RAY LOZANO INTERVIEW: VIPER PRESENTS [FEATURE]

Ray Lozano is a German-Filipino singer, songwriter and producer born and raised in Cologne, has a capvating sound. She released her ‘SILK&SORROW’ EP at the end of last month, get familiar with this VIPER interview…

What five words define your sound?

Silkiness, Honesty, Polaroids, Mellowness, Melodic.

Tell me something unique about sour creative process?

When I write songs, the music always comes first. It doesn’t have to be complex — just a couple of chords and a hint of rhythm to set the vibe. Then I start mumbling, letting words find their way into the melody. It’s all about repetition, shaping the tune and discovering the story I want to tell. There’s something almost magic about that moment. You must catch it, let it flow and shut off your mind. It’s like meditation — pure and instinctive.

Which song of yours would you like people to hear first?

‘HiYA’

What inspired you to make that song?

It’s about missing my best friend and the times we had in our 20’s. Life in our 30’s looks so different and sometimes you just want to tap back into that feeling. This song is like an audio hug — for her, for me and for anyone who’s ever missed someone.

What’s the most vulnerable you’ve allowed yourself to be when writing/making music?

I think writing is always a vulnerable process. If you don’t dig into yourself — your rawest, deepest feelings — you can’t create something that truly resonates. Every time I write, it’s like flipping through an old diary, revisiting parts of myself I might have forgotten or tried to ignore.

What’s the best/worst experience you’ve had on stage?

Best experience: When people sing along. There’s nothing like that moment when me, my band and the crowd are completely in sync. It’s pure magic. Worst experience: Definitely when my in-ear monitor broke, and all I could hear was crackling. Total nightmare, but at least I can laugh about it now!

What is your favourite song to perform?

‘HiYA’ at the moment.

Which artist/song/album made you want to make music?

Back in the days: Alicia Keys – ‘Songs in A Minor’.

What’s the meaning behind your name?

Ray is short for Rachel for me and Lozano is my mom’s last name.

If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing instead?

I think I’d be an interior designer.

What’s success to you?

I’m not really sure yet. I grew up in a household where success was never something we cheered for or celebrated. It was just a quick acknowledgment before moving on to the next goal. So, I’m still learning to pause and actually recognise what I’ve achieved. But at the same time, I kind of enjoy not thinking too far ahead. It keeps me present and when something turns out really great, the surprise feels even bigger to me personally.

What moment in your life/career forced you to change direction?

When I had a vocal cord paralysis and couldn’t sing for a few months, that was tough. But it completely shifted my perspective — I had always seen myself as “just” a singer and losing that for a while made me realise how limiting that mindset was. We’re so much more than just one side of our creativity. During that time, I started working at a youth centre and the conversations I had with those kids changed me in ways I never expected. It really opened my eyes to new ways of expressing myself and connecting with others.

Where can people stay in touch with you?

On insta and my newsletter 😍