Music | People

Amanda Raya: Visually-Impaired Musician Is A Great Talent, Without A Doubt


Amanda Raya isn’t your typical teenager.

Amanda Raya, photo by Denise Grant

Amanda Raya is a visually-impaired musician and songwriter based in Toronto, and her debut song “Without a Doubt” has garnered over 130,000 views on YouTube.

At 14 years old, Amanda will stop at nothing to continue pursuing her dream in the music industry. With her powerful voice and astounding piano skills, Amanda hopes to officially release “Without A Doubt,”which will be available for on iTunes on June 25th.

“Without A Doubt” has a pensive and wistful melody and it has captured the hearts of many teens who can relate. The song describes the painful feelings of a girl yearning for her love.  Beautifully composed and carrying a strong message, Amanda is definitely a rising star to watch out for in the future.

Faze sat down with Amanda Raya to talk about her musical influences and her future plans.

How would you describe your style of music?

Amanda Raya: I would say my songs have a story to them; the song  “Without A Doubt” –which is coming on ITunes on June 25th—has the story of a guy, and in my heart I feel that he’s the right one. I would also say that my lyrics and style is pop.  I want my lyrics to be meaningful and something that people will remember, something they can connect to.

Do you ever think that your impairment enhances your musical abilities?

AR: I think that, even without the impairment, my music would be the same. In a sense, I try to imagine what things look like.

What would you say your inspiration was for your first single?

AR: The song just came up to me in class, and I had no real experience. It just naturally came to me.

Whenever you encounter frustrations in your music career or in your writing, what do you do to regain your focus on that dream of making this into a career?

AR: Well, I haven’t really encountered any frustrations yet, but I know that if I would, I would never let anything knock me down. I would keep trying harder and harder because I don’t want to give up on [my music career]. Even if something happens to me, and I get frustrated, I just want to continue.

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

AR: I would just say to try your best; follow your dreams and succeed. Because if you don’t try, you won’t get anywhere.

Visit: www.amandaraya.com

Here’s Amanda Raya and her song Without No Doubt:

And Amanda performing Alicia Keys’ Girl on Fire:

By Hye Sun Choi, Faze intern



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