BMI Sponsors Billboard’s Indie Live Event Pre-Show Mixer at the Blue Note Featuring RAYE

BMI sponsored a pre-show mixer at New York City’s legendary Blue Note Jazz Club on June 10, ahead of Billboard’s Indie Live event, which featured an intimate performance by BMI/PRS award-winning songwriter, producer and artist RAYE. The private event followed RAYE’s recognition with Billboard’s Indie Spirit Award the previous evening at the publication’s Indie Power Players celebration at The Cutting Room.

Opening the event, GRAMMY-nominated producer, multi-instrumentalist and BMI songwriter, Alissia, set the tone with a dynamic DJ set, playing bass while spinning timeless hits for a crowd of Billboard staff, industry VIPs, executives and music fans.

Before RAYE’s set, Billboard’s Leila Cobo introduced BMI’s VP Creative, Worldwide Barbara Cane to speak as the pre-show sponsor. Cane gave an overview of what BMI does to support its songwriters, composers and music publishers and shared a heartfelt speech about “the creative force known to the world as RAYE.” She said, “In an era defined by fleeting trends, RAYE stands apart as someone increasingly rare—an artist whose success is built upon authenticity, extraordinary talent and unwavering integrity.” Cane went on to say, “RAYE’s gift is not simply writing songs—it is writing songs that connect with people on a deeply human level.”

RAYE brought Cane’s words to life, performing some fan favorites like “Suzanne,” “Goodbye Henry,” and a live debut of “Happier Times Ahead,” among others, sharing anecdotes about songwriting, love, life and hopes for the future throughout her mesmerizing 30-minute set.

RAYE is set to join Bruno Mars on select US and UK stadium tour dates later this summer.