Rey "Rey Reel" Martin understands the respect that comes with production credits for Beyoncé and Mariah Carey, not to mention producing the hit remix of "Flawless" and bringing in three Grammy nominations for his work on Beyoncé. He's not going to waste it, planning on creating his own music project during 2015 and perhaps even branch into film scoring and acting. What isn't he willing to do? Sing.
Music Times: When you look at this high albums, like Beyoncé, there's just an army of producers. I'm curious how a Rey Reel stands out on a project that's got Pharrell, Timbaland, The Dream.
REY REEL: Solidify your sound. Try to make that record that stands out. The competition is super heavy out there. Those are some of my biggest influences too, so to take some of their cues that work to my ability and use it in my favor. But along with that, they already having a set sound so make sure it's not the same. This sounds like a Timbaland record, this sounds like a Pharrell record...so who is this by? I don't know how to put it in words but like I said, solidify a sound and try to make the best record you possibly could for it.
You worked on "Flawless" for the album and then more heavily on the remix, which got even bigger attention. Tell me about the though process.
We took the voice that she [Beyoncé] wanted the record to be based around and built a whole new setup. I didn't know that the feature of Nicki Minaj was going to be on there...I knew there was another artist on that record being talked about but I had no clue who it was, so we just went in and did what we were supposed to do on it.
I can't think of another remix that got more talk than this one during 2014. But that's mostly because of the elevator incident and Nicki Minaj's involvement. How do you feel as the guy in the background?
It's about the artist. I'd rather it be about the artist than about me. I'm just trying to solidify a spot in the music industry. I'll let my work speak for itself...I don't have an ego. To have those two top artists, and the fact that I have the honor to do their first song together...that's an honor. I'm happy.
You're technically nominated for three Grammys for Beyoncé [Album of The Year, Best Urban Contemporary Album and Best Surround Sound Album]. What would a win, or just the nomination, mean on your side of the industry?
It confirms my membership. I have the ability to do this...You get more respect from it of course, you get a lot of work from it of course. Everyone wants to work with you because you have the potential to be their—I wouldn't say "savior"—but you can help them in important areas just like they can help you in important areas. It's just to clarify that he's going in the right direction. He could potentially bring good revenue to us.
This is where I'm going to into TMZ-mode...I was looking at your Twitter account earlier and it seems you're pretty excited about your date to the event (Martin tweeted "The Grammys are coming, The Grammy's are coming. Wait until you see my date.")
Oh yeah.
Anything we should know?
Nah, nah, nah. I got a good friend that will go with me. We've been connected, and we're cool and she's an artist herself. But I'm very excited, you know, for us...this is something that we both worked hard to get to it. For her she could be the next person that's runner-up. It's just a friendly thing that's real cool.
Now that you've worked with Beyoncé and gotten the Grammy nominations, what've you got planned for 2015?
I'm working on my first project for myself, something like Neptunes Presents...Clones (a compilation featuring all songs that incorporate production from Williams and Chad Hugo)...I've got artists major and minor. Also I'm trying to get into an EP (executive producer) position where I can produce a couple more albums. If not, at least get more, bigger and better slots. Get myself another couple singles. Also I want to get into film scoring and even acting. I love entertainment period. I'm looking to expand. I don't want to set too many goals right now...I want to knock it down layer by layer by layer and not be overwhelmed.
How does one get into film scoring from mainstream record producing? Is it easy to crossover, to go to Hollywood and say 'Hey, I've worked with Beyoncé and Mariah Carey' or advertise yourself as such?
You can give the names but ultimately it's still a respect issue. There have been people doing films for years and years and years and some of them don't even do albums. It's kind of like a high school...you're a theater kid versus a football kid...to get into another lane is difficult. I haven't gotten started yet but that's what I'll be looking into.
You even mentioned breaking into acting. What's the idea there?
Acting is a little natural for me, which is funny. People are like 'you've got a great character, you're really funny, I think you should go out for acting.' I've always wanted to do that. It's the actual acting that I need to get down and master, so classes would be a great help along with personal coaching from friends of mine who are in acting. Getting experience. I don't think I could just go in there and 'BOOM.' Same thing as everything else. You have to work for it. I'm excited to do it. It's new, it's different. I don't want to be put in a certain lane for acting...you know some people do comedy...I want to be able to bounce around. I want to showcase who I am as a person.
Going back to your music, you want to start working on your own album. For a producer there's a ton of emphasis on collaborators. Any ideals?
Of course a lot of people that I've worked with—Hits Since '87, Hit Boy, Oktane, Audio Push—I originally asked Dev to be a part of it, she said she'd be interested. That's a good look. I have to get the roster together before I can decide. There's a lot of clients that I've worked for, and a lot that I haven't worked with that I want to be a part of this. It's not going to be one genre of music...I'm going to link up with some country producers, a rock producer, some jazz producer...it's going to be all over the place. It's something for everybody. One or two songs for every genre.
You've got the confidence to try acting...can you provide vocals for yourself as well?
Oh no. I don't rap or sing at all. Period. That'll never happen. I'm terrible.
So you're primarily a music guy...you work in the music industry...you'll try acting but you refuse to sing?
It's not like I'm trying to sell an album. I can't rely on my voice to carry me...I don't want to disrespect anybody.
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