Raye Zaragoza – 1/8/24

January 8, 2024

Raye Zaragoza is a Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter who creates political folk music that is informed by her identity as a woman of mixed Indigenous, Asian, and Latina heritage. She gained recognition in 2016 with “In The River,” which was written to protest the Dakota Access Pipeline. When she performed a Tiny Desk Concert at NPR, she spoke and sang about making live music more economically accessible. She currently writes the music for Netflix’s Spirit Rangers, a show featuring an all Native American writers room and cast.

Her 2023 album Hold That Spirit is a nuanced and complex album that delves into Zaragoza’s personal struggles with anxiety, work, and heartbreak. Simultaneously, it extends beyond her individual experiences, seeking solace in the shared understanding of these challenges among others. By leaning on those who make her feel seen and supported as she ventured into the world seemingly alone, she was able to remain defiantly optimistic, and inspire us all to do the same.

Playlist

Artist (Song)

1. 1. 1. Celeigh Cardinal (Party of One)
      2. KingRadio (Changes)
      3. The Bearhead Sisters (I’ll Be Ok)
      4. Raye Zaragoza (Hold That Spirit)
      5. Raye Zaragoza (Joy Revolution)
      6. Raye Zaragoza (Strong Woman)
      7. Attica Riots (Who’s That?)
      8. Annie Humphrey (Winter Thunder)
      9. Indian City ft. Julian Taylor and Kelly Bado (Good People)