There comes a time in our lives when we realize that we’ve found a part of ourselves in something else. Whether it’s in new hobbies, unexpected career paths, or just simply altering our mindsets, we’ve all been able to express our identity in something that furthers us as individuals. If we’re lucky enough to find that something early on, it’s worth holding onto. Today’s ‘Sit In On Friday’ artist has found herself in music early on and passionately stuck with it to this day.
Inspired by not only her heritage but also her surroundings, experiences, and her emotions, RAYNE is an overall multitalented creative. RAYNE manages to put her heart into her lyrics and transports us into a melodic, daydreaming state. Her songs are raw and real as though she’s sharing exerts of her diary with us, accompanied by soothing beats and a heavenly voice that puts you at ease.
RAYNE has not only found herself in her art but her art found itself in her. We were able to get an exclusive interview with the up-and-coming musician where she shared her origin, journey, and creative process with us.
At Title, we emphasize the importance of staying true to yourself, your art, and your identity. What would you say is your True Identity?
I’m not sure, I feel I identify myself with the passions I have but so much of ourselves changes over time and our personality develops as well based on experiences we have and decisions we make that it’s difficult for me to have a ‘true’ Identity.
What is the significance behind your artist name ‘RAYNE’?
It’s very much inspired by my mother Reina, which in the Philippines (where she’s from) it translates to Queen. Having always looked up to my mother’s strength I wanted to use my artist name to represent that certain female energy that was present in my life.
How has living in three completely different places; Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, and Germany, impacted your music and your journey as an artist?
It was definitely not always easy to feel I belonged somewhere, having traveled a lot as a child I struggled a bit with my cultural identity and my place. However, I’m very grateful for the opportunity to have experienced these places first hand, giving me lots of perspective on different cultures.
At what age did you first start writing music?
Since I was a child I’ve been drawn to music and found it fascinating how you could harmonize and create tones with the help of instruments and your voice. I think I wrote my first song when I was 12 and it was a cheesy love song.
How has your songwriting progressed since then?
I think I still write some cheesy love songs but I’ve definitely been inspired a lot more by my own progress as a person and some of the shadow parts of myself that I haven’t put so much thought into before.
How do you manage to create on those days where you just feel uninspired? Has the pandemic increased the frequency of these kinds of days for you?
Luckily, I’m surrounded by great people at EARL Records that help me feel inspired through watching them be motivated and excited about the music we’re making it helps me bounce off of them and work on my own music as well! I feel through the Pandemic I’ve actually had more time to put thought into my music and RAYNE as an artist.
As a multifaced artist, what connection do you see between painting and music? Do you ever combine the two? If yes, how?
I believe that with both mediums I work through unprocessed emotions, art has always guided me through some of my hard times and it allows me to stop thinking and just create. Often I’ll find myself writing lyrics or painting something that tells me more about myself that I didn’t know.
What would you say is one of the best decisions you’ve made in your career so far?
Earlier last year I dropped out of school to pursue creating and though some might say the decision is reckless (which I don’t disagree with) I know for myself it was necessary not only for my mental well-being but also to allow RAYNE to flourish and grow as an artist.
What are your creative goals for the next few years?
Honestly, my goal is to be able to live off my art, I’m looking forward to creating beautiful things with lots of new people in the future.
Are there any projects you’re currently working on that we can look forward to in the future?
I’m very excited to be a part of ‘Children of the Sun’, a project EARL Records has created for teenagers to take part in music workshops led by us! If this is something you’d be interested in check out our Instagram @earlrecords. I’m also planning on releasing my first EP later this year with visuals. Can’t wait to show everyone what I’ve been working on.
