Following her last single, ‘Masterpiece’, which racked up over 30,000 plays on SoundCloud, gaining support from MOBO Awards, BBC 1xtra and Link Up TV, CILLA RAIE makes her way to today’s hot spot with her latest single, ‘Ain’t No One’, produced by Joey Dyer (Iggy Azalea – Fancy, Katy B).
Combining her love for R&B and soul music, ‘Ain’t No One’ delivers soft and sultry vocals with heartfelt lyrics, drawing inspirations from the likes of Aaliyah, Mya, Brandy and Toni Braxton.
The North London singer/songwriter began recording music at just 14-years-old, with grime producer DaVinche (Stormzy, Skepta, Wiley) being one of her key mentors during the early stages of her musical journey. Having secured successful sessions and connections with key UK and US producers and writers, this birthed her first self-titled debut EP ‘Cilla Raie’ produced by the likes of Sillky (Mabel, Mahalia, Craig David) and The Arcade (Doja Cat, Khalid, Migos). She later embarked on a national school tour with UK Music and delivering music workshops to students across the UK.
This year will see Cilla releasing a series of singles as well as a body of work due to be released in 2021, which pays homage to R&B and embodying the growing pains of love and life as a young black British woman.
Check out the self-produced video for ‘Ain’t No One’ below…
Hailing from North London, singer/songwriter CILLA RAIE, has released her first music video for ‘Masterpiece’ produced by Joey Dyer (Iggy Azalea – Fancy, Katy B, Conor Maynard) with guest backing vocals from Ryan De La Cruz. Taken from her self-titled debut EP, ‘Masterpiece’ has racked up over 20,000 plays on SoundCloud since its release.
Directed by Daniel ‘Musical D’ Smith (Dizzee Rascal, Footsie, D Double E), the four-minute production reflects the concept of emotional vulnerability and passion experienced during a relationship, with the use of close-up shots and glitching transitions to give an emotive vibe to the audience.
Taking inspiration from the likes of Aaliyah, Brandy and Toni Braxton, the 23-year-old began recording music at just 14-years-old, with grime producer DaVinche, being one of her key mentors during the early stages of her musical journey. Combining her love of for R&B and pop music, Cilla delivers heartfelt lyrics with a sultry soft tone across this project.
This year will see the release of the songstress’ second EP, a body of work paying homage to growing pains as a young adult, whilst she embarks on a 2017 School Tour with UK Music delivering music workshops to students across the UK.
This is too good to pass up – watch the video to ‘Masterpiece’.
She poured all of her emotions through her debut offerings, L.O.V.E – and it paid off !!! The five track production is one of the most popular albums here on NEW LEASE MUSIC, earning this R&B/hip-hop songstress a place in the interview seat. I think it’s high time we get to know her…
NLM: You released your debut EP L.O.V.E (Letters Of Various Emotions) earlier this year. Describe the story behind the project?
Jai Love: My story behind my EP L.O.V.E is everything I have experience in life. From being hurt in a relationship to grinding for my family. It’s just the story of my life.
NLM: What’s the reception on the mixtape since its release?
Jai Love: Oh my gosh! Everyone loves it. I honestly did not think I would receive so much love from it but I did.
NLM: What’s your favorite track on the EP and why?
Jai Love: My favorite track would have to be Love because it’s something I am actively dealing with. For many years I have been hurt, lied to, cheated on, mislead, and used, so for those reasons I almost gave up on relationships. Holding in too many emotions really just keeps you down. I am a very private person, therefore, only speaking with close friends and family about my struggles with love but when I finally wrote that song I absolutely felt a sense of release. I understand now that it takes a lot of patience to love and because of that I’m at a peaceful place in my life, I realize that it will eventually come.
NLM: Let’s take a look into your early life…what did you do before getting involved in the music industry?
Jai Love: My early life was normal, I attended school while working a 40hr 9 to 5 job but I can never say I wasn’t doing music. Because even with everything I had going, I was still writing and recording it just took years for someone to recognize my talent and start acknowledging me as an artist.
NLM: At what point did you want to become a hip-hop/RnB artist?
Jai Love: The first time I stepped into a booth, which was in the early 2000s. I was always singing though, my parents were gospel singers and growing up I use to attend their programs and rehearsals. So singing was always a part of me, I just didn’t take it serious until my first studio experience. Shout out to my brother Lil Ced who also produced my song Love.
NLM: Who are your musical or non-musical influences?
Jai Love: I am blessed to have been born into a musically inclined family. My family was my first influence but as I got older I started meeting people such as DJs, producers, and other artists who all gave me advice about the industry. I mean, of course, I grew up listening to Mary J., Brandy, Monica, and Whitney Houston who motivated me as an artist but as for credit, it goes to those I actually sat down with, people who took the time to inform me on my dos and don’ts in the industry, and my number one influence, my beautiful mother.
NLM: Would you compare your sound to these musical influences?
Jai Love: Honestly, yeah to a certain degree I would and I love their music but I am my own individual so I like to be as original as I possibly can. I enjoy stepping out the box to be different.
NLM: How would you describe your music to potential fans?
Jai Love: My music is me and life situations I have experienced. I try so hard to send positive messages while sharing my life story. I write my own music for a reason and in doing so I gain the respect from others who have been through that exact situation.
NLM: If you were to collaborate with a chart-topping artist of today, who would it be?
Jai Love: If I had the opportunity to collaborate with anyone, it would be Nicki Minaj and J Cole. Someone I have been listening to lately who isn’t chart-topping just yet would Tink. I have actually been listening to her music for years and I salute her for not giving up. Now that’s someone I would love to work with because our mind frame is very similar. We both think positive and try to give positive messages.
NLM: What are your plans for 2015 and beyond? Do you have any upcoming gigs? When can we expect another project (s) from you?
Jai Love: As for the remainder of 2015 I’m just finishing up projects such as the movie “The Last Disciple0″s directed by Jurian Isabelle, Promoting my EP L.O.V.E (Letters of Various Emotions) and working on visuals. As for any gigs I don’t have any lined up right now and im working on my album but I set the release date back due to the shooting of the movie. Keep an eye on my social medias to keep up with Jai and my next moves lol!
NLM: How can potential fans reach you?
Jai Love: I can be reached on Instagram and Twitter @love_always_jai. Facebook .com/jailove0818. My EP can be downloaded at jailove.bandcamp.com. For booking contact my manager Chenequa Farrar at chenequah@gmail.com or jailovebooking@gmail.com.
Following her last single, ‘Masterpiece’, which racked up over 30,000 plays on SoundCloud, gaining support from MOBO Awards, BBC 1xtra and Link Up TV, CILLA RAIE makes her way to today’s hot spot with her latest single, ‘Ain’t No One’, produced by Joey Dyer (Iggy Azalea – Fancy, Katy B).
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