Meet Ravi Ray (Lad) | Sound Engineer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ravi Ray (Lad) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ravi, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I am a first-generation South Asian American, born and raised in Houston of immigrant parents from India. Risk has played an important role in my getting to where I am today.

My parents developed an aversion to risk due to circumstance– they were starting a new life for themselves in a new country and needed to achieve stability to get by. Naturally then, I was raised with a similar mindset. We have this phrase in the South Asian Community: “doctor, lawyer, engineer”, terms used to describe “the safe professions” our parents (broadly speaking) suggested we pursue. I was no exception, I went to Texas A&M for Petroleum Engineering and graduated with a good job here in town.

However, once I got to that point, the metaphorical “finish line” of my education and upbringing, I was left satisfied but unfulfilled. I knew that I wanted to pursue something different, but had to grapple with the immense amount of risk it would take, something I was very unfamiliar with. I would have to go back to school, restart my network, and build my resume up again from the ground up. Needless to say, since taking that risk about a year ago, I’m happier than ever.

What should our readers know about your business?
Absolutely! I launched ‘Ravi Ray Audio’ in January 2022. We are an online business specializing in audio post-production for music, dialogue, and visual media.

I came to the business idea from my own personal exploration of where I fit into the music industry. Prior to going full-time with the business, I dipped my feet into many parts of the music creation process- songwriting, producing, marketing, etc. I found the most enjoyment in the post-production process: a place I could take advantage of both the left AND right sides of my brain (which I developed through my engineering day job and my history as a French Horn player, respectively!).

Our mission is ‘to empower creatives to reach their full potential.’ The story is both personal and relevant to the AAPI community, and can most eloquently be summarized in the quote “just think of how many incredible artists, singers, comedians, and dancers we’ve lost to being ‘doctors, lawyers, and engineers'” – Unknown. The consumer market is bringing music production to home studios and bedrooms, and we want to help those creators realize their inherent potential through high-quality audio that makes their audience FEEL something. If nothing else, I want the world to see our story and be inspired that success on a “non-traditional” path is attainable.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Yesss, let’s do it, welcome to Houston!! Monday we start with a drive around town, down I-45 and around the 610 loop (better work in extra time for traffic!). We’d go by the Toyota Center, Minute Maid Park, the George R Brown Convention Center, Discovery Green and of course, underneath the iconic “Be Someone” sign. Tuesday, we go on a brewery tour and hit Karbach, 8th Wonder, and close the day at Saint Arnolds. Wednesday, we go shopping! An all day splurge at the Galleria Mall, followed by an evening at the Gerald D. Hines Waterwall. Thursday we hit my favorite tourist attractions- the Houston Museum of Natural Science and Space Center Houston. Friday we party! During the day we’ll get the famous Rigatoni D from Magiano’s, some authentic Texas BBQ from The Pit Room, and hit the Washington and Downtown Bar Districts at night. Saturday we drive down to Galveston and enjoy the beach, stopping at Kemah Boardwalk on the way back for a seafood dinner and a fun night of carnival games. And lastly, no trip would be complete without visiting Houston’s parks. On Sunday, we’d hit Memorial Park and Eleanor Tinsley.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I dedicate this shoutout to my parents, Champak and Jyoti Lad, my sister Beena, and my best friend Jordan Argamany.

Through of all the highs and lows, you’ve given me your support and guidance, for which I am forever grateful.

Website: www.ravirayaudio.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/itsraviray

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ravirayaudio/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-B2gNgjhfXRIrPaS4LZ7SA

Image Credits
Phoebe Ho-Stone | Phoebe’s Photography