IN CONVERSATION WITH ASIA MONÉT RAY

interview by JANA LETONJA

Asia Monét Ray has spent most of her life in the spotlight, but today she is far more than the dance prodigy audiences first met years ago. After making history as the youngest-ever StarPower National Champion at just five years old and becoming one of the standout stars of Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, Dance Moms, and her own series Raising Asia, she has steadily evolved into a true multi-hyphenate performer. Over the years, she has expanded into acting with appearances in acclaimed series including Grey’s Anatomy and American Crime Story, while simultaneously developing her voice as a recording artist. Following the release of her 2024 studio album, Asia is now entering an exciting new creative era with fresh music on the horizon, showcasing a more mature artistic identity and a renewed sense of purpose. 

You’ve been performing professionally for most of your life. When you look back at your journey so far, what feels most different about the artist you are today?

Performing is when I thrive, it always has been. Now that I’ve grown into the artist I am today, dance has taken the back seat to my singing abilities. As an artist, there’s a difference sense of expression and how to move people with your words and your voice with or without physical movement. It allows me to be even more authentic to myself now. I still allow both dance and singing to co-exist within my performances, but now I have the power to decide that. 

Many people first discovered you through dance. How has your relationship with performing evolved over the years?

I’ve been a performer since I came out of the womb. I started gymnastics, ice skating and dance before the age of 2. Entertaining and truly putting on a show was the feeling I strived for most. I’ve never lost that feeling towards it. I yearn to perform, I aspire to sell out arenas and bring my visual visions to life. When I perform, I always want it to be an experience. I’m a perfectionist who is still perfecting her artistry and the art of performance as I grow and learn. Regardless of what it is I am doing, I can always promise you won’t be disappointed.

You achieved extraordinary success at such a young age. Did you fully understand the scale of what was happening at the time?

Not at all. Most people don’t realize how young I really was. I was first scouted at 5 for my first television show. I didn’t even watch the shows I was on til years later. It didn’t really hit me until my own show, that’s when I to started understand that people really know me. It’s a feeling that’s exhilarating in regard to how much hard work I put in and the pay off, but also the excitement of what could possibly be next for me from here. I was blessed with many unique situations that not many people can relate to at such a young age, but it has shaped me into who I am today and I don’t plan on slowing down now. 

Growing up in the public eye comes with unique challenges. What has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned from navigating fame from such an early age?

It made me very aware of how many eyes I truly had on me at all times. Whether it be dance, music or acting, I have had cameras documenting my entire life at all time, and as I grew more aware of that, it created a sense of needing to be perfect 24/7. As I’ve grown into the person and performer I am today, I’ve realized you can’t be perfect. You can just simply be the best person you can for yourself. Not everyone is going to love you, maybe not even like you. Not everyone is going to support you or want to see you win, but you have to believe in yourself before anyone else does. You have to be so confident in your vision regardless if it fails because it only takes one moment to create a big break and it will all be worth it. You only have one life to live, you can’t live it for other people and who’s watching. 

Looking back, how do you feel your experiences on Dance Moms, Abby’s Ultimate Dance Competition, and Raising Asia shaped who you are today?

It has shaped me beyond words. It created discipline, tough skin, drive, passion, love for the art of performance, determination, and purpose. I quite literally wouldn’t be the person I am today without the lessons I’ve learned, obstacles I’ves faced, experiences I’ve lived with the shows taking place in the center of my life.

You’ve successfully transitioned into acting, music, and other creative fields. Was becoming a multi-hyphenate always part of the plan?

Always the plan. Growing up watching movies like the Cheetah Girls or seeing my favorite artists in my favorite shows, I knew I wanted to do it all and then some. I had been singing since I could talk and now music has become the way I breathe. I eat, sleep and breathe music. I can’t wait for the opportunity of being able to combine singing, dancing and acting all into one project. 

What first inspired you to pursue music more seriously?

I  realized that music was something I couldn’t live without and I wasn’t going to live life without giving myself a fair chance in the music industry. No matter what happened, I could always say  “At least I tried,“ so I made sure I focused on perfecting my craft, became the best I could be, made sure I gave no person the opportunity to deny my talent and handwork. It became the best decision of my life and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. I couldn’t be more grateful and I have so many stories to tell through my songs and with my voice.

You’re preparing to release new music this summer. How does this next chapter differ from what listeners have heard from you before?

I’m so excited for this new era of music. It’s so unapologetically me. You’ll  be transported back in time with a continuation of my 90s/2000s R&B feel with a modern Asia touch. The projects to come will make you feel, dance, cry, love and more. My life is a constant roller coaster and I’m a leo so I always have to do my big one. These projects creatively are just about staying true to myself and creating artistry based off my life and shared experiences. I want to be the artist I wanted to listen to growing up.

As your artistry continues to evolve, what themes or emotions are inspiring your music right now?

Everything in my life inspires my music. I probably write a song a day because of that. I pull inspiration from my personal life and experiences that I know others can relate to. As far as my overall image as an artist, I pull a lot of inspiration from the 90s and early 2000s, and the music and the people who made me want to pursue music in the first place.

How important has it been for you to separate the public perception of “young Asia” from the artist you’re becoming today?

I’m grown now. Of course I’m still that little girl at heart, but I’m in a new era in my life. I’m constantly evolving as I strive to become the artist, the woman and the person I know I’m meant to be. For the people who grew up watching me it’s probably hard to fathom that I’m no longer little 5 year old Asia, but I can only hope they respect and love the person I’m becoming and the artistry that comes with it. 

Fashion and visual storytelling have become increasingly important parts of your creative identity. How would you describe your personal style today?

Just as much as I’m inspired by the 90s and the 2000s in music, my style is also inspired by it too. I love leopard print. I love gold. I love things that are easily identifiably me. I love something vintage, I love to bring back styles and give them a second era of life. I want people to see the way I dress and be inspired. Push the limits, wear what makes you happy and never care who has an opinion about it. 

What role does confidence play in your creative process, and how has that confidence changed as you’ve grown older?

Confidence plays a huge role in the entertainment industry in general because if you aren’t confident in who you are, who’s going to believe in you. My confidence has always come in waves. Some days I have more confidence than others and that’s okay. Growing up, I was the most confident little girl ever, and I strongly believed that no matter what I put my mind to, I was going to make it happen no matter who said otherwise. As I’ve gotten older ,I’ve acknowledge the times where I felt a lack of confidence and find ways to understand why my confidence was lacking. Especially now more than ever, I have to be so overly confident and what I put out there. The visuals that I create, the music that I create, because no matter what, at the end of the day, I must stay true to myself and be confident in my vision and my belief.

As you enter this new era, what excites you most about the future?

The unknown. That’s the most exciting. I have a plan, but God has a bigger plan for me. I have to take life day by day no matter how far in advance I plan. I just know it’s going to be amazing and I can’t wait for everyone to see. 

TEAM CREDITS:

photography JONNY MARLOW Jonny Marlow 
hair and makeup NICHOLE RAY ARTISTRY