#FridayFeature: Raye Zaragoza's "American Dream" (Music Video)

In January of this year, multi-national and award-winning folk singer-songwriter Raye Zaragoza released a powerful video for her single “American Dream,” off of her Fight For You EP. Her new song, “American Dream,” was inspired by the destruction caused by Donald Trump’s recent election, the huge lack of mainstream media for Standing Rock, and the struggles Zaragoza faced while growing up.

Zaragoza’s EP shows her compassion and dedication to justice and equality for all. Raye says, “This album is about finding yourself and finding your voice. It’s about maturing and realizing that you can make a difference if you so choose.”

In a recent interview with Guitar Girl Mag, Zaragoza said that “‘American Dream’ tells the story of my family and challenges the outdated concept of the American Dream with its white picket fence and house in the suburbs, because it’s never been truly inclusive of all American people.”

Zaragoza’s American Dream focuses on moving away from the hatred the Trump administration has fed our country and taking a stand against the injustice.

“Change is a choice, and it can start with me,” she sings in the song’s chorus. This is Zaragoza’s American Dream. One that includes her in the narrative, and gives a voice to those willing to make that change and stand up to the hatred.
The video is just as moving as the song itself, with imagery that shines a light on all that has been going on in America. It makes you stop for a minute and think about all of the hatred, violence, and social injustice happening in our country right now. All of the bad things happening around us are not permanent, but they can’t change unless we help make the change. Zaragoza’s song inspires and encourages those who listen to go out a#nd make a difference in their own communities.

This summer Raye Zaragoza will be on tour with Dispatch. Find dates and more information at www.rayezmusic.com.

Written by: Mariah Bounds
Edited by: Brendan Swogger

Mariah Bounds is the chapter leader for #WomenCrush NOLA. Some of her favorite things to do are dance, photography, exploring Nola, trying new foods, and going out to shows.