Life & Work with ISSA RAYE of Los Angeles

Today we’d like to introduce you to ISSA RAYE

Hi ISSA, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’m Issa Raye. I was born and raised in Colombia and moved to the United States after graduating high school. From a young age, I always had a passion for music, dreaming of one day being on stage after watching lots of concerts. I decided to move to the US to pursue an artistic career, but of course, life’s challenges made it difficult, especially moving to a new country and leaving my family behind. Although I used to visit the US with my family often, moving alone was a completely different experience.

I lived in Miami for a few years before making a big move to NYC. I remember my parents didn’t want me to go too far, so I didn’t tell them and just did it. I had a dream of studying acting, but once in NY, I realized that while I loved the arts, music was always calling me. I remember seeing the Rolling Stones in 2019 and feeling an overwhelming urge to be on stage one day.

After moving out of New York, I connected with people in Miami and had my first studio experience, which I absolutely loved. From that moment, I knew I wanted to pursue music. I started working on a few songs, exploring my sound and genres I liked. Since July 2023, I’ve been working on several songs to release this year, including my new single “But I Do” which dropped on June 21. I have more songs on the way, some acoustic versions that I’m sure people will love. I’m also rehearsing to start performing my new songs very very soon!

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’d say it’s been hard to find that sweet balance between working on my passion, having a social life, and traveling. Meeting the right people who believe in me and my project has also been challenging because sometimes people are solely transactional. I truly enjoy meeting new people, admiring their art, and connecting on a personal level. I love getting to know their stories and forming genuine bonds.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I have a few songs on Spotify and just released my new single, “But I Do.” This song is special to me, and I feel many people can relate to it. It’s about the internal struggle between maintaining independence and feeling a powerful emotional connection with someone special. I believe it will resonate with anyone who has tried to be strong and self-reliant but finds themselves drawn to someone who deeply moves them. One of my favorite lines is, “Big runner with the talk tryna please me, Gotta love it when you make it look easy,” which shows how effortless and charming the other person can be, making it impossible to stop thinking about them.

What are your plans for the future?
As for my future plans, I’m definitely looking forward to performing my new songs. I can’t wait to start rehearsals and perform everywhere! I’m really excited about these next steps in my life!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/issaraye/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@IssaRayeMusic