Ray Leslie

INFO

Name	Ray Leslie (she/her)
Also known as	Marie Gaabucayan
Country of Birth	Philippines
Place of Residence	Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland
Artform	Music
Decades Active	2020s

ABOUT

Marie Gaabucayan — most known by her stage name, Ray Leslie — is a queer Filipino-Kiwi independent alt-hiphop artist. In her music, she focuses on the material realities of migrant life while juxtaposing it with the luxury of pursuing big dreams and navigating romantic relationships. They are also the co-founder of the creative collective, Light Beings Network.

Music has been a constant in Leslie's life since childhood. Growing up in Cebu, Philippines, she was surrounded by the sounds of classic rock, thanks to her dad, an amateur guitarist and passionate vinyl collector. His records filled their home, shaping her early appreciation for music. As she entered her teen years, Leslie’s tastes shifted toward hip-hop. Caught in what she calls her “angsty teenager” phase, she was drawn to the raw honesty of artists like Eminem and J. Cole. Their lyrical depth resonated with her, inspiring her to create music of her own. She began rapping over loops of her guitar playing, recording songs, and sharing them online.

Always pushing herself creatively, Leslie released Fantasy & Future (2024) with an accompanying short film that premiered at Academy Cinemas. This contemplative project opens with 'Who Do You See', portraying a future Leslie who is a successful hip-hop artist navigating uncertainties and obstacles with the help of family, community and self-determination.

In 2023, Leslie participated in Niu Gold Mountain — a collaborative video project featuring 13 emerging Asian and Pasifika creatives. Produced by All My Friends, the project debuted at Studio One Toi Tū. Her music video, ‘Mango’, is a heartfelt tribute to her parents’ sacrifices, which paved the way for her to pursue her own dreams. In a review on The Pantograph Punch, Han Li writes:

During the refrain, Ray parallels her own dreams with her parents’ achievement, singing: “I’m trying to make something as big as you.” But she can’t quite articulate what could be “as big”. For the next few lines, the words stop at the tip of her tongue. To me, her stuttering delivery here feels like the difficult-to-express appreciation many children of immigrants have for their parents. That sense of awe at their achievements, which you feel like you can never really match.

One of her favourite singles, ‘So Far Freestyle’ (2022), was inspired by her return from a three-week trip to the Philippines following the COVID-19 lockdowns. Leslie shares the story behind the track:

‘So Far Freestyle’ is a track in which I reflect on the journey I’ve had as an independent artist so far, recognising the work I’ve put in, the sacrifices I’ve made and the realities I’ve lived through as a consequence of being so focused on what’s ahead. It’s also a kind of reassurance that while the road has been long, I’m not tired yet, that I have plenty of bars, ambition and hustle left in me. This song is a reminder that I’m only just beginning.

In 2022, Leslie co-founded the creative collective Light Beings Network, which aims to create a space for young artists to exist and engage in art and wellness practices. Their collective currently produces the music-themed podcast Good Morning FM, a music writing workshop called Light Beings Camp, and the music festival This is Not a Cult Meeting. As a final message to aspiring musicians, Leslie has this to share:

My advice for others out there would be to continue making and putting out music that you’re proud of, to keep submitting those to platforms like NZOA and eventually, you will be heard. I also think approaching bigger artists and enquiring with them about the process is really helpful. In my experience, bigger artists have been really helpful and advised me on my journey, so don’t be afraid to ask.