Get to know future pop superstar RAYE

Hi Raye, at what point did you know that music was what you wanted to do?

Ever since I was 10 or 11 I remember saying to my Dad that I wanted to go to the BRIT School because I knew that was a route I could take. I had been singing, writing and playing for years having come from a musical family. My Dad used to play keys in Church – a Pentecostal Church. I learned my basics in singing and conveying a message in Church and that will always be a part of me. It’s such a place of influence, such an emotional place.

Tell us about the experience of coming up in the BRIT school? It has a reputation of producing a certain type of act – how did you retain your individuality within that?

The illusion is that it would be more pop but you go there and almost everyone is too cool for school and isn’t into pop music. In a way I started evolving because of that – with my first EP I was trying to make sure my friends would like it. Naturally I gravitate towards pop and R&B melodies and hooks so there was a duality to it, in trying to create something alternative.

Studying at the BRIT school was a massive part of the development of my sound and what I wanted to say. It exposes you to another way of life and pushes you to be the best.

There’s some really interesting and unexpected production and electronic sounds in your songs – a very distinctive sound, how involved are you in that?

I’m massively involved in the production of my music. ‘Second’ – my second EP was so uncomfortable and exciting for me to make because it is more musically complex. ‘Shhh; has six key changes in it. I work with an incredible producer called Fred who worked with Brian Eno, and also with his brother Alex – together it just clicks. We all push each other and we have created this huge sound which is a big evolution from how I started. I’ve grown a lot as a musician.

Is there a certain feeling you want to create within people when they listen to your music? How do you feel while creating it?

For me it was about venting. Everything in there is so honest. It was healing and therapeutic. I, U, Us was based on a guy who hurt me and made me feel sad and low.

What gets me about that song is how it’s the opposite of how traditional songs about heartbreak go. It’s strong and empowering.

Yes, totally. When I hear it, I feel empowered – and I want other women to feel that when they listen to it. Like you hurt me, but I don’t care. I want to share personal, relatable stories like that.

Which three artists have impacted you and your sound the most?

Drake, Amy Winehouse and Jill Scott…but there’s so many others! This is too hard!!!

Have there been any moments where you’ve been like, I’m done with this – and how do you get yourself back on track when that happens?

There have been times where the music I’ve wanted to make – massive pop music – but I don’t want to fit a formula, and I still want an R&B flavor which has been difficult to get a major label to support. The songs I was creating for four or five months when I first got my deal – no one was getting into, and this was a really low point for me. I started creating better songs and now everyone is really happy. That was a difficult point because I’d left school and I was trying my best not to compromise myself as an artist.

How do you translate your songs into a live setting?

Performing live is one of my favourite things. I love to run around, jump around, go a bit mental. After doing the Jess Glynne tour I’ve come into my own.

Outside of music, where do you go for inspiration?

The most inspiring place for me is to be on a train or a bus. It’s a good place to look at people and see what’s going on in London.

Do you have a clear vision of where you want your career to go?

Yes, I want to be as big as I can be. I don’t want to limit myself. I want to create massive songs and perform in stadiums.

You have a unique style that feels very accessible at the same time – how important are style and the visual aspects of performance to you?

I’m at this point now where I’m gaining steam as an artist. And the label will be like…why don’t you wear this? But I want to be comfortable. I don’t want to show my skin.

If you look at Rihanna and how she is now – she earned everything she wears. It’s so much more interesting being who you really are. I hate skirts and dresses, so why would I wear them just because I’m an artist? I want to be truthful in my music and how I look. For a long time I felt it was my fault that I didn’t want to go along with it. I say to my label, if you aren’t into what I’m wearing – then drop me. I’m so clear on who I am as an artist.

When will your album be ready and what can we expect from it?

Maybe end of next year? If everything goes how I’m planning. By the time I put an album out I want people to be able to hear it. We’re already working heavily on so many songs – hundreds of them. How I’m going to compress it into one album I just don’t know!

Dream collab?

I’d love to do something with Lana del Rey or M.I.A – something unexpected.

If you have a day off to yourself – what would you be getting up to?

I love going to the pub! Chilling out with some friends – or being at home. Things are so full on that I never want to do any partying.

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