Live Report: RAYE brings big band drama to the Electric Picnic Main Stage

She may have released her debut album, 21st Century Blues, just last year, but RAYE is no rookie. The South Londoner broke with a years-long major label monopoly to re-emerge as an independent solo artist. It was a high-stakes gamble that paid off big time, the singer-songwriter shattering BRIT records and achieving international, chart-vaulting success. RAYE’s impressive live performances echo the charisma Amy Winehouse and Adele, and her EP set undeniably delivered those big-band thrills in endless reserves.

RAYE at Electric Picnic 2024. Copyright Liam Murphy

The Croydon singer brought out the Dublin Gospel Choir to aid in her jaw-dropping meandering vocal codas that punctuated every song, each one grower more intense than the last.

The stand-out was 'Genesis', a 7-minute-long rollercoaster from heavy rock fever to big-band resplendence. The single sees RAYE explore the struggles of a young woman navigating a challenging world, from addiction and mental illness to body image and the pervasive influence of social media: "I see a sad little sinner in the mirror /  The devil works hard like my liver / I don't wanna be alive, but I don't wanna die / A fistful of pills, you're a nobody".  

RAYE at Electric Picnic 2024. Copyright Liam Murphy

Her heart-string tugging rendition of 'Ice Cream Man' brought thousands to a contemplative silence as RAYE bravely sang about her experiences with sexual assault and exploitation by a music producer who promised to uplift her emerging music career. It's a rightful fuck you to the assaulter as RAYE, one of music's most fearless figures, sang about her trauma to a jam-packed audience.

RAYE at Electric Picnic 2024. Copyright Liam Murphy

Come lights up, there was no denying RAYE’s immense talent and star power, and if the rapturous reaction to her EP headliner on Sunday night was anything to go by there’s no stopping her. Truly a once-in-a-generation talent.