Raven Ray
Meet South Africa-born UK Open Mic performer, Raven Ray:
Hi Raven Ray, thanks for joining us! Let’s get into it:
Do you play solo only, or also in a group?
Group
What’s the name of the group?
Raven Ray
How old are you?
28
Where were you born?
South Africa
Where did you grow up?
South Africa
How did that place influence your music? (if at all!)
It’s where I found all my inspiration whilst growing up and developing myself as an artist
Where are you based now, and why?
UK. I got scouted for a job as an assistant aerial coordinator in the Film industry
What got you into making music in the first place?
I wanted to be an actress with a versatile set of skills. My mom is also a musical.
What instrument/s do you play?
Singing, Guitar
Who would be in your top 10 musical influences, and why?
Kaleo, Anastatia, Pink, Cher, Dorothy- the females are all strong female artists with strong lower and higher register voices like myself. Their song writing is incredible. Kaleo is a fantastic band with well-thought-out and orchestrated music. Every song is a story and a journey and that’s inspiring
Do you write your own songs?
Yes
How many years have you been writing songs for?
About 20 years – Started writing at a young age
What process, or processes, do you often find yourself using when you write songs?
In the beginning it was mostly romantic relationships that I was in that I drew inspiration from. However, as I matured the topics have broadened. I still use relationships but they could be friendships for example. I always need a tune or a few chords to write normally but sometimes lyrics just come to me
How long have you been playing open mic nights?
Why did you get into playing them in the first place?
I needed to get over my stage fright and get my music out there.
What advice would you give new performers who are just starting out playing their first open mics?
Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. You have to start somewhere
What’s the hardest thing, for you, about playing open mics?
The moment before you sing your first word. That stress and worry flows over you but once you sing, you know you will be ok.
If it’s not already, are you hoping to make music your full-time career?
Yes
What do you currently find the hardest and biggest obstacles to moving your music career forward?
Trying to find funding to make music and records willing to take your music on as an unknown artist
What’s the one truth about you that people often find surprising?
I am a jack of all trades: I sing, I act, I work in film, I play sports, I am a commercial diver
What’s the most exciting project you’re working on at the moment?
I am working on the new Mission Impossible Film
Do you have your own music video, channel or playlist you’d like to share?
Do you have music on streaming? What’s your main streaming channel to send people to?
Where is the main place people should go to find out more about you?
https://www.instagram.com/raven.ray.music/?hl=en
What other sites/profiles should people go to to find out more about you?
We’re done! Anything else you want to share before we go?
No thanks!