Raye isn’t afraid of speaking her truth. Today (February 3), the singer/songwriter is celebrating her debut album My 21st Century Blues. In honor of the feat, she cheekily set up an installation comprised of white-painted guitars, speakers, stereo systems, and other instruments — right in front of her former record label.
She unveiled the installation in a TikTok clip, which contained text reading “maybe I was petty and built this installation in front of my old record label.”
https://www.tiktok.com/@raye/video/7195970667886415109?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc&web_id=7164100067971941930
Raye signed to Polydor back in 2014, and split from the label in 2021. During those years, she recorded several songs, some of which were released in the form of EPs and standalone singles, and some given to other artists to sing. Shortly before parting ways with Polydor, she expressed her frustration with the label via Twitter.
“I have had albums on albums of music sat in folders collecting dust,” she said, “songs I am now giving away to A list artists because I am still awaiting confirmation that I am good enough to release an album.”
It’s safe to say going independent paid off for Raye, as My 21st Century Blues has reached No. 1 on Apple Music UK, as well as UK’s iTunes store.
yes. and it just hit number on on uk apple music charts, currently at #1 on UK itunes too!!! @raye pic.twitter.com/zo1tX9xX1q
— did RAYE release an album today (@DidRaye) February 3, 2023
My 21st Century Blues is out now via Raye. You can stream it here.
