NEW: Raye unveils new track ‘Bet U Wish’ / announces London show

RAYE REVEALS NEW TRACK ‘BET U WISH’

Also announces London show on 9th December at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen

“Packed with colour and verve…a tremendous introduction.” – Clash
“A truly commendable young talent.” Hillydilly
“A glittering, bubbly, hook-riddled electro R&B charmer.” – The Line Of Best Fit
“A seductive voice that entices listeners…with the perfect touch of electronic melodies and rhythms.” – The Music Ninja
Hailing from South London, more specifically Croydon, Raye (real name – Rachel Keen) today reveals a new track entitled ‘Bet U Wish’, which comes off her debut EP ‘Welcome To The Winter’ – available to download for free NOW @ http://rayesongs.com
The EP was recorded, written, and co-produced by Raye over the past 18 months, and stands as the first full body of work to come from the exciting young artist.

At only 17 years of age, you would be forgiven for thinking this all might be something throwaway. But Raye is something of an anomaly for a person of her tender age, and is showing early signs of incomparable potential. Brought up in a musical family – her parents met at church – both of them musicians in the parish, her musical heritage goes right back to her Grandfather, who was a songwriter and musician in his own right.

Since the age of 10, she’s been writing her own music, slowly developing all the time to become the artist she is today. Along the way, Raye has become confidently adept at various different instruments including the cello, flute, and piano, alongside honing her production skills (and learning to play the guitar).

Music has always been a huge part of Raye’s life. Brought up on the classic soul/jazz maestros of the 40’s and 50’s like Nina Simone, Ella Fitzgerald, Nat King Cole etc – this is where her love for songwriting and melody began. Since then her influences, have aligned with the times, citing Drake, and her all time hero Lauryn Hill as huge sources of inspiration.

The EP ‘Welcome To The Winter’ features 7 tracks, all of which documenting the thoughts and trivialities of a young adult’s life. ‘Hotbox’, written at the age of 15, specifically details an experience Raye personally had. Finding herself on the top deck of a Croydon night bus, she was greeted by a group of 20-somethings who decided it would be socially acceptable to light up a joint, and “hotbox” the top deck. Raye recalls this experience as a moment of realisation, that people at this young age like herself, have to passively inhale a lot of crap, whether they like it or not.

The title track and EP as a whole, revolve around the idea that this time in her life and career is pivotal. Up until now, it’s all been sunshine, summer holidays and ice creams, little-to-no worries, few expectations, and limited responsibilities. But now, Raye is having to grow up fast to keep up with her own talent. “When you get to a certain age, everything quickly begins to get very real and cold” she explains. It’s time for Raye to throw on that thick winter coat, and dive into the unknown, to be vulnerable, and to immerse herself into the potentially scary world of mass popularity, and equally scary world of critical evaluation.

Raye’s subtle take on warm, electronic-infused R&B is one that instantly captivates the listener. Carefully drawing inspiration from a finely tuned set of musical eras, genres, and artists; rarely is it the case that a songwriter and performer at such a young age is able to serve up such well-rounded, exciting and impressive music. The world is at Raye’s feet, and you’d be hard pushed to say she isn’t capable of delivering the goods.
The ‘Welcome To The Winter’ EP is available to download for free now at her website: http://rayesongs.com

Raye also plays the Hoxton Square Bar & Grill on 9th December for Gold Dust w/ Laurel, and Jamie Isaac

Bet U Wish: https://soundcloud.com/arayeofcolours/bet-u-wish-1
Hotbox: http://soundcloud.com/arayeofcolours/hotbox
Need Me: https://soundcloud.com/arayeofcolours/need-me-1
Hotbox video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UbtPpg66-o