Meet Rhea Ray | Singer Songwriter

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

Hi Rhea, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
It all started with this huge aha moment. I had just finished composing a classical piece on the piano, and later, while driving, I suddenly had this vivid, almost cinematic vision of a full orchestra playing it. I could hear everything—the strings, the horns, every detail—and it hit me: music isn’t just something I do. It lives in me.

In that moment, I realized I can’t hold back and I need to share it. It’s not just something I do—it’s who I am. That’s when I knew I needed to build something of my own, where I could express my voice, my sound, and my passion without limitations. Starting my own passion-driven business as a singer-songwriter felt like the most genuine way to bring that vision to life and connect with people through music. For me, this isn’t just about the music industry—it’s about creating emotional experiences that speak to people on a deeper level and stay with them long after the music stops.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all about channeling mood and storytelling. I’m a singer-songwriter, and my style blends a mix of classical influences, cinematic moods, raw, honest songwriting and pop vibes.. I want my music to make people feel—to tap into something real, whether it’s heartbreak, hope, or reflection. What sets me apart is probably my classical piano training—those roots really show up in the pop music I create. I love blending the emotional depth and structure of classical music with the fluidity and feeling of modern pop.

What excites me most is that every new song takes me on a completely different journey, an obsession rather—where I get to explore a unique mix of emotions and life-scenes from both my own life and someone else’s . Each song carries its own kind of energy and vibe, that can end up reaching people in the most unexpected ways.

Getting to where I am now has definitely not been easy. The music industry can be overwhelming, and there have been times where self-doubt crept in and the pressure and sacrifices felt heavy. But I’ve learned to come back to why I started—because music moves me, and I want it to move others too. Luckily, I’ve also had some amazing people —friends, mentors, and collaborators who believed in me and helped me keep going, even when things got tough.

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is to trust my own voice—creatively and personally. Trends come and go, but staying true to your sound and your vision always wins in the long run.

If there’s one thing I’d want people to know about my music, it’s that it’s not manufactured—it comes from lived moments, the ups, the downs, and everything in between. I’m constantly writing, because my muse doesn’t really keep office hours—it shows up whenever it wants, and often times in the strangest of places (one of my released songs was actually written at a Panda Express). At the end of the day, I want to create music that feels like a conversation you didn’t know you needed—unfiltered, and deeply human. If a song can hold space for someone, shift their mood, or mirror something they didn’t have words for, then I’ve done what I came to do.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Here are my top 3s for each of these vibes:

Coffee Shops
Maru Coffee – Simple aesthetic, amazing espresso.
Go Get Em Tiger – Cute and fun spot. Top tier lattes.
Dayglow – Trendy and unique. Their Specialty coffee flavors – a must.

Bars
Death & Co – Fancy cocktails in a dark, vibey spot.
Bar Lis – Rooftop bar with Riviera feel.
Tonga Hut – Retro, and super chill.

Bites
Bestia – Modern, trendy Italian spot. Love.
Highly Likely – Chill brunch spot. Bright open space.
Kodo – Sleek Japanese place.

Only-in-LA
Getty Center – Killer views, cool architecture, free.
The Last Bookstore – Huge and quirky. Great for pics and rare finds.
The Broad – Pop-y modern art museum. Big names, free.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to give a big shoutout to Sonya Glass and Shell Enns—two incredibly talented individuals and an absolute powerhouse couple in the music world. Sonya is such a gifted singer-songwriter with a rare ability to write straight from the soul, and Shell is a producer who brings music to life with so much heart, skill, and intention.

Beyond their talent, what really stands out is their kindness and authenticity. They’ve been true friends to me in this industry. I’m really grateful for their presence in my journey, and they absolutely deserve recognition for the way they lift others up while continuing to blaze their own creative trail.

Website: Coming soon

Instagram: @rhearaymusic

Youtube: @RheaRayMusic

Other: TikTok: @rhearaymusic

Image Credits
Chad Riley