Taking a break from the music business, Ray has worked as creative and commercial director for a European clothing company, producer and video editor of Reality TV - landing a production role in "Hottest Mom in America” (USA).

Ray is currently focused on the management and exposure of music and film talent on two continents - North America & Europe. Ray also hosts a weekly live-streaming show “#AskABlackManAnything", which is currently in of the top 100 watched LIVE-streams on Meerkat!
 

1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?

As a music producer and musician-for-hire, I travelled internationally for over a decade, touring/performing in over 42 countries. My very first introduction to Europe was in 1994. Europe was everything I imagined it’d be and more. A friend from Los Angeles, had already moved to Hungary about a year before I arrived.

During his visit back to the USA, he would ask me where I was performing next, fly out to my shows and enjoy a 'rockstar partying lifestyle' for a weekend. It was during one of these visits, he convinced me to come to Hungary (not that I needed much convincing; I was ready to stop touring and to for-fill the dream of living abroad).

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?

I’ve lived in Switzerland, and a year in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest for the sole purpose of planting trees on 850 hectare of defrosted land (http://raybrown.me/rainforest).

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?

Initially, the kindness and curiosity of Hungarian’s toward me was a pleasant surprise. As a foreigner, I found that to be very welcoming. If a Hungarian said ‘hello, how are you?’, I felt they really wanted to know. Being from sunny Los Angeles, California - living near the beach most of my life, I was happily surprised how much I really enjoyed the landscape in various regions of Hungary.

From Tihany on Lake Balaton to the capital city of Budapest, so much rich history and visuals. I also found myself very impressed with the level of talent in the music, film and technology scene. Recently, I’ve made it my mission to bring North American exposure to talent in the region.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?

For my friends, I’d tell them to plan for at least a 5-day Hungarian stay (including the weekend). Long walks in the city of Budapest on a daily basis would be a priority. The Castle District would be a great starting point; with continued walks throughout pest and along the Danube.

The St. Stephen's Basilica at night for viewing is a must! I feel like I’m looking at a massive painting each time I stand in front of it! For nightlife, since many of my friends own establishments throughout the city, I would keep my USA guest bar-hopping till sunrise! I would also insist we take a train-ride from Deli pu. train station to the beautiful Lake Balaton to enjoy bungalow-living and mineral baths (Veszprem) for a few days as well.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?

It’s hard to choose what foods I love. I love so many Hungarian dishes! Let’s start with the staple foods - Paprika Chicken, yum! Other favorites include Fisherman’s Soup, Pork Stuffed Cabbage and even a helping a the traditional Lángos with garlic! Impossible to stop there, but I will conclude...

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator? 

Well before I've had the pleasure of meeting the Zwack family - Unicum has been my favorite liqueur since the day it first touched my lips! Kept in the freezer ready to serve! Yesss!

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?

Szeretlek (I love you)

8. What do you miss most from home?

Family, friends and California Mexican food and Soul food cuisine. California beaches, maybe.

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?

This is a difficult question to answer. Working creatively is all I’ve very wanted to do. I’ve lived a fortunate life while earning a living on the music and television sides of the entertainment industry. It’s allowed me the fortune of travelling the world!

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?

A job that keeps my tethered to one location for extended periods of time.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?

Again, I’ve been very fortunate; my life’s been a constant vacation. Work has taken me to exotic places around the globe.

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?

The African continent is a dream, Uganda and Cape town is on my short-list for places to visit.

13. Apart of temptation what can't you resist?

Touching a piano or a set of drums in any giving location. Musicianship is in my blood!

14. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?

I have to start off with my Dad’s band WAR of course! With hit songs "Spill the Wine (Eric Burdon & War)," "Low Rider," "Cisco Kid," "Why Can’t We Be Friends?” It’s why I became musician in the first place. Stevie Wonder, The Doobie Brothers and Michael Jackson were also big music influences.

15. Red wine or white?

Red or White. No preference.

16. Book or movie?

"This Business of Music" by Donald Passman. Movie: One Night Stand

17. Morning person or night person?

Both. As a musician and living life in recording studios, late nights are the norm. Waking up before the sun rises (assuming I haven’t had a dj gig the night before) is a great way to start the day!

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?

Equality for all. Prejudice toward anyone because of race, religion, gender preference, disability - is unacceptable.

19. Buda or Pest side?

Buda to sleep, Pest to party! (Full disclosure: I’ve had some pretty awesome living spaces in the Pest-side)

20. What would you say is your personal motto?

Only YOU can stop YOU. Follow your dreams, follow your heart. - Ray Brown