Raye Zaragoza: Socially Conscious Acclaimed Singer

Raye Zaragoza: Social Activist

Interview Conduct on February 21, 2018.

By Daniel Locke

Acclaimed singer/songwriter Raye Zaragoza, which was just premiered via Paste Magazine. Entitled ‘American Dream’, the video is inspired by the destruction of Donald Trump’s election, the lack of mainstream media for Standing Rock and Zaragoza’s own life as a female multi-cultural youth.

The single was co-produced and mixed by Justin Hergett (Beyonce). Zaragoza’s previous videos went viral, collectively garnering almost a million views. She has been deemed as a voice for young women from a multi-cultural background. Zaragoza’s past anthem ‘In The River’ has been awarded No.2 protest song by a person of color by Paste Magazine. She has also been featured on numerous Spotify playlists including, Cyndi Lauper’s Protest Songs playlist.

Tell me about your background. You are a Native-American/Taiwanese singer-songwriter who was born and raised in Manhattan, New York. How did you get interested in Music?

I have always loved writing. I have always loved music. When I was a kid, I always had headphones on and carried around a Walkman. I remember being on the playground and thinking to myself – “writing a song is the coolest thing anyone could ever do.” It always shocks me that it took until my late teenage years to start writing my own songs. I write a lot of songs about growing up in New York – New York is a great source of inspiration for me.

What type of music did you grow up with? Plus give me some of the artist?

I love classic rock – The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Queen. I also love songwriters like Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Elliott Smith.

How has your heritage influenced your music?

My background has completely shaped the way I look at the world – which inevitably has influenced my music. I grew up seeing the world through the eyes of an immigrant woman and an indigenous man (mom & dad), and it has shown me both the great injustices and great vibrance life can bring. My background inspires me because it makes me feel like a messenger for the stories that came before me on both sides of my family.

What are some of the some of the bands which Influences your music?

I listened to a lot of Blind Pilot, Robert Francis, Joni Mitchell, and The Beatles when I wrote ‘Fight For You.’ They all definitely influenced the sound of the album.

In 2013 you won the Top Native American Music of 2013. Can you tell me about that award? It is one not a lot of people hear of. And any other honors you have been given?

It was an honor to receive that award in 2013 – a supporter of my music actually submitted me! In 2017, I received a Global Music Award for Activist/Protest Music & an Honesty Oscar for best Activist Anthem. In January 2018, my music video for ‘Fight For You’ got Best Music Video at the Indianer Inuit Film Festival in Stuttgart, Germany.

You have been to NAMM twice. The first time was as a featured artist with FXConnectx Sound Systems at both NAMM 2013 in Anaheim and Summer NAMM 2013 in Nashville. The 2017 NAMM Show in the booths of Godin Guitars & FXConnectx. And this year GHS String. How was it?

I love NAMM! Always a great place to connect with people, and have fun playing new gear!

You headlined at the 2013 LA Skins Music Festival. Tell me about that?

LA Skins Music Festival is put on by Ian Skorodin and a great platform for Indigenous artists to be heard. I have played it a few times & so grateful for their support of my career.
Tell me about your experience touring in Germany?
I love touring in Germany. The audiences are always so amazing. It is amazing to play internationally and feel the impact my music has on people across the world.

How did you go about recording your first EP, Heroine in 2015?

I recorded the Heroine EP with Chris Tabron at Red Bull Studios in NYC. It was one of my first recording experiences!

In 2017, you released her debut album Fight for You. Can you tell me about the making of the LP?

I was always waiting for the right time to release an album, and then eventually that time felt like it fell on my lap. I had so much to say, and I felt like it was the time to say it. A lot of the songs were inspired by the Standing Rock movement, and my emotional experience being a part of it. My friend Justin Hergett helped me in the early stages of planning the album, and mixed it as well. The album was tracked at Dubway Studios in New York City with Chris Montgomery.

Your music has been featured on Democracy Now! And on numerous lists of the best modern-day protest songs (Cyndi Lauper’s Protest Songs playlist), including those by Paste Magazine, What Culture, and Overblown. And you have performed live sessions for Paste and Daytrotter. Do you feel that you could be remember as the next Bob Dylan or Joan Baez?

Well, that would be an absolute dream come true! I sure do hope so.

What was the Black Hills Unity Concert?

Black Hills Unity Concert is a festival organized by my dear friend Lyla June. The festival is meant to raise awareness in regards to the Black Hills and the fact that they are not for sale & they are meant to belong to the Lakota people.

Can you tell me about American Dream (Official Music Video)? It is a very strong video. Does it center on the election of after Donald Trump?

“American Dream” tells the story of my family and challenges the outdated concept of the American Dream with its white picket fence and house in the suburbs, because it’s never been truly inclusive of all American people. In the last year alone, the American people have been under a constant barrage of distressing news, a “fake news” war waged by our President against the free press, and day after day our country feels increasingly divided. Hatred and fear have an overt national presence like nothing we’ve seen in our lifetimes. It’s time to rise up, turn off the television and take a stand. The days of apathy are over—either we do something about the injustice happening around our country, or we admit to being a part of the problem. We can rewrite the American Dream into a new storyline that looks out for all of us. It’s a big task, but as the chorus of the song says, “Change is a choice, and it can start with me.”

Joni Mitchell or Joan Baez. Which one and why?

I absolutely can’t choose, they are both amazing.

What is term fake news means to you?

News updates that are knowingly false but used to affect public opinion. It’s really awful & really sad to me how people believe whatever they read and don’t check their sources.

I see that you also do children’s music, and can perform up to an hour of songs for the toddler age. How did that happen?

I have always really connected with children, and I really believe in the value of music at the early childhood age. I co-wrote a song for Nickelodeon’s “Wally Kazam!” back in 2013.

How was it to perform with Kholan Studi?

Kholan is amazing! He is my rock on tour – keeps me grounded & helps coach me through emotional breakdowns. Also he is a killer bass player & singer.

What is you’re feeling about Vinyl?

I love Vinyl! I actually wrote an article about it for The Vinyl District. Vinyl has a way of transcending you—taking you back to a moment or memory. It makes you feel like the musicians are in the room playing for you.

Who would you like to open up for? Being alive or dead.

I would love to open for the Fleet Foxes.

What is the biggest crowd you have play for?

Probably 700 people in Constance, Germany last summer! They all sang along with me too!

Any endorsement deals?

I am a proud GHS Strings artist!

What direction do you see your music heading in the next 2 years and your long term goals of your music?

I would like to keep growing with my music, writing about new experiences, observations, and places. I want to continue to grow my audience & connect with more people around the world!

What music fests would you like to play in?

I would love to play Newport Folk Festival!

Are you BMI or ASCAP?

ASCAP

Any guilty pleasures your fans would be surprise you listen to?

I love running to Bruno Mars – one of the only pop artists I listen to almost everyday!

If you could pick any cartoon character who would it be and why?

Lisa Simpson – I love how smart she is & that she plays saxophone!

What music do you listens to relax?

Elliott Smith.

Thank you for taking the time to talk to Unratedmagazine, DL

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