RAYE ZARAGOZA IS A FORCE OF NATURE.

She’s also a dear friend, and she has been inspiring me with her hustle, talent and generous heart for over five years. We met playing at open mic nights in New York, and we often found ourselves sitting at the bar talking about making a life in music, comparing stories of working hard to build our artist careers. Raye is the friend I call when I need someone to remind me to not be afraid of the word ‘no’ and to just go for it.

It has been a true gift to watch Raye soar in music, and aside from her talent, what makes her stand out in a crowd is her ability to lead with generosity. She shares her successes and lessons learned with her peers, something that is particularly hard to do in an industry that can often feel competitive and opportunities for success can feel scarce. Raye lights up the room, whether she is on stage performing or having a chat with her buds over some tacos (which is what we were doing while we did the interview below!)

Illustration by Emily Ohlrich (Ink+Oil)
This interview has been edited and condensed.

What is your name, and what do you do?
Raye Zaragoza, artist.

Tell me your artistic origin story.
I started playing music when I was 19, so almost 6 years—6 years of writing songs and performing in this way. It’s developed a lot since then. I didn’t know who I was yet. I remember growing up I always thought that writing songs was the coolest thing that anyone could ever do, but it took me so long to put to two and two together to do it. I left my parents’ home when I was 18 because I wanted to be an actress. I didn’t go to college because I wanted to be an actress. And then I couldn’t sleep at night, so when I couldn’t sleep, I’d write songs. I would sing to myself when I was anxious. It helped me get through shit. I would sing them for my friends, my co-workers. And then my friends were like, you should do this. So my friends ended up booking me my first show at the Farmers Market and at Republic of Pie. They kind of forced me to do it, and then I figured out that I loved it!

Where did you grow up and how does that influence your work?
I grew up in New York. I write a lot of songs about New York. I think living in New York, you grow up really fast, so I developed my opinion about the world very early. When I moved to Los Angeles, I was with a lot people in the entertainment industry. I was in high school then, so that kind of gave me tangible proof that you can make a career in entertainment. It was cool because a lot of people don’t ever see it until they get really far from home, and it takes a really long time to embody the fact that it’s possible.

How did we meet?
I think we met at Ceol! Definitely though Niall Connolly [of Big City Folk]. I’m sure he is responsible for a lot of people meeting. He’s really a connector. Have you ever read the Tipping Point? Oh my gosh, it is so good. It talks about connectors. I think you’re a maven. The maven is someone who collects information and uses it to educate people and to inform people. Mavens, connectors, salesman, and one other one. I think I’m a connector, and I think you’re a maven. It’s a life-changing book!

If you could listen to only one song for the rest of the year, what would it be?
Probably something really mellow, like “Say Yes” by Elliott Smith. I could listen to his songs over and over again.

Who is a living woman you most admire and why?
Ashlee Marie Preston, a trans activist – she’s my friend. She’s amazing! She’s such a frickin’ badass. She’s doing so much stuff at all times. Also Rosario Dawson. They are both just awesome activists.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
Stability. Like, financial stability, emotional stability, or anything. We’re stable some days. We’re not, other days. You put so much pressure on yourself to be stable.

What is your mantra these days?
I meditate on my mantra: “Independent. Empowered.”

What is your favorite emoji?
Thinking inquisitive emoji finger on chin one.  

What is it that you most dislike?
In general? People who don’t listen. A lot of people don’t know how to listen.

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning?
Look at my phone, unfortunately.

What’s the last thing you searched for on Google?
“easy crockpot chicken recipes”

What is your greatest fear?
Loneliness.

What is your greatest extravagance or indulgence?
Shopping at Bed, Bath and Beyond. That’s not even a joke!

Raye Zaragoza’s artistry is founded in activism, and as a result, she has fostered a strong bond with her listeners, inviting them to join her in what she describes as “decolonizing your mind.” Raye’s song “In The River” was written in protest of the construction of the Dakota Access Pipeline near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, and it quickly went viral, resonating with more than half a million people. Her music is a reminder that everyone deserves respect and dignity, not just the ones with the loudest voices and the most power. Enjoy learning about Raye below, and check out her brand new digital EP - Live at Rockwood Music Hall!

Raye also hangs out here:Spotify, Instagram, Website