stayc main image

MANILA GREY: Vancouver's Rising R&B Duo

March 18, 2023

The Filipino-Canadian duo from Vancouver has been releasing new tracks left and right, and they are known for their most streamed songs on Spotify, “Timezones,” and “Silver Skies.” Previously .......

Read more
stayc main image

How did Miley Cyrus’ Heartbreak Song “Flowers” Break the Spotify Record?

March 17, 2023

The singer, songwriter, and actress Miley Cyrus has recently released a record-breaking song called “Flowers” in January 2023. This song recites her 10-year long relationship with her ex-husband....

Read more
stayc main image

Men I Trust: Canada’s DIY Indie Band That Could Be Your New Favourite

March 4, 2023

Men I Trust is a Canadian indie pop band known for their dreamy and mellow sound. Their music is laid back, incorporating elements of funk, disco, and R&B to create a smooth and groovy vibe that is

Read more
stayc main image

Basics For Building an At-Home Recording Studio

March 3, 2023

Artists like Kaytranada have proved that you don’t need access to a professional recording studio to create well-produced music. As technology and social media have advanced, it is now easier than eve

Read more
stayc main image

Facing the Music: Legal Challenges With AI and Copyright Laws

February 25, 2023

People draw inspiration from others when forming their ideas, it’s a fact of life. Sampling in music is no exception - and artists do it for a variety of reasons. Traditionally, copyright laws and

Read more
stayc main image

Tobias Jesso Jr.: GRAMMY-Winning Canadian Sells His Song Rights

February 23, 2023

Tobias Jesso Jr. You may know his name from his 2015 solo album Goon. Or maybe from his work on various popular songs, such as “When We Were Young” by Adele and “Alive” by Sia. Or even from his rece

Read more
stayc main image

How Popular TV Shows and Movies Resurrect Classic Songs

February 23, 2023

HBO’s The Last of Us is arguably the hottest show out right now, receiving near universal acclaim from viewers and critics alike. This holds especially true for episode three: “Long, Long Time”.

Read more
stayc main image

Ginalina: Bringing Her Taiwan Roots Into Her Latest Album

February 21, 2023

Folk singer. Songwriter. Canadian. Polyglot. All of these titles belong to Gina Lam, also known by her stage name Ginalina. In November 2022, she released her latest album titled Going Back: Remembe

Read more
stayc main image

Rihanna’s Super Bowl Performance

February 21, 2023

Rihanna is an illustrious artist. She is among the best selling female artists of all time, and was one of the greatest hitmakers of the 2000s and 2010s. She has since grown to become the richest...

Read more
stayc main image

How do Streaming Platforms Pay Artists - Is It Fair?

February 20, 2023

Streaming is now the driving force of the music industry, making up 84% of the industry revenue in the U.S. While streaming is much more convenient for listeners, many artists argue that it is near im

Read more
stayc main image

Why Jay-Z Was Named The #1 Rapper Of All Time

February 23, 2023

Who is the greatest rapper of all time? Is it even possible to crown just one person? Well, Billboard and Vibe did exactly that. And, according to them, that person is Jay-Z. In honor of Hip-Hop’s

Read more
stayc main image

Behind Kaytranada’s Unique Sound

February 18, 2023

Kaytranada (Louis Celestin) is a Haitian-Canadian record producer and DJ. He is a highly acclaimed electronic artist, having earned two Grammys and countless other awards for his work. Kaytranada has

Read more

The Artistry and Impact of Raye: A Dynamic Voice in Modern Pop Music

stayc main image

British singer-songwriter Raye, born Rachel Agatha Keen, has carved out a distinct space in the contemporary music scene with her soul-stirring lyrics and unique voice. Known for her candidness and emotional depth, Raye’s journey to musical independence has been both challenging and inspiring.

Background and Musical Evolution

Raye first gained prominence through her collaborations with notable artists and DJs, such as Jax Jones and Martin Solveig, producing dance tracks that charted across the UK and Europe. Her early singles like "Secrets" and "Tequila" showcased her ability to blend infectious rhythms with poignant lyrics, earning her significant chart success and a Gold certification in the UK.

Despite her early successes, Raye struggled with the constraints of her record label, which pushed her towards a more commercial sound. In 2021, she made a bold move to become an independent artist, allowing her to explore more personal and socially relevant themes in her music. This transition was marked by her debut album, My 21st Century Blues, a project that reflects her battles with the industry and personal traumas, including the haunting track "Ice Cream Man," which addresses sexual assault.

Raye's vocal style is often compared to the soulful, jazzy tones of Amy Winehouse, especially in her ability to convey deep emotional narratives through music. Her performances, like those at Glastonbury Festival, showcase a brash charisma and a soulful depth that remind many of the late Winehouse, creating a powerful connection with her audience.

Recent Successes and "Oscar Winning Tears"

One of Raye's latest successes is her single "Oscar Winning Tears" from her album My 21st Century Blues. The song blends elements of hip-hop and blues, with Raye employing a rap-sung cadence that adds texture to the bluesy melodic slides. The track has been praised for its lyrical depth and complex production, showcasing Raye’s growth as an artist and her capacity to innovate within the pop genre.

Raye's journey from a dance pop vocalist to an independent artist with a number-one record is a testament to her resilience and artistic integrity. Her music not only entertains but also provokes thought and evokes strong emotional responses, making her a significant figure in the music industry and a voice for many who feel unheard. Through her struggles and triumphs, Raye continues to inspire with her dedication to authenticity and musical excellence.