Kemba LIVE! | Columbus OH
RAYE's Escapism!
There’s a special kind of thrill in “happening upon” a new artist. You’re scrolling TikTok, and suddenly, that song hits you like lightning. For me, it was RAYE’s viral sensation “Escapism”—a raw, edgy anthem that demands your attention with deep lyrics, a bangin’ beat, and vocals that are nothing short of mesmerizing. One listen, and I was hooked.
When I discovered that RAYE was embarking on her first headlining tour in the States, stopping at Kemba LIVE! in Columbus, Ohio, I didn’t even hesitate. Not only did I snatch up a ticket, but I went all in with a meet-and-greet package. Because when fate drops a star like this in your lap, you go.
RAYE’s debut album, My 21st Century Blues, is already a masterpiece, but experiencing it live was next-level. From the moment her little sister, Absolutely (her performing name), took the stage as the opening act, you could feel the talent radiating through the family. Absolutely set the tone with her unique sound, leaving the crowd warmed up and ready for the main event.
And then… RAYE.
She hit the stage with a full band, exuding confidence and vulnerability in equal measure. The crowd—clearly filled with diehard fans—knew every lyric, from “Hard Out Here” to “Black Mascara”…to the heartwrenching “Ice Cream Man”. She also performed a few early singles she recorded prior to 21st Century which were nice surprises for us! Of course, when “Escapism” came on, the energy in the room exploded. Phones lit up, voices harmonized, and RAYE commanded the moment like a seasoned pro. Her vocals were even more powerful live, weaving through every emotion with precision and soul. Her stage presence? Magnetic. You couldn’t take your eyes off her. She wasn’t just performing; she was connecting. In a nutshell, she tore the house down with songs that told stories of triumph, heartbreak, and resilience.
RAYE’s journey to this point is nothing short of inspiring. She’s been in the music business since the age of 17, navigating a tough industry that didn’t always give her the credit she deserved. But now, at 24, she’s taking the reins and showing the world exactly what she’s made of—on her terms. This debut album is pretty much about her life! If you listen hard to the lyrics, you will see just how deep and creatively expressive RAYE is as a young woman.
It was clear that RAYE was blown away by the love she received in Columbus. While she may have thought her London roots hadn’t fully crossed the Atlantic, the packed house singing her songs back to her proved otherwise. We showed up and showed out for her!
Would I see her again? In a heartbeat. She’s a rising star with a bright future, and I’m excited to see how her story unfolds.
Oh, and the Meet & Greet? You didn’t think I’d forget, did you? That deserves its own spotlight. Spoiler: it was everything I hoped for and more. Check out the full story here: 👉🏽 Meeting RAYE!
