This is an interview done with @juliarayee, read her story below! If you, or anyone you know, would like to be highlighted in The Zillennial Zine, shoot us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com or DM us on Instagram!
Q: Tell us your story! Where did you begin and how did you reach the caliber you’re currently at?
I’ve loved music for as long as I can remember. I started studying vocals at just 9 years old. I was very inspired by Hannah Montana at the time and dreamed of becoming a singer. By 4th grade, I was receiving classical training and started studying opera. After years of performing in honors choirs and musicals, I went on to study Vocal Performance with Metropolitan Opera alumni George Shirley at the University of Michigan. It was during my time there that I began producing the pop songs I had been writing over the years. I felt an incredible sense of excitement being able to write music tailored to my voice and tell my own stories through my own words. That’s when I knew this was exactly what I was meant to do.
What makes you love what you do? How long have you been making music? Would you call it your passion?
I love the artistic freedom I’m able to have through songwriting. I love being able to express myself and create a project that feels so authentically me and tailored perfectly to my own voice. As a trained opera singer, I love being able to combine my classical technique with catchy pop melodies, I think it creates something really unique. I’ve been writing songs ever since I was a little kid, but I didn’t start releasing music until 2021. I would call music my ultimate passion. It’s something I’m so grateful to be able to pursue.
What are some accomplishments or milestones you’ve reached lately?
I was so proud to release my first single, “Like You Used To.” It’s super scary to put yourself out there like that. I had no prior experience releasing music so I really had to teach myself everything. I released the song completely independently and I think it was such a huge learning experience to figure out how to do it all by myself. I take so much pride in my music and my artist project. I am beyond happy that I get to continue writing and releasing more music.
Tell us all about your latest project!
My new single, “Wish You Stayed,” just came out on November 1st. It’s a song I wrote about a breakup and shares the raw emotions of losing a partner and a best friend. It’s a very honest and reflective song. It memorializes all of the good memories from the relationship and the realizations I had as I came to terms with it ending. I hope listeners are able to relate to it and feel all of the raw emotions.
Do you have any advice for someone who might admire you? What do you think is the key to success?
My advice would is to stay at it and keep pushing, even when it feels hard. It’s not a career that you can just dive into overnight, it takes hard work and persistence. I think the key to success is always maintaining your passion for the music you’re making.
Find Julia Raye On Social Media!
Instagram: @juliarayee
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