Artist of the month: Raye

Each month we're picking an artist who has stood out from the crowd more than any others. These are the ones who are innovating and making some of the best tracks in their respective genres. We thought we'd pick Raye for this month, a pop sensation who has taken the long road to success.

Formerly signed to Polydor, Raye was the victim of an issue that still plagues the music industry. Signing a deal as early as 2014, by the time it was 2021 her debut album had still not been released despite her being on a four-album record deal. She was told that she would only be able to release one if her singles performed well commercially.

Having to stress over numbers is not what you want to be doing as a musician and in 2021 she finally earned her freedom from the label as they decided to mutually tear up her deal. Now, Raye has her full-length debut album 'My 21st Century Blues' coming out Friday 3rd February.

One of her biggest career successes to date came this month when her single 'Escapism' rocketed up the charts and earned her a first UK #1 single. A collaboration with 070 Shake, it follows her on the chase for escapism when things aren't going well. A song that mixes moments of tenderness with scenes of regression, it constantly shifts gears and is worthy of topping the charts.

A full circle moment for the artist who at one point must have been worried that she was going to be repressed for years, it was a shining example of artists following their own path and taking full agency over their career. To add to what has been a great month, Raye has been announced as support for Lewis Capaldi, revealed the full tracklist of her debut album and was on the cover of Cosmopolitan.

Fans are excitedly awaiting the release of her debut album in February and it's hard to think of anyone who has had a better start to 2023. Pop music is in need of more authentic voices in the charts, when songs feel increasingly algorithmic, it is refreshing to see Raye standing on her own two feet and creating pop songs that speak oh her own experiences.

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.