Raury Performs To A Sold Out UK Crowd
Raury‘s taste of stardom has arrived quicker than most, and the best part is, the Atlanta newcomer is just getting started. Last night, the 18-year old hit the Red Gallery stage to perform a sold out show in the heart of Shoreditch, London, following a quick UK tour-run with SBTRKT.
Opening with the tribal-esque War, Raury then wasted no time in introducing one of the bolder pieces from his debut Indigo Child project, making full use of his small band for the drum-heavy Chariots of Fire. From here on out, his energy was hard to fault, while taking time to speak to the audience between each song. The welcome was genuine.
Raury wasn’t afraid to pay tribute to artists before him, either. In between handing out vinyls, he put a spin on OutKast’s triumphant B.O.B, as well as the more surprising cover of the night, Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody. The original was released 20 years prior to when he was born, but Raury showed no sign of doubt, entertaining a crowd of all ages. Even his band decided to throw something into the set, playing the Arthur theme tune that Chance The Rapper recently covered. Raury didn’t know the words, but it was all in the spur of the moment.
The youngster took time to reflect on his past throughout, telling a story of how he wrote Bloom at just 14 years old. Trying to influence others may be a trait of his, but even he noted how “corny” it may sound in this day and age. Rushing from younger days to the present, Raury flipped the tempo for his Higher collaboration with SBTRKT. There was a sense of accomplishment in how far he’s come.
One of the key moments of the night, creating arguably the most jubilant spirit within the crowd, was his performance of Superfly — his soul-searching track with Vancouver Sleep Clinic. Still, the two better-known tracks of the night were of course God’s Whisper and Cigarette Song; both of which have visuals and the backing of his Love Renaissance team. Before jumping from the stage and spraying water across those in close radius, he felt obliged to give fans a quick warning.
Seemingly ending the set with Seven Suns, a quick return saw him eventually close the night with God’s Whisper for a welcomed second time. Despite slight technical difficulties, Raury’s presence was felt. The ATL musician has played alongside the likes of OutKast, Kid Cudi and Childish Gambino within the past month, but London was a big night for him. The set wasn’t narrowed down to perfection and his vocals weren’t all in tone, but that’s all part of his character. A learning curve for what lies ahead.
Raury Interview With Zane Lowe
