Ray Dalton
After making his solo debut in August with the single “If You Fall,” Ray Dalton teams up with Billboard to premiere the track’s video today (Nov. 9).
Filmed just outside of Chicago, “If You Fall” opens with a stylish, black-garbed Dalton driving up to the video site in a vintage Lincoln Continental. Against neon-lit backdrops inside a non-descript building, the soulful-voiced Dalton sings and dances his way through the EDM-spiked declaration of love. The song was co-written by Dalton and Scott Effman (Kelly Clarkson, Mike Posner) and produced by Rufus Dipper. Blaine Hogan directed and produced the video.
Watch “If You Fall”:
The Grammy-nominated Dalton is best known for his featured cameos on Macklemore & Ryan Lewis’ “Can’t Hold Us” (RIAA-certified 6x platinum), Madcon’s “Don’t Worry” and DJ Arty’s “Stronger.” Dalton describes his segue to independent solo artist as both exhilarating and overwhelming. “Having spent so much time early in my career supporting other artists by writing and singing their hooks, I hadn’t been in a position yet where I had to carry an entire song or video,” Dalton tells Billboard. “So when I showed up on the set for the video shoot, I could feel the weight of that.
“Ultimately,” the Seattle native continues, “I realized I’m not there to morph into something I think people want me to be. Instead I was able to just be present, have fun and be myself. [Director] Blaine and I were able to collaborate together to make a video that I’m really proud of. He has an inspiring way of casting a vision for a project, while also being supportive and personal with the artists he’s shooting with. It’s difficult to find that combination with a director.”
“If You Fall” is available on iTunes and all digital outlets.