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Ray Mia
Founder @ RECHORD.XYZ
Professional Background
Ray Mia, a highly esteemed music producer, sound designer, and composer known professionally as MRMMR, has made significant contributions to the immersive audio landscape, particularly during a time of global turbulence. In 2020, during the peak of the global pandemic, he released the groundbreaking project "ÆTERNALLY ALIGNED ANGELS." His creative journey continued with the anticipated release of "BUCHLA THUNDER STÖRM" in 2021. Over the past three years, Ray Mia has crafted more than 100 immersive mixes for a diverse range of artists and composers, spanning genres such as classical, choral, electronic, and three/four-piece guitar bands. His current focus is on producing spatial audio arrangements for various TV, streaming, and audio drama platforms, solidifying his position at the forefront of contemporary audio production.
Prior to his endeavors as an independent artist, Ray served as the Executive Vice President at Universal Music Group (UMG), the world’s largest music company. There, he played a pivotal role in establishing the "Advanced Media" department, a global content production unit that pioneered UMG’s immersive audio strategy across all record labels. His leadership and vision built a foundation for innovative audio experiences that continue to influence the industry today.
In 2018, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Ray launched JACARANDA RECORDS, an immersive music production and sound design company located in the vibrant city of Liverpool. One year later, he founded RECHORD.XYZ, a breakthrough concept offering a "recording studio in your pocket," which reflects his commitment to making high-quality music production accessible to aspiring artists and producers.
Ray’s expertise led him to the position of President of Strategy for FREE TURN AUDIO in 2021, where he leverages his extensive background in digital media and broadcast strategy to guide the development and execution of their creative initiatives. As both an entrepreneur and intrapreneur, Ray’s multifaceted career encompasses technology design, content production, delivery, distribution, and monetization, showcasing his versatility within the creative digital landscape.
With over 20 years of rich experience in digital media, Ray has expertly built audiences and executed effective go-to-market strategies across diverse platforms, genres, and territories. He is recognized as an award-winning producer for the United Nations Television (UNTV), where he collaborated with Fortune 500 brands and multinational media conglomerates to enhance their digital strategies.
Ray Mia is also dedicated to nurturing the arts in his community. As a member of the Board of Trustees for The Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury—one of the most successful regional theatres in the UK—he has pioneered programs that bring both local and national performances to audiences, achieving wide commercial, critical, and cultural acclaim.
In 2020, he was appointed to The Thames Estuary Growth Board, a government-backed initiative aimed at catalyzing massive economic growth in the UK. This project represents a £1.5bn investment, projected to create 1.5 million jobs and contribute significantly to the UK economy, responding effectively to the challenges posed by Brexit and the COVID-19 pandemic. As the TEGBoard lead for "The Digital Estuary" and "The Thames Estuary Production Corridor," Ray is an active champion for The Creative Estuary initiative, focused on enhancing the creative sector in the region.
Beyond his professional commitments, Ray Mia is known for his passion for organic agriculture. For over 20 years, he has been honing the craft of cultivating and producing high-quality olive oil from his in-laws’ storied 300-year-old single estate olive oil plantation located on the scenic steps of Mount Etna in Sicily's Alcántara Valley. His dedication to this craft exhibits a balanced lifestyle and a deep appreciation for tradition and quality.
Education and Achievements
Ray Mia’s impressive educational background showcases his commitment to excellence and continuous learning. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the prestigious University of Oxford, along with another BA from the University of Kent. Understanding the nuances of media and performance, he also acquired a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) from The City College of New York. His foundational education includes 9 GCSEs and 5 A Levels from Merchant Taylors' Schools in Crosby, a testament to his strong academic foundation from an early age.
His remarkable career achievements are complemented by an array of high-profile roles within various organizations. Notably, as the former Executive Vice President and Head of Universal Advanced Media at Universal Music Group, Ray played a vital role in shaping the future of music industry production. His contributions encompass a wealth of industry experience, leading to his recognition as an influential figure in the digital media realm.
With additional roles as a Group CEO at Streamworks International and Channel Head at XLeague.tv, Ray brings a diverse set of skills and experiences that enrich his professional repertoire. His expert leadership and innovative ideas continue to shape the audio production landscape, while his commitment to community and cultural advancement is evident through his work with The Marlowe Theatre and The Thames Estuary Growth Board.
Achievements
Ray Mia’s achievements in the immersive music production and digital media sectors have been significant and wide-ranging. From successfully launching multiple initiatives in the world of music and audio, to his strategic leadership positions, Ray's career is marked by continuous innovation and influential partnerships.
His work has been recognized with awards and accolades, particularly his impact as a producer for UNTV. Ray’s ability to connect with leading brands and effectively disseminate their narratives through captivating audio-visual content has solidified his reputation as an industry leader. Furthermore, his contributions to pioneering immersive audio strategies at UMG have not only fostered an enriched listening experience but have also revolutionized the way music is consumed today.
Ray's entrepreneurial ventures, including the establishment of JACARANDA RECORDS and RECHORD.XYZ, have further paved the way for new opportunities within the immersive music sector. His commitment to sustainability and community growth through initiatives like The Creative Estuary highlights his dedication to leveraging the arts for economic and cultural development.
Overall, Ray Mia is a prominent figure in the music production and audio landscape, combining his vast expertise with a passion for innovation and creativity. As he continues to produce transformative audio experiences and spearhead significant growth initiatives, his work shines as a beacon of inspiration for artists and industry professionals alike.