Why We Are Infatuated With Willow Raye

For singer-songwriter Willow Raye, 2020 has been a year of personal growth. Her song “Numb” featuring Bobby Raps broke into the top 50 spots on the iTunes Top Songs chart, and Willow has followed that success by releasing her new singles “ADHD” and “Never Call You Again.” Recently, Showbiz Cheat Sheet caught up with Willow to discuss her new songs and upcoming music plans.

Hi Willow, and welcome to Vocal Media

How are you surviving through our current times?

I’m doing actually pretty good for what it’s worth! Staying busy, being creative especially. Creativity has really got me through this time and actually made it enjoyable.

So for all our followers out there, tell me how did your love for music begin and who inspired you?

I’ve always had a love for music. When I’m sad, happy, upset, bored, that’s something I always turn to. Listening and creating music just makes our quality of life so much better. The artist who inspires me the most is probably Lana Del Rey. She’s just such an amazing writer and I think how she branded herself was so genius. We don’t make or write the same kind of music but I’m always inspired by her and her writing.

What challenges did you face trying to be discovered, and what advice can you give to aspiring artists like yourself?

A lot of self doubt and questioning myself. It sucks but I think it’s a lot of what us artists go through. This really affected me earlier this year. But after a lot of introspection and finding myself. I think the key is making music you love and that is for you. Not to impress anyone, but if your music helps someone. Then you win. Music should ultimately be your craft and you have to focus on your love for it. If you want to make music for clout, it’s not going to be satisfying and it’s a losing game. Authenticity is key.

You have a brand new song and music video out for “ADHD,” what’s the inspiration behind this song?

What made you want to release a music video with it? ADHD is a fun, hot girl pop song out simply, but I used my background of who I am to create it. I have the worst ADHD ever and it’s hard to stay focused on one person, place or thing. This is a song about that pertaining specifically to relationships. I wanted to make the song fun and something you and your friends camcan vibe too. The storyline of the song is really saying, “Look, I got options, I don’t have to narrow down on one person romantically, but I want to. That person being the only consistency in your racing thoughts.

I wanted to make a music video to complete the track. There’s no specific storyline but having fun with your girlfriend and dancing away your problems! I also love fun, simple, vintage type videos.

What moment in your life inspired this song?

My sound changed. I wanted to go for more of an alternative pop vibe. So this was the track that kicked this off. I love the guitar and grunge feel of the track contrasting with the poppy fun lyrics. I think the moment, or moments that inspired this was having options in romantic regards, and really wanting one person.

You also released “Numb” back in September, but it’s more of a new version of an old song I believe?

Yes! I wanted to get a feature artist on this track to give it more feels and a boost. I thought Bobby Raps would be perfect for this.

How did the collaboration with Bobby Raps come about and how did you know he was the perfect fit for the single?

I just slid into the dms and asked if he wanted to feature my track and we did it! I love his voice and how unique his songs are. I also think for my sound change, he could help set the tone.

Can we see an EP coming in the near future? Or any more new music in general?

I’m putting our singles right now as a way to let each song be its own little story. I’m going to put out an EP once my fans get a feeling of my new sound change so they can really get it.

I happened to check your Instagram out, and I have to ask how did you get so many followers lol? And more importantly how much of a role do you think Social Media plays in artists careers?

I think social media helps you connect with your fans but for artistry, it’s not essential to have a ton of followers. I think it’s a supplement. I’ve had this account literally forever lol. So I think just engaging with followers and posting dope content, the people will come!

Thanks for your time Willow, but before you tell us what the rest of 2020 holds for you?

Lots of singles and videos to complement them. I have “Never Call You Again” coming out on the 30th! I have a couple other singles “Manic” and “Dark Waters” coming out the following month. Those songs are my BABIES. I can’t wait to share them.

To know about her;

@willowraye