This Summer we have enjoyed a number of our favorite songs, ticked off things on our bucket lists and with a few weeks left, we continue to add to our playlists. We need to make room for Sommer Ray - DJ, fitness influencer, and entrepreneur who has been dropping singles and touring here in NY, Las Vegas, Cancun, and Cabo San Lucas to name a few must visit destinations as she finishes phase 2 of her Summer tour.
We wanted to find out more about her background, her passions, and the importance of fitness in her life. Of course, we explore who she has worked with as a DJ, music she has dropped and what we can keep an eye out for. We also wanted to lear more about projects that she is working on from beverages to Imaraïs Beauty.
ATHLEISURE MAG: Before we delve into your recent tour and DJing, we’d like to get to know more about you. When did you fall in love with fitness?
SOMMER RAY: Fitness has been part of my life since I was a kid. My mom was a competitive bodybuilder, so I grew up in the gym and around that lifestyle. I loved the way training made me feel, both physically and mentally, and that connection never left.
AM: As someone who is constantly on the go, what are 3 workouts that you enjoy doing as we are always looking to add to our routines?
SR: I love weight training, Pilates, and yoga. Weight training keeps me strong, Pilates works my core and improves posture, and yoga helps me stay flexible while giving me a mental reset.
AM: What led to the launch of your fashion brand of fitness apparel and what do you enjoy about designing it?
SR: I wanted to create pieces that I would actually wear myself, things that feel good, move with you, and look great both in and out of the gym.
AM: Tell us about Imaraïs Beauty.
SR: Imaraïs Beauty is a plant-based beauty brand that focuses on gummies for skin, hair, and overall wellness. Everything is vegan, cruelty-free, and made with ingredients that really work. It’s about beauty from the inside out!
AM: We grew up as kids drinking Shirley Temples and have loved the trend of Dirty Shirley. You have Tempted. Why did you want to create this brand?
SR: I can’t share too much yet, but I’ve been teasing something in that space and there are some big things coming. It’s fun, it’s fresh, and I think people are going to be really excited when they see the full picture.
AM: What do you love about EDM music?
SR: I love the energy and the way it can instantly change your mood. EDM brings people together without needing words, it’s all about the vibe and the shared experience.
AM: When did you realize that you wanted to be a DJ?
SR: I used to host club nights, and after a while I realized I’d rather be the one curating the vibe than just sitting in the club. Once I started learning to mix, it clicked for me that this was how I wanted to be part of the energy.
AM: What is your creative process like when you are creating music?
SR: It usually starts with a feeling or a vibe I want to capture. I’ll think about the energy I want people to feel, then start building around that, whether it’s a beat, a hook, or a bass line that sets the tone.
AM: You dropped No Sleep last fall with Martin Jensen and earlier this year LaLaLa (Everybody’s Up) with a remix by HEDEGAARD. What was it like to release these songs?
SR: Both were amazing experiences. No Sleep had a fun, uplifting energy, while LaLaLa was heavier and more club-focused. Seeing people connect with them live has been the most exciting part.
AM: You recently dropped She’s A DJ. Why did you want to create this song and what was the process like for you?
SR: I wanted to make a song that was cheeky and empowering, especially as a female in a space that’s still very male-dominated. The process was fun, I leaned into personality and made sure it captured that “own the room” vibe.
AM: As you continue to navigate your music career, what artists would you like to work with?
SR: Calvin Harris and Martin Garrix are both at the top of my list. They’re legends in dance music who know how to make tracks that hit globally while still feeling fresh. Collaborating with either of them would be a dream, and I think we could create something high-energy that really connects with people.
AM: You have been touring for the past few weeks. What do you love about sharing your music with those in the cities that you are stopping in?
SR: Every city has a different energy. I love seeing how crowds react to certain tracks and how the vibe shifts depending on where you are. It keeps every show fresh.
AM: Since you’re traveling so much, how do you make your hotel and the city you’re in feel like home?
SR: I make time to hit the gym, explore local food spots with my team, and meet people at the shows. Those little routines and experiences make each city feel personal and keep the travel from feeling too repetitive.
AM: What upcoming projects do you have that you would like to share with us?
SR: I have more singles coming this year and a few exciting collaborations in the works. I’m also building out my live shows to make them even more of an experience.
AM: How do you take time for yourself as you have a lot going on as an entrepreneur, DJ, etc.?
SR: I carve out small daily routines that keep me balanced, morning workouts, staying active, and making time to unplug from my phone. Even when life is busy, those little moments to reset are important.
IG @sommerray
PHOTOS COURTESY | Sommer Ray
