We were lucky to catch up with Ray Buno recently and have shared our conversation below.

Ray, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I first knew I wanted to be an Artist when I was in 4th grade. I always looked for an escape growing up because I wasn’t around the safest environment. I grew up around a lot of violence and family issues and music was always super easy to make for me. I started writing at a very young age and then continued up until high school. It helped with a lot of judgement I dealt within myself. It felt like I had something that could make reason for why I am the way I am. I always knew I was different but I used to think it was in a bad way. With music I can embrace the good and show my higher self on a track. Ever since high school I started my own platforms and kinda just went with it and hoped for the best. The more I keep making music the more I keep growing I love it.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi so I go by the name, Raybuno I’m 21 years old , I grew up in the Bay Area. I’ve been writing since I was in 4th grade and started making music since high school. The growth I’ve experienced has made me proud of myself but I know there’s a lot of work to do. I used to feel very alone where I grew up because I didn’t know much people that had the same interest as me. I can happily say now that I have a lot of support from a handful of people that help me. Advice id give to artists that are just starting out is, you won’t feel like you’ll be alone forever. I was always independent with my music with no help and I would think I wasn’t gonna find my team. Eventually things fall into place, people will love you for being you. They will make you part of a team/friend. My highlight the past two years have probably been my shows. I’m super proud of myself for getting over that fear of mine, because stage fright has always been an issue. I prefer making music in my room and just releasing. But shows allowed me to network a lot and meet some amazing people that are now like family to me. It also created a door for more listeners and more support from a handful of different cities in the Bay Area.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect I would say is creating. I know that’s pretty generic, but each song I’ve ever made is a reflection of where I am at in that very moment of my chapter. And the fact that I can look back at those specific creations and reminisce that moment in music is so beautiful to me. It’s more of an award when other people love it just as much as I do.

Have you ever had to pivot?

So I was supposed to go to college, but highschool was already a lot of anxiety for me. I don’t feel like school is hard however I think the process of it is just too overwhelming. I took a gap year after high school and what I learned from myself was truly humbling. I was thinking of going back to college but when music was the priority I would say I put it aside for awhile. I do eventually want to go back and get a degree because I think education is important and I want to prove myself wrong,, but I don’t regret any of the time I used to grow with music .

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/bunoray
• Instagram: Raybuno
• Twitter: Sluumpy
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@raybuno?si=56yITGbqGqeIiVcH

Image Credits
Instagram @sh0tbytati