whole new world.
You were a member of a gospel choir when you were young. To what extent has that prepared you for your career today?
Dalton: The Total Experience Gospel Choir was my education that made me what I am today. Connecting with people all over the world through singing has led me to become an artist. This is the most important thing for me!
You lost your mother when you were a child. How did this loss affect your later life?
Dalton: Losing a loved one is the hardest thing a person can go through. My mother’s death really shaped my life and continues to shape it. She is in my heart when I sing and write songs. That’s why I always like to celebrate. Life is so short and we never know what tomorrow will bring. So I believe that you should live it to the fullest without apologizing.
Her hobbies include playing tennis and dancing. How often can you do this in your stressful schedule? How important is it for you to take time out?
Dalton: I love tennis and dancing so much that I don’t care how tired or stressed I am. As soon as I stand on the tennis court or start dancing, everything is forgotten. I always try to find the time for it.
How do you keep your voice fit?
Dalton: There are a couple of things. Drinking plenty of fluids is so important to your voice. Warm-up, warm-up and vocal exercises as well as vocal pauses are the most important things for me.