Interview: Ray Leslie

How did this all start, did you grow up loving music, singing. Was this always a dream for you?  
‍One of the earliest memories I have of my childhood is loving Westlife and Backstreet Boys. My dad used to collect CD’s and DVD’s so both music and film have been large forces in my life. I was ten when I started writing my own songs, fourteen when I fell in love with hip-hop, the same year I realised that this was my purpose in life.  

Your new single DND is out, tell us more about the inspiration behind it?  
I wrote DND in a dimly lit bedroom. I had just finished work, and my phone was dead so for two hours, I was just locked in on the music. DND is about that I guess – the ability to block out the world in pursuit of greatness. It can feel like an isolated road at times but it’s also such an empowering feeling knowing that I took the path less travelled.  

What do you hope listeners take away from "DND" after hearing it for the first time?
I hope they feel inspired. Not only is it a beautiful track but there’s this sense of intimacy by how minimal it is. I’m just talking to whoever is listening and hoping DND inspires them to embrace their path and feel confident in themselves. Or maybe... they hear the song and get reminded to turn their phone on DND sometimes. That would be equally rewarding.  

You mention that creating "DND" helped you reflect on emotions you'd never explored before. What did you learn about yourself through writing it?
‍I’ve always felt myself throughout this whole journey, but I guess in writing about being on the path, I realise how far I’ve truly come. I may feel like the same person but I’m stronger, wiser, hungrier, more focussed. Being hard to reach meaning I’m now operating on another level and I guess I just never noticed because I’ve always worked hard and dreamed big.  

You've had songs chart in the Top 20 Hot NZ Singles and received support from radio stations across New Zealand. How have those milestones impacted your confidence as an artist?
‍While one hopes for and works towards accolades such as being on the charts, it still comes as a surprise when it happens. I’m just some rapper from Tamaki that’s making music and sending emails. I’m incredibly grateful for all the radio support that’s rewarded me with those spots, and it pushes me to be even better knowing I’ve got the backing of some local music staples.  

Your EP "Fantasy & Future" received award recognition in 2024. Looking back, what did that project teach you that you're applying to your music today?
‍Fantasy & Future was a creative beast. It was the first project fully made in an actual studio (Big Pop), and we made a whole movie to accompany the project, premiered it at Academy and everything. That project taught me that however crazy your ideas are, if you have the drive and most importantly, the people who are able to help bring it to life (Light Beings Network & Dead Slate Collective) – why not? Everything I do now, whatever it may be, I say “Why not?”.  

You've performed at festivals and opened for a range of artists. What have been some of the most memorable moments of your career so far?
‍I’ve got two favourites: playing in Pōneke for the first time opening for Young Gho$t and my first headline at Cassette Nine. The Pōneke show was incredible. Gho$t packed out the whole room and it was just all these people discovering me for the first time... and they gave me everything. Most hype performance to date. Well, other than my first headline at Cassette. I was celebrating the release of my album ‘SPRINGBOARD; and I packed out the whole room. Half with people that didn’t know me and all my friends. It was amazing.  

What do you have coming up that you can share with us?  
‍I’ve got another banger coming out in September, then a beaming summer with my collective ‘Light Beings Network’, another song then early next year... an album?! After that, world takeover, become a household name and win a Grammy.  

What would your ideal BF burger contain?
‍I think ya’ll already hit the mark with the American Muscle Double. No notes needed.  

Sound Check, Vibe Check

What is your go to song to Jam out to in the car? Two Birds by Domengo

Who is your favourite artist at the moment? Awldboy

One thing you can’t perform without? Light Beings Network

One artist or band you would love to co-lab with? WHATMORE  

Go to BurgerFuel order? American Muscle or a classic Hamburgini

Fire or Backfire?

Pickles in burgers FIRE

Crocs FIRE

Karaoke FIRE

BurgerFuel Aioli FIRE  

Acoustic performances FIRE

NZ Music Month DOUBLE FIRE

Festivals FIRE

Singing in the shower FIRE

Pineapple on pizza BACKFIRE

Supermarket in bare feet BACKFIRE

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Check out Ray's new single, DND HERE, and stay up to date with Ray HERE.