A few weeks ago I didn’t know who RayRay was. She released Unearthly World, her new artist album, on Barong Family, an Amsterdam based record label by Yellow Claw. The album starts with “Wide Awake” followed by tracks featuring names like Nonsens, JVNA and ØZI, a Taiwanese-American singer/songwriter. The album is bass-driven, not a sound I normally like, but her use lyrics is majestic. Each tracks tells a story and the album is more than a collection of songs, rather a journey through time.
RayRay is living her best life. Just follow her on Instagram to see photos and videos of her on and off stage. She is passionate about her music and has really cool hair! After listening to her new album I went down a rabbit hole to listen to some of her earlier work. It is always fun to hear how an artist changes his or her sound over time. Not sure if she would agree with me, but this album is some of her best most polished work. Oh, “Butterfly” is my favorite song on the album.
After spending a few days with her music, I reached out for an interview. It was such a treat getting to know her and to learn more about her new album. Without further ado, it is my pleasure to introduce you to RayRay.
Tell me about your new album Unearthly World out now on Barong Family.
Unearthly is a very vague word, but it’s also a word which can link to my alien branding. From my past EP Purple Alien to Alien Invasion to Alien Mutation, and now we are talking about a world that only exists in hearts or in the other dimensions.
Over the past 2 years, there have been so many changes in my life. I was torn apart after the loss of my cousin and my good friend, my breakup, and my depression. Music has been my only getaway, so I decided to make an album to express my feelings and everything I have been experiencing. Through this album, I want to share my true self with my fans. I want to provide my audience with the diversity of my sound and my vocals. I want to introduce the listeners to my own unearthly world.
On this album, I poured all my emotions in the songs. There are songs about the difficulties I faced during the pandemic. There are songs about my break up. There are songs about the old RayRay. I also tried to challenge myself with producing different music genres. I want this album to be very diverse, and full of the taste of RayRay.
There are 10 tracks on the album. Is it possible to pick your favorite?
“Butterfly”. I’ve wanting to work with JVNA for a very long time! She is such an inspiring person! It’s very interesting and fun to blend her airy music sound with my hard trap elements together. We started making this song since July last year. We actually came up with the vocals first. We were thinking to write something which is meaningful to the audience. “Be strong and be brave, eventually you will be like a butterfly emerges from the cocoon.” This is also the experience we have been learning as artists. Life isn’t a bed of roses. There are a lot of obstacles. However, as long as you pull it through, you will become a beautiful butterfly. We also wrote some Mandarin lyrics in the song because both of us are originally Taiwanese. We also want to tribute the song to our friends and fans in Taiwan and Asia.
Where did the name come from?
Why is it called Unearthly World? I hope this album can be a mirror to reflect everyone’s imaginary world – there’s no perfect answer to the question. It can be an utopia, or it can be the world in your mind. The only thing i can assure you – it’s gonna be a very exciting journey with me.
I love your hair. I feel like it looks different in every photo! How do you decide how to style it?
Thank you! I am enjoying styling myself in every show! I always start it with the outfit, and then I decide if I should tie my hair up or braid it after. It’s quite spontaneous.
This album is a bit harder than I normally like, but you hit on several different genres here. It flows perfectly! Not really a question. Just kudos to you for putting together an unforgettable collection of work.
Thank you so much! I actually did it on purpose for this album. I don’t want to limit myself in one music style. I think it’s way more fun to write music freely, and to create whatever I like.
What is your process for producing a new single? Do you sit down until something comes out, or do sounds/vibes just come to you?
It’s different every time. Sometimes, I like to start a project with a sample. Sometimes, I just play around plugins until something cool comes up. I don’t like to sit with one project for too long. Also, writing lyrics is my hobby. I like to write down a lot of interesting ideas which I got them from watching movies, reading books, or even from the conversations I had with friends.
Tell me more about Supermodified Agency, Asia’s leading music booking agency.
SMA is a leading Pan-Asian booking agency in the dance sector. They have booked major international acts throughout the region, including heavyweights such as A-Trak, Martin Garrix, Vicetone, Yellow Claw and dozens more. Additionally, Supermodified also has been devoted to represent the artists from Asia. Robb, the CEO of SMA, who is also my agent, he always gives me a lot of valuable suggestions for my shows and my career. Robb has been helping me since day 1. A good agent always knows what’s the best for his/her artist. Robb is definitely one of the kind.
Speaking of booking shows, are you planning a big tour in the New Year? I’d love to see you perform.
Yes. I will play at Grand Wave New Year Countdown in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Can’t wait to welcome 2023 with everyone!
