Spotlight: RAYE’s Revelation, Evolution, and Elevation

Raye at Bergenfest 2024. Image source: NRK P3 on Flickr.

Rachel Keen, better known as RAYE, has become a huge name in the music industry over the past couple of years. The 27-year-old singer-songwriter is originally from Tooting, and has been meticulously working inside the tapestry of music since 2014. Three years prior to this, at age 14, RAYE was chosen to study at the BRIT School, where she stayed for two years before leaving to pursue her music career.

Her first EP was released on SoundCloud in 2014, and was titled ‘Welcome to the Winter’. RAYE has shared admiration for her young self, but acknowledges her own growth as an artist, as she jokingly stated “it’s not very good” in one of her many BRIT award acceptance speeches in 2024. Since signing with Polydor Records between 2015-2016, she spent most of her time as a collaboration artist, one that either wrote for other artists behind the scenes, or offered her vocal accompaniment to a DJ-produced dance track. 

Unfortunately, this did not work in her own personal favour, as she became typecast as an artist without a solo career, only supporting other artists. This was not what RAYE had envisioned for herself, and she struggled to reach an agreement with her record label, who seemed unwilling to offer her the opportunity to release her own album.

As a songwriter, RAYE had made a huge name for herself, helping write some songs for Charli XCX, John Legend, Little Mix and Beyoncé. However, she desired more for herself, she wanted a solo career, to prove herself as her own artist. This is when, after much back-and-forth with Polydor Records, she announced her departure from the label in 2021.

Since then, the artist devoted herself to becoming an independent artist, and making sure her rights as both a songwriter and a solo artist were upheld and never disputed. 2022 saw her finally begin releasing music as a solo artist who owned all of her master recordings. She released singles ‘Hard Out Here.’, ‘Black Mascara.’, ‘The Thrill is Gone.’ and the huge viral hit ‘Escapism.’ feat. 070 Shake. All of these tracks led up to the undoubtedly cathartic release of her debut album ‘My 21st Century Blues’ in February 2023. 

This album was one of my favourite releases in a very long time. Paired with SZA’s ‘SOS’ in December 2022, these albums defined the next year of my life, and I really commend their devotion to honest, raw and authentic storytelling. In her debut, RAYE refuses to pull her punches, as she explores an incredibly wide range of genres, whilst simultaneously discussing some seriously emotional topics, from body dysmorphia and sexual assault to disillusion with the government. 

This album felt fresh, so personal and authentic, whilst extending a comforting arm out to her audience of new or devoted listeners. It did not go unnoticed, either. Her solo music, albums and singles, all received widespread support, as RAYE went viral on TikTok, and even recognised by the GRAMMYs and the BRITs. RAYE received a record-breaking seven nominations at the 2024 BRITs, and won a record of six of them, making her the only artist ever to win six BRITs in one year. It is safe to say RAYE was in disbelief about how many flowers she was receiving as a solo artist, something she fought so hard for. 

She opened for SZA in 2023, and then headlined her own tour in 2024, performing her new album. Summer this year has RAYE on a series of festival performances. Having just performed at Glastonbury, she is not slowing down just yet. She announced that she is working on a second album, and in the meantime released the bright, jazzy and soothing ‘Suzanne’ with Mark Ronson. RAYE is also featured on the new F1 soundtrack, with the song ‘Grandma Calls The Boy Bad News’. As soon as the new James Bond film is announced, I hope to see RAYE leading the soundtrack. 

I am so excited to see where RAYE goes next, and am appreciating just how much she endeavours to bring jazz and soul back into mainstream music. Here’s to more music soon!