Emily Garbutt
Updated on: October 7, 2024 11:55 am GMT
Corinne Bailey Rae reflects on her career with a mix of nostalgia and defiance, particularly in light of the media’s perception of her during her early years. Now 45 and residing in her hometown of Leeds, she recalls being seen as “boring” and “middle of the road” compared to her contemporaries like Amy Winehouse and Lily Allen. In a recent interview, she explains how her acoustic style, vintage clothing, and marriage contributed to this perception, stating, “I was so not interesting to them.”
Despite her rapid rise to fame after the release of her self-titled debut album in 2006 and its chart-topping single “Put Your Records On,” Bailey Rae felt overshadowed during a time when the media fixated on more provocative artists. While Allen publicly criticized her, Bailey Rae chose not to engage, believing in her own worth as an artist. She notes, “Stevie Wonder likes me, so it’s OK that Lily doesn’t like me.”
The unexpected fame that followed her husband’s tragic overdose in 2008 brought her into the tabloid spotlight, revealing the darker side of public interest. As Bailey Rae moved past her earlier work and delved into new themes, her recent album, *Black Rainbows*, released in 2023, was met with acclaim and marked a stark evolution in her music. Inspired by a visit to the Stony Island Arts Bank and addressing social issues through a bold, experimental lens, Bailey Rae embraced her artistic growth, declaring, “There are no rules on *Black Rainbows*.”
With her new music, she shows that she is more than just her past labels. She shares her unique identity as both an artist and a mother. As she celebrates her nomination for the Mercury Prize for *Black Rainbows*, she remembers the tough times she faced but keeps her attention on her art and what feels true to her. She says, “I’ve enjoyed growing in self-knowledge and power as I’ve gone through life.” Bailey Rae’s journey is all about being strong, creative, and staying true to her voice in a world of changing music.
