RAYE crowns a year of triumph with the release of ‘My 21st Century Symphony (Live at the Royal Albert Hall).’
After breaking ties with the major label she’d been signed to since the start of her career, the British songbird took flight as an independent artist – soaring to the highest heights of her career – including the top of the charts with her smash hit single ‘Escapism.’
Its parent album ‘My 21st Century Blues’ also proved a hit – both commercially and with critics.
In celebration of the project, RAYE took center stage at London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall on September 26 for a special one-off sold-out show.
Accompanied by The Heritage Orchestra and the 30-piece youth gospel choir The Flames Collective, the singer shone with rousing renditions of ‘Oscar-Winning Tears.,’ ‘The Thrill Is Gone.,’ ‘Black Mascara.,’ ‘Escapism.’ and her new single ‘Worth It.’
Manchester magnetized an eclectic mass of artists, industry trailblazers, and talent of tomorrow at Beyond The Music 2023.
Housed in the heart of Manchester, the multi-day event comprised insightful panel conversations led by leaders in the business (both seasoned and soaring) and intimate live performances from some of the most exciting names on the scene.
This year’s festivities were launched by the Mayor of Manchester, Andy Burnham – who commended the city’s rich history of musical magnificence and the potentness of the Beyond The Music platform.
That Grape Juice was on hand at the resonating event. Head below for our highlights…
As Madonna embarks on a new world tour, she is the artist behind this week’s From The Vault pick. We present her sultry rendition of ‘Fever’ from the early ’90s.
A cover of the song made popular by the classic Peggy Lee, ‘Fever’ was released as an international single from Madonna’s controversial fifth studio album, ‘Erotica.’ On the track, her soft, seductive vocals provide a stark contrast to the thumping House beats of the production, courtesy of Shep Pettibone, making for a surprisingly refreshing remake.
Although it wasn’t commercially released in the US, it became her 15th #1 hit on the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart. It was a success in Europe, peaking at #6 in the UK, #1 in Finland, and inside the Top 20 in many other countries.
Directed by Stephane Sednaoui, the song’s accompanying visual sees the entertainer sporting several edgy looks in front of kaleidoscopic backgrounds. This editorial affair continues to be a reference for Pop artists to this day (hello silver body paint!).
Whether it was lauded or loathed, Madonna wasn’t afraid to push the envelope during the first part of the 1990s. The ‘Erotica’ era is living proof of that. Sonically and visually top-tier, the material she was serving up stood the test of time and was able to receive its recognition later.
Although we may not have been as enchanted with some of Madge’s more recent efforts, there is something to be said about her uncanny ability to remain an exciting music act even 40 years into her career.
Ice Spice took center stage on Saturday Night Live as she continues on her heat streak.
The femcee, who is fresh from releasing her new single ‘Pretty Girl’ featuring Rema, brought the Nigerian hitmaker along with her to perform the track.
Taylor Swift, who previously collaborated with the rapper on ‘Karma,’ made a surprise cameo introducing the showing. Her rumored boo Travis Kelce also appeared on the broadcast.
Elsewhere on the bill, Ice Spice also rocked the house with ‘In Ha Mood.’