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RAYE Shares Long-Awaited Debut “My 21st Century Blues”
scending straight to the top of numerous charts around the world with the bonafide smash hit single “Escapism.”, the trailblazing independent recording artist and revered songwriter, RAYE, today shares her long-awaited debut album, My 21st Century Blues, available to stream/purchase now via Human Re Sources/The Orchard – LISTEN AND PURCHASE HERE
Speaking on the release of her deeply personal first full-length album, the south London native emotionally shares, “My 21st Century Blues. My debut album. My ugly, complex, beautiful mosaic formed from broken pieces of glass from the last seven years of my life. This music is my medicine, my anxieties, traumas, and unfiltered thoughts. The music on this record empowered me to face my demons and has accompanied me through my bluest blues, crafted unapologetically and fearlessly with love and tears. Now I can only hope it might provide the same medicine it did for me for those who choose to listen. I can’t believe it is really happening – my first album.”
RAYE continues, “Some of these songs I’ve had for years that I’ve needed to express and share. Before, I was told it was too uncomfortable and that audiences don’t want to hear it. There’s no sonic through-line. It was just creating whatever felt right for the story I want to tell over it. It just feels free.”
Executive produced by frequent collaborator Mike Sabath (Selena Gomez, Lizzo, Camila Cabello), My 21st Century Blues showcases RAYE’s signature raw and honest songwriting on all 13 album tracks touching on her experiences as a young female woman of color coming up in the music industry to painful topics like sexual abuse, rape, body dysmorphia, addiction, misogyny, and even climate change. A dynamic body of work seven years in the making, MC21Bis a testament to her resilience that further highlights a versatile and multi-faceted artist who is in complete control of her creative output. RAYE co-produced nearly half of the LP that has additional songwriting from BloodPop (Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Madonna), Di Genius (Beyonce, Drake, Burna Boy), and Punctual (Years & Years, Rudimental, Jason Derulo).
My 21st Century Blues features the massive U.K. #1 hit “Escapism.” with 070 Shake, which has become a sensation around the globe where it’s currently charting Top 10 in 12 territories in addition to its rapid ascension on numerous Billboard U.S. charts including the Hot 100 (#22), Global 200 (#7), Rhythmic Airplay (#18), and Pop Airplay (#21). The tracklist also includes previously released singles “Black Mascara.”, “Hard Out Here.”, and “The Thrill Is Gone.” in addition to new standouts like the powerful feminist anthem “Ice Cream Man.” and sultry, confident Mahalia-assisted “Five Star Hotels.”
RAYE’s 2023 is already shaping up to be her biggest year of touring yet as she embarks on the first leg of her My 21st Century Blues headline world tour – performing 14 sold out shows in February and March across Europe and North America – before hitting the road this spring with Kali Uchis as the special guest on her Red Moon In Venus North American tour playing 19 shows in major markets including two dates in New York at Radio City Music Hall. RAYE also announced a second leg of 2023 headline shows covering the UK and Europe in November and December. See below for a list of RAYE’s upcoming live dates and for more details on ticketing, visit her official website HERE.