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Now, huge disclaimer to get us started– I might be late on this train for some, and early for others, but had never heard of Raye or her music before seeing a clip of her singing earlier this month.
AFTER SEEING THIS LET ME TELL YOU!!
Raye is a star on the rise, and it is well deserved and fought for. It is no secret that she has struggled, for years, against her label, over releasing music. Learning this has made me root even harder for her, and cheer louder watching her soar.
This performance comes off the heels of her record-breaking night at the BRIT awards garnering six awards for her long-awaited album “My 21st Century Blues”. Her wins include Best New Artist, R&B Act, Song and Songwriter of the Year, Album of the Year and Artist of the Year.
All that being said, it is always interesting which artists internationally do well in the US music market, especially British ones. There is not a ton of rhyme or reason as to why or maybe it’s too complex I don’t know. What I do know, however, is that exposure is vital when trying to promote anything. Before last year, I am unaware of any presence, of her music or performing, in the US. To make a splash into the scene in the States after her massive year thus far, Raye secured a spot on a massive stage in the eyes of many… Saturday Night Live.
The SNL stage is an iconic one, one that has witnessed thousands of artists over its 49-season run. Since its inception, in 1975, Saturday Night Live has hosted some of the most iconic artists and moments in music and TV history. From Ashley Simpson to the late Sinéad O’Connor, to the new Ms. Regina George, to now record-breaking Raye.
THE SONG
In her second performance of her debut, on the famed Saturday Night Live stage-Raye dazzles.
Opening with a hauntingly beautiful and technical vocal, that leads into this bouncy and dynamic rhythm. Accompanied by a full backing ensemble including: several background vocals, pianos, strings, drums, electric guitars, and an impressive brass section. Raye truly gives a vocal masterclass in her run placement, breathwork, vibrato, and flow. She is visibly enjoying herself and is serving a look that really embodies the feeling of the music. I am immediately transported to a 50s or 60s live music bar and can see her performing. She embodies the character and boldness that traditional jazz vocalists have.
Raye delivers a smooth and jazzy sound, with an almost playful vocal delivery. She uses her voice like an instrument with floaty runs and “skat-ing” to bring home the fuller vintage vibe this song gives off. This “classic” sound is one that listers flock to when they hear it, yet it remains mostly absent from charts in recent years— until now.
There is a switch up, in the song, around 3:11-3:46– this transition into a more modern and electric sound for this song—this is where I see the many Amy Winehouse comparisons most shine. Her pronunciation and attitude shift and you can see a preview of what she can be capable of in a different vibe.
She ends with a third transition back to a more swing classical vibe again while giving a vocal that is sultry and then really showing off her pipes. I love how she uses the open space the song allows to show off her range when she wants.
Final Thoughts
A word I wrote when listening to this performance over and over was versatility. I think this is a huge part of what star power in this era is. To be able to cover multiple genres and styles will bring more longevity in an industry that is always clamoring for new and different. She displays incredible levels of versatility during her performance in her vocal and arrangement. Raye can seamlessly tie together genres and deliver a timeless sound. I cannot wait to dive further into her as a person and artist and to see what she does in the music world.
Following this performance, just this month, she has gone on to collect more crowned jewels of the US music scene including a performance at Coachella and a Tiny Desk set- I can’t wait to check them out and see more from this incredible artist!
