Meet Raywonder | Artist/Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Raywonder and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi RAYWONDER, what are you inspired by?
1. I have always wanted to be a musician/singer for as long as I can remember. Since I was a little boy attending performing arts school, I always found joy in the art of music and using it not only to express myself, but as a tool to bless others and make them smile. So I always knew that my career path would lead to me using my musical gifts and sharing them with the world.

2. One thing that our society has kind of thrust upon us is always having a plan. While I do believe that preparation is a key component to reaching our goals, I don’t think that always having a set plan and clinging to a certain outcome is always necessary or beneficial. I believe in setting a goal for myself, believing that I can make it happen, working very hard towards achieving my goal, and always keeping both my physical and spiritual self in alignment with what it is I want and who it is, I wish to be.

3. Although I’ve technically only just begun my music career in the past 6 months, I’ve already learned very early on that taking risks is a part of the road to success. For the longest time I was apprehensive about, even sharing my voice in my art with the world. But I knew that it was what I am meant to do and what I’ve always dreamed of doing so I had to put the anxiety and fear of other others, opinions aside and finally just get on stage and sing. And it was once I finally did that that I finally found the greatest joy I’ve ever had in life in performing and sharing my own art with others.

4. Some habits that have helped me to succeed thus far are simply trusting myself, having confidence, and staying true to my purpose which is to creative and make others smile with my music.

5. I think the most important factor in my success so far as an artist has been simply trusting myself to do what I know I’m meant to do anyway which is to create. Sometimes as artists we can be our biggest critics and that can cause us to sometimes feel inadequate or to begin doubting ourselves or our abilities. I fell victim to this for a long time, especially when I was younger and still coming to terms with my sexuality and learning to be comfortable and openly accepting of myself. But once I came to terms with the fact that this is my life and no one is going live it like me or for me, then it was easy for me to let go and just be myself on stage and in the studio. And that’s what people respond to the most I’ve found, is authenticity and confidence.

6. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my career so far and in life is that everyone is not going to like you, and it doesn’t matter. They don’t have to. They don’t even have to respect you. But what does matter is that when you wake up and the morning and put yourself to bed at night, you’re comfortable with the person that you are, and you love the person that you are unconditionally. Mastering that is something no one can ever take away from you.

7. My work-life balance has changed in the aspect of I have spent more time in my music career than I have in my regular 9 to 5 and it has brought me more pressure than usual, but it is a good pressure. I take me being so busy so quickly as a sign that I am getting closer and closer to my goal of truly being a global music superstar, and I look forward to pursuing it full-time in the near future.

8. Well my name, RAYWONDER, was originally the name of my clothing line RayzWonder that I started back in 2029 while I still lived in Lakeland, FL. Even though I always knew i wanted to be an artist and do music, it wasn’t until after then that i realized I was RAYWONDER.
Wonder stemming from the wonder people are stuck with whenever they see me or hear my music! *wink*

9. I’ve always known I was different than the average or normal person, and most of that came from my way of perceiving the world and turning it into my own interpretations of art and creativity. It’s sort of the only way I even know how to think, and it’s always been. Music in particular has always held so much power to me in its ability to shift one’s energy and hold & express emotions in its notes and words. And once I realized at a young age that I was blessed with the gift to be able to harness such beauty, there was never really another option for me.

10. I’m inspired by the beauty in the little things in life. I think it is a wonderful thing to draw inspiration from the smallest moments and marvels in our life. And of course, my favorite artists Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd, SZA, & Chris Brown. Their ability to seemingly create an entire world with their music, while sharing inner joy and light with others is something I aspire to achieve with my own work.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Growing up as a black gay boy, I definitely felt different than those around me and sometimes it made me feel like I was the issue, or that I didn’t belong anywhere. But I always found comfort in music, and when I felt like there was no one I could express my feelings and emotions to, my pen and pad were there to help me navigate through the complexities of this life experience. And I truly owe my life to music. My goal now is to do for others with my art and music what it did for me when I was at my lowest points in life; it brought me hope.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I have a lot of favorite spots in Detroit, but one of them lately is definitely Queen’s Den Bar & Grill on the east side. It’s one of the most diverse & entertaining bars on that side of town. Not to mention, myself and the rest of the T.R.A.P X Music family host shows there every Wednesday night and I’m blessed to be able to showcase my talent to a bunch of amazing people every week!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have to thank my Mom and Dad for raising me to be resilient and always reach for the stars regardless of what anyone else may say. And a special thank you to Mr. DripXTrip, my manager, great friend, and C.E.O. of my record label T.R.A.P X Music. Above all, all thanks to God for getting me this far and allowing me to fulfill my true purpose on this earth!

Website: https://linktr.ee/rayzwonder

Instagram: @RAYZWONDER – https://www.instagram.com/rayzwonder?igsh=MnlvcmY3bmNvd2Vt&utm_source=qr

Facebook: Ray Wonder – https://www.facebook.com/rayzwonder?mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr

Youtube: RAYWONDER – https://youtube.com/@rayzwonder?si=A0L1agyLZh3iz6E1