Written By: Paul Amyot
Born and raised in New Jersey Rayla gained an interest in music from a very young age. Her unique style can be heard in her hit “Boys Like You”.
Photo credit: Christian Royce @theofficalroyce (Instagram)
upfrontNY: What got you interested in pursuing music at such a young age ?
Rayla: For me music has always been such a huge part of my family. Growing up my dad was playing all day, every day, so I’m really lucky that I got to grow up with a sense of history of music and exposure to all different genres that I can now apply to my own creative artistry today.
upfrontNY: Was music a big part of your family?
Rayla: Nobody in my family is musically talented (although they like to think so – lol) but music has always been a huge part of growing up in my household.
upfrontNY: What is your favorite thing about growing up in New Jersey?
Rayla: I think it’s so cool that I can drive one hour in a different direction and end up at either a beach, a mountain, or New York City. The bagels are great too!
upfrontNY: How much do you think your surroundings influenced who you are as an artist today?
Rayla: I’ve been lucky enough to be surrounded by musical people at a very young age, so I was able to experience a lot of different types of music. Also I’ve been lucky enough to travel to New York, Nashville, and LA, which all have a different musical energy and vibe.
upfrontNY: Who would you say are your favorite artists?
Rayla: The musicians I listen to change every other week because I’m always listening to different types of music. Currently I’m obsessed with Camila Cabello’s new album, Ed Sheeran is always a go to, and you can never go wrong with Post Malone. Oh, and also 21 Pilots!
upfrontNY: Who has been the biggest influence in your musical career so far?
Rayla: Someone that I wish I knew and have always looked up to has been Shania Twain, taking it back to when she completely took the reins of country music and changed the game and now to Taylor Swift and how she’s completely evolved as an artist.
upfrontNY: Where do you draw your inspiration from while writing your songs?
Rayla: Usually I take personal life experiences or experiences from friends or family but I love walking into a writing session, either having a bunch of ideas or none at all and being able to start from scratch and create something amazing!
upfrontNY: If you had to choose what would you say would be your dream city / venue to perform in one day?
Rayla: Haha- I think a lot of artist would say to sell out Madison Square Garden but a goal of mine is definitely to perform at the Super Bowl one day or the Grammys, but honestly I love performing anywhere, no matter the size of the venue.
upfrontNY: What do you like to do in your spare time when you are not pursuing your musical aspirations?
Rayla: Honestly I don’t get lots of time off, but when I do I just love to hang out with my friends and try to live as normal a 16 year old life as much as possible. Also being with my friends helps with getting inspiration for new song ideas.
upfrontNY: Favorite restaurant in New Jersey? All time favorite place to go to with friends in New Jersey?
Rayla: Any place with good french fries or good sushi, but definitely not those two together. My friends and I love going to the beach and it definitely gives us time to check out from our phones and live in the moment.
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