Singer/Song-Writer Raye Zaragona was able to put the words the country has been saying and put it in her latest single American Dream.
She is busy getting ready for a tour but was able to take the time and sit down with us and tell us more about her latest single and her upcoming tour. And if you think you’ve seen her name before you are correct! Raye Zaragona was a Fresh Finds Friday and in case you missed that article you can read it here.
American Dream tells the story of my family and challenges the outdated concept of the American Dream with its white picket fence and house in the suburbs, because it’s never been truly inclusive of all American people.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. I wrote American Dream to express that it’s time to rise up, turn off the television and take a stand. 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.”
What made you want to write a song about all these issues?
It definitely wasn’t a conscious decision. When I’m distressed, I put it into song- and there have been so many issues to be distressed about recently. Writing a song about social and political issues is both a way of taking action and a way of healing for me.
Explain how you came up with the music video concept for American Dream.
The American Dream video was a concept by the director George Thomas. I wasn’t sure how I wanted to visually portray this song, and George came to me with this concept. I immediately fell in love with his vision. He really captured the dismal frustration of our current political climate.
What makes your music different than what is out there now?
I think I am coming from a perspective that is not voiced as often. Being a multiracial woman, fighting for indigenous and immigrant rights, is not the everyday mainstream pop artist perspective.
Are you working on any new music at the moment? If so, can you tell us the vibe it has?
I am always working on new music! The ‘vibe’ I guess is still in the folk vein, but I’m definitely looking forward to exploring new sounds for my next album!
When can we expect the new music to be released?
I will be releasing a new single in April that is a collaboration with Madison Malone!
What message do you want your fans to get from your music?
I want my supporters to know that they are not alone. And they have a voice. I am can hear them loud and clear.
Who would you like to work with in the future?
I would love to co-write with Joan Baez, Buffy St. Marie and Joni Mitchell.. and Carole King!
I’m definitely influenced by the music I am listening to. Right now I’ve been listening to a lot of Dispatch because I’m getting ready to support them on tour this summer! I’ve also been listening to a lot of Radical Face.
What made you want to go into this for a career?
When I was a kid, I always thought that writing a song was “the coolest thing anyone could do.” I think I’ve always been a singer-songwriter, it just took until my teenage years to figure that out. Being an artist is definitely just breathing for me.
Will you be performing anytime soon? If so, where and when?
I am on my way to SXSW right now! I will also be opening for Dispatch all summer long. Full tour dates at Rayezaragoza.com
What is the best place for our readers to keep up on what is going on with you?
The BEST place is Patreon.com/rayezaragoza !! I’m also on Spotify, Instagram, facebook… etc
You can watch the amazing video for American Dream below. And remember you can catch Raye on tour.