Raye Zaragoza, ep. 107

Raye Zaragoza has strong spiritual leader vibes and I believe everything she says. Originally raised in New York City, she and her two siblings and parents somehow all lived together in a studio apartment. New York has been a strong influence on her identity and her work ethic. She's a person who's always moving and moving fast. Raye's mom is an immigrant from Japan and her dad is of Mexican and Native American heritage, which also very much impacts her life and music. Her songs walk the line of activism and poetry. She manages to make a great pop song with an important message. No matter if she's writing an anthem for protesters at Standing Rock or an old fashioned love song, centered in her message is fearlessness, bravery and vulnerability.

Her latest album, Woman in Color, “was inspired by the current crusade to bring justice and equality to all those who have been marginalized, maligned and generally shunned at so many different levels.” Zaragoza has grown more confident and changed her perspective about adding her voice to that narrative. She writes songs about loving yourself no matter what you look like that reaches out to anyone that feels different. Even a song like "The It Girl" resonates with people who do not identify as female. All this to say, Raye is also a great hang. She's fun, quick-witted and like all cool people, has her own podcast, Create Well with Erica Elan. Enjoy Raye! She's the real deal!