Now residing in Long Beach, California, Raye Zaragoza is spreading her sonic wings and taking flight. The new music video for her latest single “They Say” is a beautiful tribute to folk music’s power of unity that is evermore needed during these divisive times, and that through sharp harmonica leads and a rich vocal delivery is easy to understand. Zaragoza, Indigenous on her father’s side and a first-generation Japanese-American on her mother’s, rejects any type of segregation in music and pushes for an inclusive world via a song that embraces and rejects politics at the same time; the music can exist calmly in all hearts, inspiring reflection. The music video filmed with director Matthew Freiheit in Los Angeles on March 17 (a day after the city’s lockdowns took effect) is a walk through a cityscape bare of bodies but not of souls yearning for a better tomorrow. Stream the new music video for “They Say” below for something heartwarming and real. - René Cobar, photo by Caleb James

New York singer/songwriter Raye Zaragoza offers a set of shimmering folk with her debut EP Heroine (released last week). Throughout the four-track release, the young musician shows deeply intimate scenes of romance-searching (as in “Sleeplovers”) and innocent love (as in “Crazy Eyes”), continuing a tradition of plaintive guitar-based ballads while distinguishing herself with her voice. Comparisons to Norah Jones are almost inevitable but Zaragoza’s vocals are warmer, finding an intriguing spot between toddler-like dependence and the experience of an adult. While initially recognizable, Raye's voice—and music, at large—has a unique elusiveness. Raye Zaragoza celebrated the release of her debut EP last Wednesday at Rockwood Music Hall with The Natalie York Band. – Zach Weg