RAYE Unveils Genre-Defying New Work: Genesis

Fresh from her record-breaking BRITS wins, global sensation RAYE returns with her brand-new genre-defying single ‘Genesis.’, a work that doesn’t sit within the usual confines of the word ‘single’.

The official music video is premiering on June 8, 12:00 AM AEST.

Produced with multiple GRAMMY Award winner Rodney “Darkchild” Jerkins (Beyoncé, Michael Jackson, SZA), ‘Genesis.’ is a new three-act opus from RAYE and a masterclass in disrupting music as we know it. Drawing a parallel through storytelling the origins of her universe, RAYE elevates her emotionally raw and vulnerable lyrics with triumphant strings and horns, dulcet harmonies, and emboldened snare, into a pitch-perfect performance that is a divine battle cry. ‘Genesis.‘ is a confrontational acknowledgment of a chapter not yet closed but with a set intention for a new beginning, drawing inspirations from big band, jazz, hip-hop, R&B, gospel, and contemporary pop. Out of darkness comes light and with this new chapter, a musical renaissance is on the horizon.

RAYE says,

“There is a Nina Simone quote, ‘It is an artist’s duty to reflect the times’. This quote is everything to me and I believe the best way I can try to do this is through my art and my music. There is so much darkness and pain in this world we live in, and I wanted to create something both as deeply personal and as raw as I could find myself to be about my own mind and the world I see around me. The song is a 7 minute piece that I have crafted and scrutinised over the last year and a half, experimenting with different genres and sonic expressions, beneath all the layers and the lyrics, the underlying message is ‘Let There Be Light’. It is a prayer and a plea and a cry for help and I really hope this song will be able to bring some hope, the way this music does for me, to those who need it most.”

RAYE made history by clinching an unprecedented six BRIT Awards this year – the record for the most wins in a single year – marking a groundbreaking achievement for the independent singer-songwriter at Britain’s biggest night in music. In addition to becoming the first female to ever win Songwriter of the Year, she also took home accolades, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, and Best R&B Act. RAYE gave a career-defining performance at the ceremony, performing a medley of songs off her critically acclaimed debut album.

RAYE also recently picked up the prestigious Songwriter of the Year at the Ivor Novello Awards 2024 and three awards at this year’s The Global Awards, including Best Pop and Best British Act, while her collaboration with Cassö and D-Block Europe on ‘PRADA’ won Best Song. This year also saw RAYE make her first critically acclaimed appearance at Coachella.