Do you ever make a mistake while performing? If you do, how do you adjust and keep the party going?
I rarely make mistakes during my set. If some technical issues happens unfortunately, I always just talk on the mic, and say something funny.
You worked with names like Nonsens on “Hide & Seek” and ØZI on “Full Speed”. How do you choose who to collaborate with?
It’s a vibe! I like working with different artists. I always learn a lot from them. I like to create demos first, and send them to the artists or we just vibe in the studio together to finish the songs. You can always stick to your main ideas and concepts when you work solo, but when you work with other artists, you can always learn from their different approaches and ideas. The best part of having collabs is you never know what the song will lead you to!
It seems like every DJ has a podcast. Do you listen to any? Any plans to produce your own show anytime soon?
I used to do my own podcasts. However, I stop making them because of my Twitch channel. Doing Twitch music streams is more interesting and fun for me. I enjoy mixing music live and hanging out with my live-streaming community.
You’ve played some big shows. Do you get nervous on stage at ADE or Tomorrowland?
I don’t get nervous anymore, in fact, I get super excited. I love playing festivals. I’m always excited about meeting my friends and fans, preparing a brand new set, showing the crowd all my new music, and celebrating with everyone.
What headphones are around your neck?
V-MODA Crossfade M-100.
You had a residency on Tiësto’s Musical Freedom SiriusXM Radio show. What was that experience like and did you get to work with Tijs much? He’s amazing live if you haven’t seen him perform yet.
It was very fun to have a residency on Tiësto’s Musical Freedom SiriusXM Radio show. I really appreciate the opportunity from Tijs and Musical Freedom Records. I got to know more talented artists around the world! I’m very looking forward to work with them again in the future!
The Unearthly World album cover is awesome! Who designed that and what in the world is on your finger?
I have an awesome team for my album project. Asking Gee is the head of the art team. Kamzo Liu is the graphic designer for the cover artworks, and Uli Zhung is the photographer.
It was a super futuristic ring, and it was from an amazing Taiwanese accessories designer “meltedpotato”.
We’ve talked about a lot today. What else can you tell me?
I am an alien, and a plane nerd. I like to eat fries!
What’s next for RayRay?
I just did a LIVE concert at a 1,000 people capacity venue in Taiwan, and it was the first full production show I’ve ever done by myself and my team. We are planning for the world album tour which combines the live shows and the club shows all together, and we are trying to do the LIVE show in multiple major cities. Also, we are planning to do a deluxe album with 2 more new songs and remixes early next year. More good news for you – I just signed with a new agent in US, and I’m starting working with my new US based Mgmt. I’m looking forward to spend more time in US and start building my music community there.
Thank you for doing this. That was fun! In all of the interviews I do I always give the artist the last word. Go.
LISTEN TO MY ALBUM! IT’S AMAZINGGG!
About RayRay:
RayRay has landed loudly and exploded onto the international dance scene in the past few years. With gigs at major festivals like Glastonbury, ADE, Tomorrowland, Sonar, and Arcadia, and her purple hair as her signature look. She cemented her status in the scene as a Red Bull Thre3style competition winner and through a series of studio sessions with artists such as Skrillex, Yellow Claw, Steve Aoki, and Atmozfears. All that while honing and training her vocals with voice professionals. After being named on Beatport’s HOT 100 Future Bass/Trap Top 10 List in 2016, her work ethic and signature sound caught the ears of Yellow Claw, who brought RayRay on tour in 2019 and quickly signed her to a management deal and to the Barong Family where she released three EPs: Purple Alien and Alien Invasion and 2021’s Brand New EP Alien Mutation. RayRay’s new home on the Dutch imprint has gotten her name on feverish demand, and today she tours her signature sound all over the globe, creating seismic experiences for her newfound fans. With releases on Spinnin’ Records, Protocol Recordings, Dim Mak, as well as releases on Tiësto’s label Musical Freedom to follow. Despite the pandemic, 2020 and 2021 didn’t slow her down one bit. With the dance scene at a standstill, RayRay started her live streaming channel on Twitch in early 2020 and, within a year, became the top Twitch “Live Music” Streamer, according to IMS Business report. During the same period landing a residency on Tiesto’s Musical Freedom SiriusXM Radio show. 2021 saw her release EPs Lasergun with Yellow Claw, Pump It Up with Moksi, and Where Are My Friends with Sihk, to name a few. Needless to say, RayRay’s spaceship is rocketing across the stars and doesn’t seem to slow down anytime soon.
For more information about RayRay, go to:
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Spotify | SoundCloud | YouTube
In this artist interview, Lynda Minter shares with us her artistic process, ideas and inspiration.