Mark Ronson, Raye

Biography

Mark Ronson, a British musician, producer, and DJ, is renowned for his genre-blending productions and collaborations with artists like Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, and Bruno Mars. Raye, born Rachel Agatha Keen, is a British singer-songwriter celebrated for her soulful vocals and expressive lyricism, rising from behind-the-scenes songwriting to chart-topping solo success. In 2025, Ronson and Raye united for their first official collaboration, releasing the single 'Suzanne' through Sony Music UK. The partnership was catalyzed by their shared role as ambassadors for Swiss luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, who invited them to participate in the APxMusic program for the brand’s 150th anniversary. Their creative process involved intensive, all-night sessions across London, New York, and Los Angeles, resulting in a track that fuses Ronson’s signature jazz-inflected, feel-good beats with Raye’s emotive storytelling and vocal prowess. The song’s release was accompanied by a music video showcasing their studio synergy and live performances, and it quickly charted in the UK, reflecting both artists’ broad appeal and mutual admiration. Raye’s journey to this collaboration was marked by her early work in Ronson’s London studio, where she honed her songwriting craft and dreamed of working with him. Their joint effort on 'Suzanne' and the soundtrack piece 'Grandma Calls the Boy Bad News' for the film F1 highlights a meeting of musical minds, blending influences from jazz, pop, and soul, and underscoring their legacy as innovators in contemporary British music.

Fun Facts

• Raye used to work in Mark Ronson’s London studio as a young songwriter before her solo breakthrough.
• The collaboration was initiated by luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet’s APxMusic program for their 150th anniversary.
• Raye felt nervous about comparisons to Amy Winehouse, a frequent Ronson collaborator, but ultimately embraced her own artistry.
• The song 'Suzanne' features a horn section that gives it a supper club vibe, blending jazz and pop influences.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Amy Winehouse - Ronson produced Winehouse's acclaimed album 'Back to Black', influencing his production style and inspiring Raye, who has been compared to Winehouse and admires her artistry. (Back to Black (2006), Valerie (2007)) [2006-2007]

Key Collaborators

• Tommy Brenneck - Co-producer and co-writer on 'Suzanne' with Ronson and Raye. (Suzanne (2025)) [2025]
• Eric Hagstrom - Co-writer on 'Suzanne' alongside Ronson, Raye, and Brenneck. (Suzanne (2025)) [2025]
• Audemars Piguet (APxMusic program) - Facilitated the collaboration between Ronson and Raye for the brand’s 150th anniversary. (Suzanne (2025)) [2025]

Artists Influenced

• Absolutely (Abby Keen) - Raye’s sister, inspired by Raye’s career and artistry, now releasing her own music. (Goodbye Glitter (2025)) [2025]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Uptown Funk (feat. Bruno Mars) (Uptown Special)
2. Everyday (feat. Rod Stewart, Miguel & Mark Ronson) (AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP)
3. Valerie (feat. Amy Winehouse) - Version Revisited (Version)
4. Nothing Breaks Like a Heart (feat. Miley Cyrus) (Late Night Feelings)
5. Nothing Breaks Like a Heart (feat. Miley Cyrus)
6. Electricity
7. Suzanne
8. Espresso - Mark Ronson x FNZ Working Late Remix
9. Easy (with Kacey Musgraves feat. Mark Ronson)
10. Ancora, ancora, ancora - Radio Edit (Mark Ronson Remix)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia