Singer-songwriter Ravyn Lenae is seeing a rise in her popularity as her latest single "Love Me Not" gains momentum on TikTok. This exciting buzz comes just before her highly anticipated Coachella debut on April 11, 2024. Ahead of her performance and her upcoming role as the opening act for Sabrina Carpenter’s Short n’ Sweet tour, Lenae shared her thoughts on her music with an online news outlet.
Currently, Lenae is working hard on her next album, spending a couple of weeks collaborating with producer Dahi. She’s reflecting on how much her music has resonated with fans, both longtime supporters and newcomers, who are embracing her earlier work.
"Love Me Not," the lead single from her recent album Bird’s Eye, has attracted new listeners, many of whom are curious about its nostalgic sound. Fans have been remarking on the song’s ability to evoke memories from various decades, which Lenae finds truly inspiring. The positive feedback from audiences has motivated her to continue creating.
Lenae has been on this artistic journey since she signed with Atlantic Records as a teenager in 2016. She gained traction with her 2018 EP Crush, which featured Steve Lacy, and her debut album Hypnos in 2022 earned her critical acclaim. Now, nearly a year after releasing Bird’s Eye, she is enjoying a new wave of attention.
The song "Love Me Not" has only increased interest in Bird’s Eye and Lenae herself, who is looking forward to her debut at Coachella and the fall tour with Carpenter.
Collaboration played a significant role in the creation of "Love Me Not." The song was initially developed by Dahi and Anderson .Paak more than a decade ago. Lenae emphasized how the hook and first verse laid the groundwork for its evolution into its current form, with a modern twist thanks to the production choices they made.
Moreover, Lenae touched upon the influence of Solange, noting how the artist’s boldness and creativity have motivated her in her own career. The viral success of "Love Me Not" can also be attributed to a mash-up created by a DJ that incorporated Solange’s earlier work, showcasing how artists can inspire one another across different generations.
As she continues to navigate the newfound fame, Lenae is also seeing her old and new fans engage with each other about her music. She finds humor in them debating which fans have been with her the longest and appreciating the diverse audience her work has attracted.
Looking ahead, Lenae hopes that new fans will explore her earlier music, stating that understanding an artist’s journey is exciting. Her upcoming stint on Sabrina Carpenter’s tour is bound to attract even more of those invested fans, especially after a sweet message from Carpenter expressing her support.
Despite her busy schedule, Lenae remains committed to her craft and is excited about the opportunities ahead. She feels hopeful and energized, ready to embrace whatever is next in her musical adventure.
