It's easy to play it safe. What makes you different - what builds your character is going against the grain, sticking out, and doing blatantly what the fuck you want. Just because you are living by your own rules doesn't mean you are being rude - it just means that you know your purpose. One person who is doing just that is Quay. The rising music artist and entrepreneur is breaking into the industry while helping artists reach new heights. She is a bright soul; you can hear that through her lyrics. She is a bright soul who has a story to tell. You can find out who Quay is by listing to her music or reading about her below.

What is MoonreMusicGroup? MoonreMusicGroup is a company dedicated to creating music with integrity and spreading the light of music to eliminate darkness around the world. We are passionate about helping artists along their musical journey, and influencing people to shine their light and use their gifts even outside of music. We’re a growing label looking to develop artists and help them get to the next level in their careers

What made you create your music showcase? I wanted to take my career into my own hands. I didn’t want to wait for other people to book me, I wanted to put myself on stages. Now I also want to have a hand in giving other artists a chance to show their talents. Instead of complaining about the music scene, I’d rather change it myself, by putting artists on stages that I believe in. It’s been very rewarding so far, and I’m excited to continue. 

You are an artist yourself, how important is it to have outlets and sets where you can share your talent and network? It’s really I important to have outlets where I can share my talents and networks. Unknown artists coming up like myself need more platforms to expand their reach and get more connected within the music scene. 

To others that may want to create this type of space or platform, what would you say to them? I would say if it’s meant for you doors will open to do it regardless if you have all the resources to do it. The biggest thing I’ve learned while curating these shows is that you can’t do it alone, so building a team of people who are passionate about music and entertainment is a major key. 

Also booking artists and interacting with some of them can be a challenge. Some artists have really strong personalities so it’s important to be able to stay level-headed and professional when dealing with any conflicts. But honestly most up-and-coming artists I’ve connected with have been humble and just grateful for the opportunity, but it’s important to be aware that some won’t be. Focus your attention on the ones that are and give them more opportunities.

It’s also important to create connections with different venues and collaborate with others on events, also bringing in the right people will make it easier when investing.

 You are originally from Flint. How has that music scene shaped you? The Flint music scene is blunt, the way artists rap is hardcore with no filter. That’s shaped me to be a straightforward rapper, I say what I mean in my verses. The Dayton Family, a rap group out of Flint, is a prime example of the hardcore tone that comes out of my city. Flint has been having a new wave of artists who are hardcore but also having fun with the music, and I’m enjoying seeing them get their shine. 

You have a single with fellow rapper MillsWasChossen, how did you two create "Hectic"? I created the song “Hectic” on my own, just listening to beats as usual and coming up with new ideas. I thought it’d be a good idea to get a feature for the song. My friend had played MillsWasChosen music for me and mentioned that I should work with him. I thought he’d be a good fit for it. I sent him the song after I recorded it in the studio and he was interested in doing the feature. I booked a session for him to come and record his part and it worked out.

 The new year is slowly approaching. What can fans expect from you? My supporters can expect more singles and videos to be released consistently. As I’m building my foundation I want to keep showing my versatility with my music and allowing people into my world little by little. They can also expect more collaborations coming with different artists. 

When it comes to putting out new music is it quality over quantity? When it comes to music it’s all about quality over quantity. I’d rather take my time and create the best music slowly but surely instead of trying to keep up with the pace of music now. Trusting myself, and my process, not rushing, and really staying consistent is what I’m on. 

How important is free speech to you? Free speech is really important to me and being able to hear different perspectives while speaking your truth should always be a right. Although people say things that can influence people in the wrong way I believe if we censor those people then we will also censor those who can influence people in the right way. So I believe everyone should be able to speak freely, and we as a people should learn to critically think and choose what philosophies work for our lives. 

You reside in California where the governor has just announced that rap lyrics won't be used in court, how does that make you feel? It makes me feel like more people will be able to express themselves freely without their freedom being put in jeopardy. 

How important is it for you to leave a legacy and make a difference?  Making a difference is the only reason I started to share my music. My music helped me get through my days and I wanted to help others get through theirs. I want to influence people to live their own lives and use the gifts that God has given them. I have a lot of plans for the future as far as having my own nonprofit that will be focused on helping people to have their basic needs met so that they’ll be able to thrive instead of just surviving. It’s hard to thrive in life and be purposeful if you're worried about your next meal or where you’re gonna live. I’m looking forward to creating more opportunities for others in music and outside of it. 

You have a lot of people, even rappers, saying that this specific genre of music is dead. When it comes to the Hip-Hop Scene, what do you think is missing? When it comes to mainstream music I think it’s missing heart, soul, hunger, and substance, I believe it’s influencing generations to be focused on material items, drugs, sex, money, and violence. The music being put to the forefront of hip-hop isn’t aligned with a lot of my values, morals, and standards. But hip-hop is definitely not dead it’s alive and well. It’s just that certain types of music and artists are being prioritized to push agendas. This is why it’s so important for me and others to create these shows and platforms to give artists opportunities that embody the true essence of hip-hop is. 

As of late, we have been seeing alot of beef between women rappers. In an industry and category where women are little to none how important is it to be united? In all industries as women, we need to be united. I believe these beefs among women in the music industry can be more detrimental than we think. These women influence a lot of young girls and women around the world and that type of energy spreads and puts more women at odds and divides. Being united is the only way we will truly be able to change the industry and the world. I honestly don’t look much into beefs but when you’re on social media you are bound to see a bit of what’s going on, but I’m just focusing on being a better woman every day and building great relationships with other women as well. We’re a force together. And in a male dominated industry we’re gonna need to have each other’s backs more than anything.