Just in time for Easter, lyric-centric, singer-songwriter, CJ Ray premieres the Nicolas Wendl directed cinematic video for his acoustic ballad, “Today.” “Today” is the second single (following “Death Valley”) off of his forthcoming EP, For Each Other, due this spring.
“The cinematic video shows CJ on the other side of darkness and accepting God and has three short vignettes of other people also struggling and ultimately coming into the light,” enthuses CCM Magazine. “They all meet up in the end in praise and celebration.” “To surrender control of our life is a scary thought for most of us,” says CJ. “We all want to maintain control because we know best what is right for us, but do we? ‘Today’ is a song about reconciling control of living with the purpose of living. It asks a profound question that every listener will be compelled to ponder, Today is the day!”
Of “Today,” Louder Than The Music raves, “with gentle guitars, soothing vocals, and gorgeous tones, this heartfelt ballad oozes warmth and optimism, soaring later in the track to a triumphant declaration of praise. Stunning!”
“Today” was produced by Greg Karas (guitarist for Andy Grammar) and in addition to CJ Ray was performed by Greg Karas (Guitars), Kiel Feher (Drums for Kanye’s Sunday Service), Tyler Caroll (Bass for Allen Stone) and Doug Williams (Keys).
“Today” is the sequel to CJ Ray’s guitar driven, cinematic, “Death Valley,” which premiered via V13.The video features shots of CJ performing with his band interspersed with the story of a young man (portrayed by actor Rhett Wellington) driving alone through Death Valley while experiencing inner turmoil and also features actor Cade McWatt (General Hospital.)
“It is terrifying to be in the Valley of Death but in my case Death Valley forced me to look to God for deliverance,” the songwriter says. “Ultimately, God is there to love and heal His children but sometimes hope is only revealed when things seem most hopeless.”
European, award winning director, Nicolas Wendl, has worked on numerous music videos, narrative short films, and campaigns. He has worked with Kristin from Juel Concepts for several years, and this is his second collaboration with CJ Ray after his first single for “Death Valley.
