REVIEW: Raye’s This Tour May Contain New Music
REVIEW
REVIEW
☆ BY ELIJAH CLOWER ☆
RAYE KICKED OFF THE U.S. LEG OF HER “THIS TOUR MAY CONTAIN NEW MUSIC” TOUR - with a sold-out show in Sacramento on March 31, and from the jump, it felt like something special. This was easily one of my most anticipated shows to cover this year, and she delivered in every way. There’s a certain level of intention that comes with RAYE’s artistry, from how her music is written to how it’s presented live, and seeing that fully realized on stage made it clear: she’s not just a performer, she’s a true artist, and she quite literally puts the word “Art” in “Artist”.
There are so many things that make RAYE stand out, but let’s start immediately with how she builds her show. Backed by a mini orchestra, the set felt rich, layered and alive. While it may not have been the full orchestral scale she’s known for in Europe, it didn’t feel like anything was missing. If anything, it made the performance feel more intimate and intentional. Every instrument had space, every note felt placed with care, and her voice sat right at the center of it all; raw, powerful, and completely in control.
Vocally, RAYE is on another level. There’s no hiding behind backing tracks or effects. She delivers with precision and emotion, moving effortlessly between soft, vulnerable moments and full, commanding runs. You could feel the weight of her journey in the way she performed, especially knowing how her latest album came together and what it represents both creatively and personally. It’s that blend of storytelling, musicality, and honesty that really separates her from a lot of artists right now.
Another layer that added to the night was seeing RAYE out on tour with her sisters, Absolutely (Abby) and Amma. While they held their own individual moments on stage, each brought something distinct to the overall experience. Abby carried a confident, polished presence that immediately translated live, while Amma leaned into a more soft, expressive energy that felt just as compelling. The one moment they all shared together, performing “Joy”, felt especially meaningful, a rare glimpse into that sibling connection on stage. There’s something special about seeing a family share the same passion, even if it’s not always side by side, and all three came across as genuinely down to earth and humble. I didn’t have deep knowledge of Abby and Amma’s catalogs going into the show, but after seeing them live, they’re both firmly on my radar moving forward.
One of the more surprising realizations of the night was learning that RAYE is independent. An artist of this caliber, you’d assume there’s a massive label behind her, but that’s not the case. And honestly, that makes it even more impressive. In an industry where independence can slow momentum or make it harder to break through, RAYE is doing the opposite; thriving, expanding, and building something that’s entirely her own.
Even though her fanbase in the U.S. may not yet match the scale she has overseas, the sold-out crowd in Sacramento made one thing clear: that gap is not that far apart. The audience was locked in from start to finish, fully present for every moment she created. RAYE didn’t just perform songs, she built an experience around each of them. I can guarantee the next US tour will be sold out arenas.
