Tokyo Dreams singer Rayna

Rayna was born and grew up in southern Japan. She grew up in the country, which had little or no chance of making her dreams come true. Her dream was to be a STAR…

When she was 18 years old, Rayna moved to Tokyo, alone, without any idea of how to find work and achieving her dream. She went on many auditions, sent demo tapes…and waited for her opportunity to come.

At that time, Rayna knew some artists promoted themselves on “Myspace”. A wonderful idea flashed into her mind, “I will become the first person to promote myself on Myspace in Japan!” At that time Myspace was not famous in Japan and didn’t display in Japanese.

Her strategy was successful and she achieved the #2 position on the Myspace music ranking which launched her career.

Rayna got many offers through Myspace. She collaborated with a US rapper, a Spanish singer and even began a modeling career as well. She modeled for Japanese brand “a-comb” (T.I. and LlL JON, DJ DRAMA wore their item!), KJ GREEN JAMAICAN STYLE (Sean Paul and T.O.K. wore their item!) and more!

Rayna had being studying English before she came to Tokyo. “I did it because I wanted to find jobs working with the great people from all over the world.” she says.

Rayna signed to South to North Records and released her 1st single “Candy Man” which moved to #2 on TOWER RECORDS Indies chart and 1 year later she created a POP Girls Group named “““BURNNIES”””.

She came up with the name “BURNNIES” which is a mix of “BURN” and “BUNNY”. She wanted to express” Cute and sexy Bunny burning up the floor” .

Rayna Writes her own lyrics, composes music, does her own choreography, and does all her own promotion.

In April 2010, “BURNNIES” released the song “Super Girl” which rose to #1 on the TOWER RECORDS Chart!

Rayna is determined to move forward and make her dreams come true. She is still on her way but with her brains and determination it is just a matter of time.

ASIANCE: Rayna, it is a pleasure to meet you. Thank you for granting us an interview. You moved to Tokyo when you were only 18. That must have been a bit scary. What did you do when you first arrived?

Rayna: Thank you . I’m so glad to meet you too! About my first arrival, I went to a bookstore and got some audition magazine. I felt a little lonely to be alone in Tokyo, but not scared.

ASIANCE: Have you always loved music? Who were your favorites growing up?

Rayna: Absolutely yes. I’m always in love with music. When I was a little kid, my dad listened to Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston sometimes. I didn’t know what they were singing then, but I liked them. My biggest influence is Britney Spears. She was everything to me.

ASIANCE: You were very smart and resourceful using Myspace so early on. How do you promote ““Burnnies”” now?

Rayna: I’m using FACEBOOK now.

ASIANCE: There is the public Rayna and the private Rayna. What is the Rayna that the public does not see? Tell us a little about yourself.

Rayna: When I’m on the stage, people seem to think of me as aggressive, powerful, crazy girl. That’s right. I’m filled with energy and passion on the stage, so I can be like that. But that’s Public me. Normally, I’m a little shy, not good at talking with strangers…(no one trust it though.hahah) I’m just a girl off the stage.

ASIANCE: You do your own choreography as well. Have you been trained professionally?

Rayna: Never. At first I practiced and mimicked with watching my favorite artists’ shows like Britney, TLC, J Lo and so on. If I have a chance, I want to take professional lessons.

ASIANCE: Your song “Super Girl” did very well. You also did a music video. Were you surprised at the success and is there a message in the lyrics of the song?

Rayna: This song is for all people who are vacillating between hope and fear, and people who can’t do what they want to do, due to criticism and prejudice.

I want to say,

If you have a dream, never lose your passion if someone says, “No”.

If you know what you want to do, do it, no matter what people say.

because everybody was born to be a star in their own world!

ASIANCE: What kinds of music do you listen to?

Rayna: I love Pop, Hiphop, R&B, reggae, Rock, Country, Latin, Soca…anything! Good music is good music, you know.

ASIANCE: If you could collaborate with any musician, who would it be?

Rayna: awwwwww…It’s hard to pick one! Britney first but I want to collaborate with Will Smith, Ricky Martin, Eminem, Christina Aguilera too!

ASIANCE: “““Burnnies””” is a combination of sexy and cute. Is that how you would describe yourself?

Rayna: First of all, I don’t think I’m sexy.. Of course I want to be so someday!

ASIANCE: What are your future plans and goals?

Rayna: Keeping my favorite Music and being a headliner. Also, to sing and dance on the stage when I’m over 50 years old!