Chinese American experimental pop artist Raylee Forest releases her debut EP, My World, produced by Grammy-winner Isha Erskine, who has worked with Maroon 5 and Ziggy Marley.
Originally from China and now based in California, Raylee began playing piano early on. Her sound merges the romanticism of East Asian pop with the pop elements of artists like Britney Spears and Michael Jackson, forging a sound distinctively unique from Western artists yet also familiar. It’s a sound of unusual song structures and unanticipated chord progressions.
Raylee’s music has been described as “perfect for the Villains in a Disney Movie,” witnessed by previous releases such as “Trophy Hunter,” “Mask,” and “Puppetry,” which conveyed listeners into the Dark Forest, inhabited by strange creatures and the power of magical spells. “Mask” was featured on Spotify’s official playlist HYPE+ and ranked among the top 300 songs on NetEase. “Puppetry” received the Silver Single award on NetEase, while “Trophy Hunter” reaped international popularity for its blend of cinematic drama, playfulness, and sensuality.
Encompassing five tracks, entry points on My World include “Fortune Teller,” opening on emerging tones of synth-pop topped by Raylee’s dark timbres, imbuing the lyrics with paranormal flavors. Layered harmonies give the tune vibrancy and depth.
“Secret Garden,” less edgy than “Fortune Teller,” takes on a soft, lullaby-like flow as gentle vocals infuse the lyrics with tender nuances, playfully luminous and evocative. The sparkling piano intro of “Fly” escalates to an edgy pop melody riding a staccato rhythm. Soaring vocal harmonies add dynamism and a spectral feel to the lyrics, a bewitching sonic shadow.
“Let Them Out” amalgamates metal and pop savors into an ominous song, dripping with threatening overtones and portentous vocals. With its Addams Family sensation, this track offers spooky, prescient sensations.
The final track, “Dream Walker,” features a drifting melody, dreamy and colored with menacing-lite tinctures.
With My World, Raylee Forest enlarges the dark concept of her sound, deftly creating a variety of captivating songs.
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