Meet Augie Ray of Hype Studios

Augie Ray is a Grammy-winning, fine audio, mixed-media visual artist, author, and hip hop professor at Cal State University Northridge. He has worked with some of the music industry’s most iconic artists such as: Rihanna, Sir Elton John, Dj Mustard and more. Often defining himself as a “Pluralist” by using his skills in tandem, Augie views the world through abundance and opportunity. With an extensive background in music production, Augie has been able to transmute his talents into visual art, opening viewers minds and listeners alike, to his raw introspective aesthetic. Augie draws inspiration from masters such as Jean Michel Basquiat, Picasso, George Condo, and Jacob Lawrence. Through Augie’s artistic exploration, he has been able to find security and purpose in being unapologetically true to himself through all his chosen forms of expression.

We asked a few questions in order to learn about his contributions to the VOVE record label and to learn more about his experiences. Here is the result.

What is your role within VOVE?

My role at VOVE is Creative Executive Director.

What are your hopes and aspirations for VOVE in the 2022-2023 school year?

I aim to elevate the VOVE experience by equipping the class with professional industry tools and techniques that will take their end-of-the-year compilation album to the next level. By designing these uniquely crafted songwriters' camps, I think there is serious potential in getting CSUN’s VOVE music recognized by the music industry. 

In addition to being involved in VOVE, you are also an esteemed producer, a hip-hip professor at CSUN, a business owner, a podcaster, a visual artist, and an author. Can you talk about how you manage all of these roles?

I often refer to myself as the pluralist "I AM ALL THINGS". I believe it is important not to put yourself in a box. With the number of things I do, I focus on looking at all of my passions as one. It's about putting each passion on a conveyor belt and working on each one until they are ready to explode.  

Can you talk about Hype Studios and its role within the community?

Hype Studio LA is transforming,disrupting, and redefining the recording industry by offering artist development to modern artists. Through our subscription-based model, we can remove some of the hurdles most artists have in a studio environment. Hype Studios LA believes creatives should apart of a unique recording experience.  We are the first subscription based  studios offering high quality recording, podcasting, mixing and mastering services to elevate your platform.   

Do you have anything that you would like to promote?

To become a part of my pluralist community please visit my website www.Iamaugieray.com .