Ray Leslie’s sophomore album is a testament to the sheer artistic ability that this fire-rocket of a rapper has and is proving to mould and perfect with each new project she releases. We had the chance to ask Ray a few questions about her album and life with the release of the upcoming album.
How have you been during the pandemic? You must be excited to get back on stage for your release show on Friday?
2021 had been such a busy year for me in my career that settling back into lockdown was definitely a hard pill to swallow. I’m grateful as a creative though because regardless of however I was feeling, I had the time and space to create. In fact, I finished SPRINGBOARD during lockdown which is what makes my show so special. So yes, I am very, very excited.
What was the biggest inspiration behind SPRINGBOARD? Do you think your sound has developed from the opening single KANSAS through to the last track with writing the album?
Compared to my other projects, SPRINGBOARD to me acts not as a lesson in growth but as evidence of it. Sort of a culmination of the amount of work I’ve done over the past three years. I started writing the album during the beginning of an extremely happy season and it just manifested in my creations. I think as the album progresses, my sound fluctuates between celebrating that happiness and also balancing the inevitable pitfalls in my journey, to finally accepting the roller coaster that is life.
What are your biggest goals for 2022, what is the world going to see from Ray Leslie moving forward?
I think my biggest goals for 2022 would be to connect and create with more artists, and to continue elevating my artistry. Also, to travel and seek more opportunities abroad.
What would be the most impacting experience in your life so far?
I would say making the decision to leave University and going all in on my music. It gave me the opportunity to really get to know myself and explore life which has wholeheartedly given me all the inspiration in my music.
Originating from the city of Cebu in the Phillipines, Auckland based Ray is made up of a multitude of different sounds and experiences, falling in love with music at a young age seemed predistined but landing on hip-hop was an act made decidedly so. Honing on her lyrical prowess and thematic dive, the 23 year old rapper is coming out with SPRINGBOARD that is a ten-track album and serves as an highlight reel for the past year of her life.
This album starts as a fresh canvas welcomed by it’s lead single ‘KANSAS’, a song oosing confidence and the grandiosity of chasing one’s dreams. As the album progresses and we move through tracks, the painting becomes clearer. Beyond Ray’s display of versatility, innovative wordplay and incessantly impressive rhymes, SPRINGBOARD is a message of elevation. Compared to previous projects, this project stands as the light of an unbelievably long tunnel declaring freedom, courage and gratitude.
Stream SPRINGBOARD below!