Ray Moon Talks Growing Up In Queens, Her Unique Name, Adversities, & Music

If you haven’t heard of Queens, New York-bred, Los Angeles-living, multi-faceted MC, Ray Moon, then I suggest you do a little research on her and her music.

Moon is a mash of RnB and hip-hop and has been co-signed by Drake’s dad, Dennis Graham and producer, Jahlil Beats, as well as a plethora of labels who all have their eyes on the lyricist.

The rapper recently released the visuals for her latest single, “Creep” and is prepping for the release of her forthcoming EP, Thoughts of Being Sober.

– Let’s talk about your stage name “Ray Moon.” How did this pseudonym arise?

Everyone always asks me about that. I’m about to give a crazy story when it comes to my name! (Laughs) My original name is Rachel, but growing up my whole family would call me “Ray Ray,” so the kids at school started to call me “Ray Ray” as well. At that time I was going by “The Real Rachel Marie.” One night I was walking out of the studio after a session, and it was a full moon, and my producer was like “Aye “Ray Moon,” & was like, ‘like ooooooh shit, I like that!’ There you have it, that’s where my name came from–RAY MOON.

– When would you say that music and rapping began for you?

Music has always been in me. My family loves music. Growing up, my mom used to play a lot of house music, and she would put my sister and I to sleep with house music playing. (Laughs) You probably would think we wouldn’t go to sleep to this type of music, but we actually did. I wrote poetry before I started rapping. I was always good with words and storytelling. At that time I was going through a lot of family issues, so I started writing heavily in my diary. At the age of 14, I started calling myself an artist.

– Struggle sometimes begets music. We use our trials and adversity as a therapeutic tool to heal. You haven’t had the easiest childhood. You grew up in Queens, New York being witness to deaths, struggles, and disappointments. How did you find peace and your voice from these bearings?

I found peace being outside a lot, staying busy and playing basketball. Basketball was my first love before anything, so I would practice after school, and then come home and go right outside with my friends around my neighborhood.

– At the age of 15, you relocated to Lawrenceville, Georgia. What sparked this move and how did it fuel your music career?

I was living in Florida prior to that. My Mom had lost her job, so she took on this traveling nurse position in California. So I got sent to stay with my aunt and uncle in Georgia. During this time, Atlanta was becoming big and known for trap music. I stayed in the “Nawfside” where the Migos are from. I was in a group at the time, and I curated that style. I think everybody from there did. Living there was definitely influential.

– How did you end up in Los Angeles?

I was in San Francisco before Los Angeles, and I didn’t like the weather, it was always raining and cold. I thought I would be much happier in Southern California, which I was!

– How would you describe your style, musically and overall?

Musically, it’s a connection. I think I can connect with anything walking. Overall I feel the same. I just have that aura.

– What does your single “Creep” mean to you as an artist and individual?

Creep is a statement– Don’t talk to me when it’s only convenient for you. I think a lot of times people don’t understand when they have something good until they lose it, and by that time it’s too late– Looking for heaven is hell.

– For those who aren’t familiar with you yet, let’s give them a little information to get acquainted… What do you do in your spare time? Any unusual hobbies? Who are your top five favorite artists (male or female)? What is one quirky thing about you everyone would be shocked to hear about? Do you play any instruments? If you could work with one artist and producer for an entire album who would they be?

I like to watch Netflix TV shows & be curled up somewhere. I love smoking hookah, and I love riding bikes & I love sleeping. (Laughs) The hobby I will always enjoy is basketball & Swimming. And my top five artists would be Jay Z, Nas, Drake, Sade ( I loveeee Sade) and Frank Ocean. I wish I played an instrument, I want to learn how to play the guitar. The artist and producer I would choose are METRO BOOMIN & Future… that’s how I’m feeling right now.

– What are you currently working on? Your EP “Thoughts of Being Sober” will be released soon?

I’m currently just recording records for after the EP. THE EP is done, and yes it will be released soon. Very soon. It’s so dope, I can’t wait for you guys to hear it.

-The video for “Creep” is currently out. Will there be any more visuals? Any touring plans?

Yes, of course. There will be tons of more visuals along with editorial and merchandise coming very soon for you guys. And for the tour, I don’t know anything yet, but it’s definitely in the works.