Julia Raye’s new single, “Wish You Stayed,” takes you on a soulful journey through the pain of lost love, a song that, if you’ve ever been in love anywhere, gets you in that pure, raw place we all know, but also can rarely articulate. Julia leads us on a cathartic emotional ride, with her voice’s gentle caress and a melody that plays long.
Co-produced by Bret “Epic” Mazur, who has worked with artists from Crazy Town to Prince and the Black Eyed Peas,” Wish You Stayed” opens with a soft, nostalgic strum of a guitar and gradually builds with Julia’s rousing vocals that stir the soul. The soundscape is intimate, contemplative, and haunting. The straightforward music leaves room for Julia’s emotion-drenched delivery to really sparkle, pulling the listener into her world of heartbreak and contemplation.
Inspired by the disintegration of her relationship, Julia explained she wrote this song while mourning a relationship. So, she drew inspiration from all the texts she sent friends and the little notes saved on her phone. The unfiltered honesty in her lyrics resonates as she revisits the glory days and considers the unavoidable memories that will eventually prompt letting go.
“Wish You Stayed” is fundamentally a song about appreciating what was, even though it’s obvious it’s time to go. It’s a universal experience, the quiet pain of having to think about a love that once was so great, and Julia’s talent at putting this feeling on paper is beyond powerful. With a voice both soothing and forceful, she brings a sense of intimacy that enables listeners to find their own stories of love and loss within.
In a day and age where feelings are so often hurried away or ignored, Julia Raye’s music is a whisper, urging us to stop, feel, and allow ourselves to experience the bittersweet melody of life. “Wish You Stayed” is a place to grieve, reflect, and remember.
Connect with Julia Raye on Instagram – @juliarayee
