RAYE Celebrates Independence: A Reflection on Her Journey and Billboard Award
Following her revealing Billboard cover story, British powerhouse RAYE took to the stage at Manhattan’s The Cutting Room this past Tuesday (June 9) for a triumphant appearance at Billboard’s Indie Power Players event.
After accepting the Indie Spirit Award from Billboard co-chief content officer Jason Lipshutz, RAYE delivered an impassioned keynote detailing her evolution as an artist. Reflecting on her path from a 10-year-old dreamer to a fiercely independent musician, she recalled the stifling atmosphere of her tenure at Polydor Records—a time defined by industry “suits” who attempted to dictate her limits and define her ceiling.
“I want to encourage all of us to reject those limiting narratives,” RAYE told the audience, giving special recognition to J Erving. While traditional labels dismissed her work as “too complex” or “eccentric,” Erving saw the vision, ultimately signing her to a distribution deal via The Orchard’s Human Re Sources.
The evening served as a celebration of independent artistry, also honoring industry stalwarts like Rubén Blades and Richard Gottehrer. This milestone follows a busy season for RAYE, who is transitioning from her own successful “This Tour May Contain New Music” trek to a high-profile opening slot for Bruno Mars.
Below is the transcript of RAYE’s heartfelt speech from the event:
“I want to thank you for this honor. If I sound breathless, it’s because I’ve been indulging in too many burgers lately—just trying to stay composed and elegant!”
“This industry is anything but straightforward. It’s been a turbulent journey, but looking back, I wouldn’t change a thing. I grew up in Croydon, dreaming of being a recording artist since I was ten. I told my father, ‘No Plan B—this is it.’ I had no industry connections, just the audacity to dream big and a deep, consuming love for the craft of songwriting.”
“When I finally signed to a major label, it wasn’t the sanctuary I’d envisioned. I encountered people in suits who felt entitled to tell me, ‘This is your ceiling.’ They wanted to dictate what I could achieve. I learned that you have to brush those lies aside. My father—my manager, best friend, and eternal optimist—helped me keep my head up through the football analogies and the setbacks. You must possess the tenacity to keep dreaming.”
“When I turned independent, J Erving was the only one who truly believed in ‘My 21st Century Blues.’ Everyone else called it ‘weird’ or ‘too complicated.’ There were whispers that my career was over, but I focused entirely on what I could control: the art. When ‘Escapism’ finally broke through, my world changed. If I had listened to the skeptics, I wouldn’t be here. You are the architect of your own career. Let’s keep creating art that moves us, regardless of the industry’s doubts. After 14 years, I feel like I’m finally just getting started.”
