17-year-old Ravyn Lenae is a classically trained singer/songwriter from Chicago’s south side who’s out the gate with a fantastic debut EP entitled Moon Shoes. The album is a collection of heavy futuristic beats, syncopated rhythms and the head-bobbing ebb and flows that seamlessly flow together on this project. Lenae is part of a music ensemble called Zero Fatigue that boasts artists like Smino and Jean Deaux. Signed to Chicago-based record label Three Twenty Three Music Group, Moon Shoes has already amassed a steady following of fans – including the likes of Nas and Erykah Badu. Quite impressive. Lenae was named Verizon’s Big Break Artist on WGCI in Chicago, as well as one of BBC Radio’s New Names of 2016. She has already performed in headlining appearances at House of Blues Chicago and Chicago’s own African Fest.
The album already had a soft release in August 2015, but on July 29th Moon Shoes will be re-released, accompanied with two new tracks on the project – “Right Of Spring” and “Something In The Air.” Lenae credits Ella Fitzgerald, Outkast, Stereolab and Bob Marley as a few of her influences. Her mash-up of soul, house, R&B and jazz all blend together and balance out very well. Lenae’s style is laid back and innovative, and her writing is definitely praiseworthy. Her songwriting is beyond her 17 years. Even though I would have loved to have heard more of her classically trained vocals, I am already a bona fide fan. After all, she is only 17 years young, which leaves a great deal of time ahead for her to peel off the layers and expose more of her creative self. A couple of my favourite tracks from the album include “Free Room” and “Everything Above”.
You can catch Ravyn Lenae at the following social spots:
Facebook
Instagram
Soundcloud
Spotify
Twitter
Website