You’ve probably heard before the song "You Don’t Know Me" while you were at the gas station, or while you were shopping at the mall. And probably you’ve heard yourself singing “Natalie Don’t”, while you were driving. And maybe you have tried already to dance on “Secrets” for a new video on TikTok. And we are happy if you remember all these songs, because now, it is time to meet the artist behind all these beautiful hits. Are you ready to meet Raye?
Ooh-na-na-yeah! You don't know me, but I would like to know more about you! What are you wearing today?
Haha! Hi! Well, today is fitting day for a music video I'm shooting, so I have been wearing lots of different things, but right now I am wearing a blue striped Moschino XL shirt and some boxers, haha.
Do you have a source of inspiration, when it comes to fashion choices?
I love bold rebellious fashion and I love 60's Hollywood glamour. I love 80's Madonna, Sophia Loren, my favourite classic movies inspire me, I also love Paris and the style and the designers that come from there.
Who is Natalie? Have you ever met a woman who is exactly like this lady that you are singing about? PS: (I imagine Natalie to be like the modern version of Jolene)
She is a person. Natalie isn't her name, but it is the perfect name for the song I think. :)
It's something like that yes, I think this is just part of life and I'm glad it happened because I love this song so much.
Tell me a SECRET! Have you ever had a fight with a woman... for any reason?
Yes, boys have caused a lot of verbal fights when I was younger haha, I had a few minor altercations but I grew up in Croydon and sometimes that was the vibe haha.
Now that we are still talking about women... Do you think that all these women-empowerement movements changed the music industry somehow?
There is change for sure in ways. Change in awareness, and from my experience at least, more openness and support between the girls in my industry. Which is beautiful and very comforting, however I think making sure all the women in our industries are safe comfortable and heard. This sadly is not always the outcome.
During your career, have you ever felt like you didn't have enough power or courrage to say „NO" to some collaborations or projects, and you just accepted them to make other people happy?
No is now probably my favourite word haha, I think I learned the hard way, saying yes all the time, or doing what everyone else thinks is best, means you can loose sight of your vision and real dreams. I have very few things I regret, but there are some, and the biggest are when I ignored my gut.
People know you as a singer, but you are also a talented composer, and you even have a writing credit on Beyonce's Lion King album. Can you tell me a nice story about a song that you have written for someone else?
I've been writing some songs with Anne Marie last year and it's been really fun. Some proper wholesome laughs, I love that girl and she makes me laugh so much. Me and my cutie Zara Larsson have been working a bit too. And my darling Mabes and Miraa may, I love my girls.
Do you remember how you spent your first music paycheque?
I think I bought a car!
Right now I have „Love of your life" on repeat. How was the first moment you fell in love with someone and who was the lucky one? (So much „LOVE" in this question, haha)
I fell in love with a really great man, but we don't really talk anymore, just weird pretend small talk. It's so weird how it works. So as beautiful as being in love was; it's over now, just memories.
How did you react when the british newspapers wrote that you and Drake were more than friends?
I laughed about it with my friends and then got on a plane to Dubai and went camel riding and shopping!! Good times haha.
How do you deal with criticism and haters, especially on social-media?
I have two phones now. One phone for my life and one for work. It's better for my mental health this way lol.
Your mom works in the NHS. How was your life, in the last year, knowing that your mother is in the frontline fighting against this killing virus?
My ma works in the department of mental health, and oversees mental health in young people primarily, she has been dealing with such crazy statistics, a lot of young people are struggling and she works so hard tirelessly to help I'm so so proud of that woman.
During this lockdown period have you felt inspired to try something or to start a new hobby?
I'm going to make my first album!!! My first ever album, I'm going to pour my little heart into it, I am so excited.
And now it's time fooooor... Raye's Favourite List!
Favourite song right now?
Randy Crawford - One Day I'll Fly Away
Favourite artist?
Nina Simone
Favourite song to dance to?
Luther Vandross - Never Too Much
Favourite movie?
Vicky Christina Barcelona
Favourite Netflix show?
The Queens Gambit
Favourite city to visit?
Paris
Don't forget to check out Raye's new single - 'Regardless' and if you like her music, you can listen her EP right here
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