Rayven is an artist based in the Midwest area. Born Rayven Monique June Craft in Racine, WI in 2000, a pastors kid and an eclectic young black girl, she was heavily influenced by gospel icons such as Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, Tasha Cobbs, as well as variety of legends from a plethora of other genres such as Michael Jackson, Janelle Monae, Frank Ocean, Jaden, EDEN, Justin Bieber, among many others. She began making music as a middle school student and started releasing singles early 2022.
The boundaries between hip-hop, pop, R&B, and alternative rock are blurred by Rayven's dreamy, introspective compositions. Rayven is not subject to one genre, but rather works consistently to craft an eclectic sound dressed in versatility and authenticity. Her songwriting is just an extension of her ability to stand as an artist in her own right.
Her lyrics reflect on intimacy, identity, the power of faith and the importance of truth.
After performing in a variety of roles onstage, offstage, and behind the camera including Skillets "Back from the Dead" music video and her first professional play published by Theatrical Rights Worldwide, she made her proper solo debut with a single called “Questions, Comments, Concerns” in 2022. This features a mature introspection on the realities of skepticism denoting to religion.
Growing up, I felt empowered by the resources and support my community poured into me. When I finished high school, I attend a university with the intention of pursing degree in Musical Theatre. A child of 12 beautifully diverse siblings, diversity, faith, and inclusivity are always at the heart of my art. Representation matters. I believe there is undeniable power in seeing yourself in a story because when you can see it, you start to believe you can be it. Storytelling is at the forefront of all my art because it mirrors life in a way that illuminates the truth while painting an infinite amount of possibilities. I am a proud graduate of Carthage College where I earned my degree in Music Theater with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. I believe the arts require its participants to be lifelong learners (and “unlearners”).
Working with creatives that are inquisitive and multifaceted and using theater as a sensory playground has always called to me. The vision that guides me to my aim of solidarity in all of my art is engaging in the practice of radical love which, in practice, includes approaching the work in an interpersonal and artistically liberating manner. I will forever be inexplicably grateful for the people who support, follow and take part in my journey. You are unconditionally welcomed here. This is always OUR creation.
-RAYVEN