MusicFreaks

Tag: Loyle Carner

  • Watch RAYE bring out Alicia Keys and Mark Ronson at Montreux Jazz Festival

    The Lake Geneva shoreline was set ablaze with musical magic last night as RAYE delivered a showstopping performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival. But what made the event truly unforgettable wasn’t just the festival atmosphere; it was the breathtaking surprise guest lineup that turned the evening into a masterclass in musical synergy.

    RAYE kicked off the festivities by transforming the Auditorium Stravinski into an entirely new stage configuration, setting a vibrant tone for the night. Having recently released her album This Music May Contain Hope, RAYE brought an electrifying energy to the stage, showcasing the depth and emotional breadth of her latest work.

    The real fireworks began when the evening yielded two of music’s most iconic voices. RAYE welcomed Alicia Keys onto the stage for a powerful duet, sharing soulful moments with the audience. Later, the magic continued as she joined forces with Mark Ronson for a stunning collaboration, performing their track Suzanne.

    These unexpected pairings provided moments of pure musical joy, especially when they performed classics like “If I Ain’t Got You” and “Oscar Winning Tears,” eliciting huge responses from the packed venue. It was a masterclass in live performance, proving that genuine musical connection transcends genre.

    The evening underscored RAYE‘s own journey. She has spoken about Montreux’s significance to her, recalling her debut performance there when she shared how watching it for the first time with her Swiss grandfather felt like a moment “no money can buy.” This personal history adds a layer of depth to her current success.

    RAYE’s recent artistic output has been intense. Her follow-up record, This Music May Contain Hope, was the result of an intensely busy three years of creation and touring, resulting in an album that critics hailed as “showstopping musical maximalism.”

    Beyond the main act, the festival promises a rich tapestry of talent across the dates. Looking ahead, attendees can anticipate incredible performances from artists like Aldous Harding sharing the bill with Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, as well as performances from The Isley Brothers and The Roots. Further dates feature talents such as Loyle Carner and US funk outfit Vulfpeck.

    Credit: NME

  • Alphabet – “Sense”

    In the sonic landscape of contemporary indie rock, a London four-piece named Alphabet has been steadily carving out a niche since the fall of 2024. Led by vocalist and guitarist Milo McNulty, bassist Lena Pilshofer, guitarist Tom Sullivan, and drummer George Miles, their sound is less a collection of songs and more an atmospheric experience.

    Their music paints a vivid picture—a brooding concoction expertly blending the melancholic shadows of ’80s gothic rock with the raw energy of early 2000s alt-rock. Listening to Alphabet feels like settling in for a late-night session where the mood is set by bands like The Cure, TV On The Radio, and The Bravery, inviting listeners into a deeply atmospheric space.

    Now, the band is continuing this journey by releasing their latest single, “Sense“. This new track doesn’t just fit the established mold; it pushes the boundaries while maintaining that signature moody intensity.

    Adding an extra layer of depth and intrigue to the soundscape, “Sense” was co-produced by the band themselves alongside Luke Farnall—a name already familiar to music lovers for his work with artists like Loyle Carner, Ezra Collective, and PinkPantheress. This collaboration injects a fresh, sophisticated sensibility into Alphabet’s signature sound.

    The synergy between Alphabet‘s established gothic-tinged rock and the influences of their collaborators promises a truly unique listening experience. It’s a reminder that sometimes the most captivating music is found at the intersection of familiar melancholy and exciting new perspectives.

    Credit: Stereogum