Meet Raymond Amaya of Burbank

Today we’d like to introduce you to Raymond Amaya

Hi Raymond, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I started making music when I was fifteen years old. I was always a music lover, but the electronic music scene of the time was particularly exciting and inspiring to me. I was obsessed with learning how to make music like all of my favorite artists. I downloaded every available trial of music software I could find, and taught myself how to produce on the Digital Audio Workstation, Ableton. I spent years watching tons of youtube videos to learn everything I could about production, mixing, and mastering. Once I felt I achieved proficiency in production, I started learning how to sing and write full songs.
I started my solo project in early 2019 when I accidentally spilled water on my laptop, which held seven years of music, with no backup. I was terrified that if I were to die right then, that no one would even really know I was an artist. I promised myself to release as much art as I could for the rest of my life. I started writing and playing music under the moniker, Maymung. Taking my name from a joke name that my friends would call me.
In October of 2024, I released my debut album, “Maymung Sucks.”

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Hell no it hasn’t been a smooth road. As soon as I decided I wanted to be a musician, I’ve faced problems.
I remember the week I decided I wanted to be an artist, I told one of my godmothers as she took me to try sushi for my first time. She told me that although it was an admirable dream, her and her family would no longer support me if I chose to make music my career. It really broke my heart that she said that, but I had already made up my mind. The sushi was incredible too so it was a really bitter-sweet experience.
I’ve found very little success as an artist. The reality of that has caused me to apply for and drop out of college many times.
Being a musician has caused strain on my own personal relationships with loved ones.
The trials of navigating the every changing labyrinth that is modern music culture has both caused and cured immense bouts of depression over the last few years.
Regardless of struggle, I’ve found and formed so many countless friendships and relationships. I’ve had so many radical life changing experiences in radical and life changing places. I am so extremely happy and grateful to be an artist.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a Music Producer, Singer, Songwriter, Multi Instrumentalist, Mixing and Mastering Engineer, and a server at Olive Garden.

I believe what sets me apart from my contemporaries is that I can hold two glasses of water in one hand. It really gives me an edge as long as I’m serving a party of three or less.

What I believe sets me apart from my contemporaries as a musician, is the perspective i’ve built as a person over my life, and how i’m able to reflect that in a tangible auditory way. I’ve had a very intense and unique life compared to most people, and I believe my unique yet familiar perspective, paired with my many years of high quality skill, allows my music to really shine through as being truly and honestly original.

I am most proud of my debut album that I released last year. It took over two and a half years to write and record. The album tells a story of reflection and observation of the self and of the world around us, through a journey through genre twists and turns.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
What I love most about LA is the sense of journey and the soul the city exudes.
Being able to hit three different shows in one night and view every show from a radically different bar, room, or concert hall. Waiting in line for a spot and complementing someone in line about an accessory they’re wearing, and then forming a long lasting acquaintanceship with that same person. Then getting to drive through the heart of downtown or through the canyons of The 5 freeway next to the old zoo late at night when there’s so few people on the road. It’s like magic.

What I like least is what I imagine most people like least about the city. Face peeling rush hour traffic, soul crushing rent prices, and the inability of local leaders to significantly scale down homelessness in our city.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/Maymung?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=1352140f-1934-4069-a951-0bed48b0e274
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maymungsucks/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maymungmusic
• Twitter: https://x.com/Maymung_sucks
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSYanNwyyE0tT3QJ0O9Jj_w
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/maymung

Image Credits
@glitterbeach
@fatherxdrew