Renowned Drummer Ray Levier Releases "Unchartered Destiny"
Published
Unchartered Destiny (Single)
Ray Levier
Drumming virtuoso Ray Levier has just dropped his electrifying new single "Unchartered Destiny".
"Unchartered Destiny" is an intimate exploration of Ray's life story, focusing on his survival, transformation and the cathartic power of art.
At the age of only 12, Ray faced a devastating accident which left him with severe burns over 65% of his body. Yet, Ray’s determination and ingenuity led him to develop unique drumming techniques, first with duct tape, then a specialized glove, and eventually through surgery that restored his thumb.
The accompanying film to the single "Unchartered Destiny" intertwines his personal journey with the emotional turmoil of a break-up during the pandemic in 2020.
At the very heart of this project is a song Ray wrote, which symbolizes the essence of the story. Through music and visual concept, "Unchartered Destiny" uses the metaphor of a test flight crash to reflect the challenges and revelations of his own life.
Combining live-action, computer-generated imagery, and hand-drawn elements, the film creates a visually rich and immersive experience.
The story centres around Commander Ray, whose personal struggles propel him on an epic journey driven by forces beyond his control.
Along the way, an extraterrestrial race guides him towards a transformative encounter revealing the universal truth of love.
The music shows Ray’s deep mastery of diverse styles - from rocking powerful beats to grooving with jazz fusion, swinging with a jazz combo, and laying down gritty hip hop rhythms, Ray’s precision and flair are unmatched.
Ultimately, “Uncharted Destiny” is about embracing uncertainty, starting anew, and finding resilience amidst adversity. It is a powerful statement of his enduring passion and a reminder of the possibilities that perseverance and hard work can bring.
Ray’s extensive career spans live performances, teaching, and composing for major TV networks like TLC, Discovery, and FOX Sports. From his state-of-the-art studio near Manhattan, Ray’s influence on the music industry is immense. He’s composed for major networks, led live drum sessions, and collaborated with jazz fusion legends like Mike Stern and John Abercrombie.
His versatility is also evident in his long-standing collaboration with urban folk and jazz artist KJ Denhert.