British singer-songwriter RAYE, who's nominated for Best New Artist and Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical at the forthcoming 67th annual Grammy Awards, is a fierce supporter of her label, Human Re
Sources artist, as well as Warner Chappell, where she's a songwriter.

RAYE's work on Lucky Daye's 2024 album, Algorithm (Keep Cool/RCA), also earned her a nod in the Best Engineered Album, Non-Classical category. Ahead of the 2/2 ceremony, HITS somehow managed to ask her a couple of questions—against her better judgement.

You’ve emphasized repeatedly—and even said onstage—that being on an independent label is important to you. Why is that, and what’s been so special about working with Human Re Sources?

Human Re Sources has been the distribution company of my dreams. J Erving, who founded this company, is a true music lover and a good man. He allows a space where I was allowed to be completely and totally in control of my career whilst providing support and expert advice when needed. He gave me permission to put my art first, and he employs beautiful and passionate people, who brought joy, encouragement and support to my career. I’m so grateful that HRS exists because I don't know if I would be here without them. I think all music models and distribution services should take notes from this extraordinary artists first, music loving company.

Are there other people on your team you’d like to give a shout-out?

Shout out to Jonelle Ahiligwo, Anette Collins and Hannah Celnikier (from The Orchard), Mikey Robbins (my creative director) and my parents, who manage me so amazingly. Also shout out to people who were such a massive help in my journey: Tia Ferguson, Thomas Van Melkebeek and Rebekah Douglas.

LANDR, the AI-powered music production platform, has teamed up with Warner Chappell Production Music to launch HOT MIC, an exclusive sample label.

The partnership marks the first time a major production label has made a royalty-free sample collection available as part of a subscription offering.

HOT MIC will initially feature 12 curated sample packs recorded in two of WCPM’s studios: Nashville’s Sandtrack Sound and Hollywood’s SkyLight Studios. New content will be added weekly, and each pack offers a range of sounds performed live.

“At LANDR, we understand how challenging and time-consuming it can be to find truly high-quality samples that inspire creativity,” said LANDR’s Head of Music Content, Aaron Young. “By making this catalog available via subscription, we’re eliminating barriers and giving creators immediate access to world-class sounds to fuel their projects.”

Pat Weaver, Head of Production for WCPM, adds, “HOT MIC is an opportunity for us to share some of the excellent talent that has helped craft our diverse catalog, as well as bring in new musicians who are recording specifically for HOT MIC. We’re proud to help spread the magic.”

The HOT MIC catalog is now available to LANDR Studio and Samples Pro subscribers. Click here for more info.

Carin Leon just wrapped his Boca Chueca tour with a sold-out show before 65,000 fans at Mexico City’s GNO Seguros, the last of 102 shows across multiple territories.

The UMPG artist, who dropped Palabra De To’s, his second album of 2024, on 12/5, is capping off a spectacular year that also included a win for the Best Contemporary Mexican Music Album at the 2024 Latin Grammys for Boca Chueca.

Leon will return to the road for another round of dates, starting 4/10 at Tampa’s Amalie Arena.

Pictured (l-r): Alexandra Lioutikoff, Yadira Moreno, Carin Leon, Jody Gerson, Jorge Juarez