Vocal Performer Grayson Villanueva On Disney Fandom And Asian-American Representation

This talented vocal artist just made his Pixar debut!

4 Townies reunite! Known for his breakout role as Tae Young in Disney’s star-studded film “Turning Red”, Grayson Villanueva has been recognized for years for his incredible singing and acapella talent.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Grayson on Disney fandom, Billie Ellish, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?

G: “Music became an undeniable force in my life in 2013. I had been doing music as a serious hobby before then, but it wasn’t a career option for me until I started doing theme park work. After getting those jobs I was able to connect with other amazing singers and musicians which inspired me to pursue music full time.”

You voice the amazing ‘Tae Young’ in Pixar’s first every boyband! What was it like working on Disney’s ‘Turning Red’?

G: “So surreal. First off, Billie Eilish and Finneas are masters at their craft. It was such a joy to be able to take their demos and bring it to life with Jordan Fisher, Josh Levi, Finneas, and Topher Ngo. We only worked on it for a couple of days, but it was great to create and sing in person after being in quarantine for so long. Although we were all in our own individual vocal booths, we could still vibe off of each other because we could see each other across the soundstage.”

Are you surprised about all of the love towards ‘4 Town’?

G: “The part that surprises me the most is that while 4*TOWN is an important part of the plot, we have maybe five minutes of total screen time. And yet there is so much love for this fictional boyband. So much so that we’re currently charting on Billboard’s Hot 100 which is a testament to how good the music is.”

Since you are now a part of the Disney family, what is your all-time favorite Disney film, aside from ‘Turning Red’, and why?

G: “I’d probably have to go with Toy Story. It was one of the first Pixar films I saw growing up and each sequel that came out felt like we were growing up with Andy. Toy Story will always have a place in my heart.”

What is one fact about yourself that most of your fans don’t know?

G: “Most people probably don’t know I didn’t study music in school. I majored with a degree in Cognitive Psychology and minored in Education and Linguistics. Like I said, music was very much a serious hobby until it presented itself as something that I needed to pursue full time as a career. It was a risky decision, but I’m here because I followed my gut.”

What is some advice you have for young artists trying to pursue a career in music?

G: “Be a good human being. There are so many talented individuals, but if you are reliable, show up on time, are fun to hang with, and treat everyone with respect, you will get called back time and time again.”

What are some of your biggest goals for your career?

G: “To help others, especially Asian-Americans feel like they can take the leap into music and entertainment like I did.”

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene. When not helping her team and working on the monthly issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral Tasty recipe.