Raia Was plays Captain Obvious (Piano Versions Release Show)

In the lead-up to the release of her self-produced sophomore LP Captain Obvious Raia Was started playing piano again. She’d been developing a solo piano show for the album from the release of the first single, which she celebrated at the music composition and supervision house Found Objects. She screened the first music video and previewed three songs off the record solo and in the round on piano. The night sold out and was a smash success that she’d repeat twice more, including a takeover of the beloved restaurant Insa to debut her single If You’re Asking, I’m Offering, handpicked by Bob Boilen for NPR’s All Songs Considered. With her shows building buzz, her announcement of the album release show was an opportunity to double down - play the entire record from start to finish, arranged for solo piano, no tracks, no frills. The record was presented in three movements at National Sawdust in Brooklyn. By the end, the only question was “when are you recording these piano versions?!” After much consideration, she took the solo show to Los Angeles to play it once more, this time at a recording studio in Alhambra. Captain Obvious (Piano Versions) is a collection of six songs performed that night. It’s a final offering from an artist hellbent on letting her audience in as far as they’re willing to go.

“These versions are staggering, it’s 2024 Joni.” - Leonard Jackson

"A future-pop wonder." - Paste Magazine "Everyone who jumped on the Kate Bush bandwagon should get on board

the Raia Was bus." - Riff Magazine