Today we’d like to introduce you to Raya Dize.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Raya. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My journey started in Europe where I was touring and performing as a classical pianist. My dream was to become famous in the classical music industry.
As time went by, I started losing my vision and the doctors recommended that I reduce my long practice sessions in order to “save my eyes”. This was the reason I began classical singing, which gave my eyes the rest they required. When I turned 13, I wrote my first pop song and started experimenting with different genres of music. Dance became an important aspect of my life, as did learning to play a variety of instruments, such as drums, guitar, bass guitar, violin, harp, etc. I fell in love with songwriting because it gives me an avenue to express my feeling and emotions.
I felt very bored, lonely and out of place in grade school. I realized that homeschooling would be the best solution for me. I finished a few grades in one year and enrolled in the biggest theatrical university in Europe at the age of 15, the youngest student ever to be accepted to the University at that time. I graduated with a bachelor degree in acting at the age of 19.
My heart told me that Los Angeles should be my next step. I came here to pursue my music dreams, as a complete unknown as many people do. I left my friends and Country behind and started again from the bottom. The first job that I found was a limo company where I worked as a driver, and I can assure you that it only motivated me to work even harder towards my dream! Two years later, when I was about to give up, I got signed to an independent music label and got a VIP audition for American Idol and America’s Got Talent. One year later I was invited to be a singer/musician in the show “Celestia” located at the Stratosphere in Las Vegas.
As for now, I am working on my album and will be releasing it soon. My goal is to be able to help disabled children and orphans through my music. Whenever I feel discouraged, I always remind myself that I have a purpose behind all my dreams and goals, and it motivates me to keep going and fighting through obstacles and failures. (I wrote lots of songs about it)
What else should our readers know?
I get lots of questions regarding my process of writing music. I wouldn’t say that I write my music. I just hear it in my head, then I go to my instrument and play it. Taking credits for my songs was never and will never be my intention, cause it is all about other people who don’t only inspire me, but also people who hurt or betray me, teach me lessons, give the best memories and love. My parents taught how to be compassionate, so I give all my credits to them.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My most fond childhood memories are when I was performing classical pieces on stage. These memories are priceless. I remember how long it was taking me to get on stage, to bow, to adjust my chair in order to make sure that I am fully prepared, calm, focused and concentrated.
I am surprised that nobody fell asleep during this process xD
Contact Info:
- Website: www.rayadize.com
- Phone: 3236404292
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rayadize/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/raya.ferguson.9
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5RnEsJE-YjJD45WCgk-XGg
Image Credit:
Julia Ferguson, Luba Shteyn, Maegan Alys, Julia Osetrova
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