Words by Axel Metz
Ahead of the release of her new single, “Motives”, we profile rising UK R&B artist Cilla Raie.
At 27, London-born R&B artist Cilla Raie has already established a music career far beyond her years. Emerging onto the UK scene back in 2014, she was spotted by English grime record producer DaVinche (the man behind Wiley, Stormzy and Skepta) and would go on to sign with Teriy Keys (the protégé of none other than Dizzee Rascal), under whose management she would release her self-titled debut EP, Cilla Raie.
It’s in this early project that Cilla sought to establish her identity, and her debut EP — produced by Sillky and The Arcade, the names behind Mabel, Doja Cat, and Migos — points to a young R&B artist with a clear appreciation for the female trailblazers that came before her. Influenced by Aaliyah, Mya, Brandy and Toni Braxton, Cilla Raie combines a classic noughties pop sound with an impressive vocal range that only grows more accomplished as you move through her body of work.
In 2020, Cilla’s music has developed into a more controlled, thoughtful sound with as much focus on lyricism as catchy beats. During the UK’s first national lockdown, she released the single “Ain’t No One”, which placed her on This is R&B’s 10 R&B Artists You Should Have On Your Radar list, and now she brings the new year in with another hotly-anticipated single, “Motives”.
“Motives” is reminiscent of the late 90s R&B scene as the genre merged into the early 2000s, piecing together an up-tempo sound with the old-school sentiments so popularised by this brand of music over the last two decades. It was produced by Joey Dyer and Sampl — the names behind Iggy Azalea, Katy B and Kali Claire — and again takes influence from those artists which came before her.
Cilla Raie is also intent on ensuring there is a message to her music. Throughout her body of work, and especially in “Motives”, she touches on themes of self-love and confidence. “Often,” Cilla says, “we can get caught up with a lover’s words rather than their actions. If a man wants you, he will show it! This single is a spiritual awakening.”
2021 will also see the release of Cilla’s latest EP, Reconnected, supported by Arts England and the National Lottery. She’s also previously been supported by MOBO Awards, BBC1xtra and Link Up TV — so she’s certainly an artist in demand. The new EP, she says, is set to bridge the gap between US and UK R&B, and will also feature an appearance from a “notable US artist”.
Not bad for a young musician from Hornsey.
Stream Cilla Raie on Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon.