RAYE Addresses Amy Winehouse Comparisons and Opens Up About Media Cruelty

RAYE has spoken candidly about being compared to the late Amy Winehouse, and reflected on the “evil” way Winehouse was treated by the media during her life.

The South London singer shared her thoughts in a new interview with Elle, where she discussed how her mix of jazz, soul, and hip-hop has often led to comparisons with legendary artists such as Nina Simone and Ella Fitzgerald.

One comparison that has followed her throughout her career is to Amy Winehouse. During the interview, RAYE even played a preview of a new song that directly references the comments she has received.

RAYE explained that the similarities make sense, as both she and Winehouse “lived and breathed” many of the same musical influences. However, she made it clear she has never tried to copy Winehouse.

“I’m aware that what she did is irreplaceable and inimitable,” RAYE said. “Amy did it so well that no one can ever do what she did. And God rest her soul, she gave her whole life for us to enjoy the music she left behind.”

She went on to describe the darker side of the comparisons, revealing how some comments have been deeply hurtful.

“What’s difficult for me is when people are so horrible, rude, nasty, and evil with their words,” she said, recalling messages like: ‘You’ll never be her. You are an absolute failure. You disgust me trying to think you could even be remotely like she was.’

RAYE noted that this cruelty echoes what Winehouse herself endured. While stressing that her own experiences are nowhere near the same level, she said the hostility comes “from a similar place.”

“Our beloved Amy would probably still be here today if she didn’t have to be subject to all this hate when she was alive,” she added. “It’s quite intense to address this so early on in the album, but I felt in my heart that I really wanted to.”

The singer was referring to her upcoming second album, the follow-up to her critically acclaimed debut My 21st Century Blues. While full details remain secret, the record is expected to include the viral hit Where Is My Husband!, which recently topped the charts.

During the interview, the journalist revealed that RAYE played several tracks from the new album, including a “big and dramatic” song titled I Will Overcome and another called Girl Under the Gray Cloud.

Speaking about the project, RAYE said she wants the album to feel raw and real. “I don’t want this album to feel like it was made in a studio,” she explained. “I want it to feel like it was informed by the live experience.”

She added that while her debut focused on helping herself through difficult times, this new record is about lifting up others.

“Music is medicine,” she said. “I’m in the process of making medicine for myself that I can share with the world. I want it to feel like a hug or a soft place for someone who needs it.”

RAYE also spoke about learning self-love, calling it a difficult but important journey. “Being able to spend an evening with yourself is humbling,” she said. “Bit by bit, I’m shining a light on the parts of my life I’ve neglected or buried.”

More information about the album is expected soon. Later this year, RAYE will hit the road on her This Tour May Contain New Music Tour, starting in Europe before heading to the UK in February. Her sisters Absolutely and Amma will support her on all dates, with US shows to follow.