Raye Zaragoza on Music, Identity, and Leading with Purpose

Raye Zaragoza is the kind of artist who wears her heart on her sleeve and brings generations of stories into her music. Known for her soulful voice and deeply personal lyrics, Zaragoza joined RONN!E on Daybreak Star Radio to talk about her journey as a singer-songwriter, her diverse cultural roots, and the powerful blend of activism and artistry that defines her work. Check out the full interview below.

Born and raised in New York City and now based in Los Angeles, Raye comes from a richly multicultural background. Her father is Akimel O’odham and Mexican, while her mother is Taiwanese and Japanese. “It’s super cool to bring all of these different cultures into my music and my work as an artist,” she says. Her heritage isn’t just something she carries—it’s a foundation for how she views the world and crafts her message.

While many fans know her from her critically acclaimed album Woman in Color, Zaragoza’s artistic journey didn’t start with music. She grew up in a family of performers—her father and brother are both actors, including her brother Roman Zaragoza, who stars on CBS’s Ghosts. But despite her early involvement in theater, Raye realized acting wasn’t her calling. It wasn’t until she picked up a guitar in middle school that everything shifted. “Music was the creative medium that resonated with my heart the most,” she says.

Her multicultural identity plays a major role in how she writes. “I’ve always felt like my storytelling is about so much more than myself,” Raye explains. She describes herself as a link in a chain—deeply connected to her ancestors and those yet to come. Her songs reflect that layered perspective, addressing everything from the land and nature to political injustice and personal growth. “I’m constantly thinking about my great-grandparents and what they went through for me to be here.”

This worldview shaped Woman in Color, an album rooted in reclaiming identity and worth. Growing up as a girl of color in the entertainment industry, Raye often felt she didn’t fit the mold. “I always felt like I wasn’t enough,” she shares. “On TV, it was always white girls on the cover. I wanted to show little girls that you are enough the way you are.”

Beyond her solo work, Raye has become a creative force behind the scenes, too—writing more than 40 songs for Netflix’s animated series Spirit Rangers. She also voices the theme song and transformation song featured in every episode. The opportunity came through her cousin, Joey Clift, one of the show’s writers, and it became one of her favorite creative experiences. “It was such an amazing, amazing experience,” she says. “To bring Karissa Valencia’s vision to life was an honor.”

Raye’s music has also been featured across multiple TV shows, helping her message reach wider audiences. Whether it’s through a folk song or a soundtrack, she sees her work as a way to speak truth and build community. “If you have something to say, you should say it,” she says, reflecting on how activism naturally weaves into her songwriting. “I try to write about the world around me and the world within me.”

Despite all her accomplishments, she remains grounded in her roots and family. “The biggest gift from my dad and brother has been their support,” she says. “Having each other in our lives has made this career so much easier.”

Looking ahead, Raye says she’s taking time this year to regroup and let her creativity guide her. After spending a year on tour with the musical Peter Pan—playing Tiger Lily in Larissa FastHorse’s new adaptation—she’s back in L.A., writing new songs, performing live, and letting things fall into place naturally. “I don’t have a new album in the works just yet, but I’m creating as much as possible,” she says.

When asked what advice she’d give to Indigenous youth looking to break into music or entertainment, Raye keeps it real: “Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Take one step at a time. Start writing poetry, learn an instrument, go to open mics—get out there and share what you create.” And for those who don’t have access to open mics? “Make your own. Invite your friends and family. Just start.”

Her message is simple, but powerful: nurture your creativity before worrying about the industry. And know that your story matters.

To stay updated on Raye’s music, performances, and future projects, find out more at www.rayezaragoza.com.