In late November, Raye received nominations for two Grammy Awards, including best new artist, which was a timely piece of good news.

“I was having a really challenging day – maybe it was my time of the month – and I was just overthinking everything,” Raye shared with YSL News. She hesitantly decided to watch the Grammy nominations with her team, feeling “no expectations” about getting any nods. After all, her debut album, “My 21st Century Blues,” was released in early 2023, and she thought that it had faded from the minds of the Recording Academy voters.

“When it aired on TV, I just started crying and screaming,” said Raye, who is also nominated for best songwriter of the year in the nonclassical category. “It completely changed my day; it was the wildest feeling ever.”

At 27 years old, Raye is familiar with accolades. She triumphed at last year’s Brit Awards (the U.K.’s equivalent to the Grammys) by winning six awards, including best album, thus breaking Adele’s record for the highest number of wins in a single night. Still, the Grammys hold a uniquely special place for Raye, who dreamed of a music career since she was nine.

“From the moment you’re old enough to imagine it, you dream about one day owning one of those stunning, gold-plated gramophones with your name etched on it,” Raye explained. “I often wondered if I could ever create something impactful enough to be recognized at the most prestigious music awards. It’s incredibly significant to me.”

Raye will encounter tough competition in the best new artist category from artists such as Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Shaboozey, Benson Boone, Khruangbin, Doechii, and Teddy Swims. Here’s some more information about her:

Raye is vocal about the struggles of joining a major label

Born Rachel Keen, the cheerful artist grew up singing in church with her English father and Ghanaian-Swiss mother. She signed with Polydor Records at 17, and released six EPs while penning songs for other pop stars like Beyoncé, Charli XCX, and Ellie Goulding. However, in 2021, Raye tweeted that she was prevented from releasing her debut album unless the lead single “Call On Me” succeeded. Shortly thereafter, she announced her status as an independent artist after leaving Polydor.

Now, Raye openly discusses the challenges of signing with a major label as a young artist without established industry connections.

“You have no bargaining power when negotiating contracts early in your career, which can lead to significant repercussions later on,” Raye noted. “The label takes 85%, and you only get 15%. I was told by my lawyers back then that it was a great deal. But they fail to mention that every dollar they invest in you must be recouped from your 15% before you actually receive anything from record sales.”

That didn’t even include percentages for touring and merchandise, which were handled separately in the contracts.

“These are all substantial, daunting issues that you only start to comprehend after being five years into your contract, wondering, ‘Why am I not earning anything from these songs?’” she shared. “It can be overwhelming.”

Raye draws inspiration from a wide range of artists

Raye’s music is difficult to categorize neatly, despite many artists blending genres. Her viral track “Escapism” is a smooth mixture of pop and hip-hop, while “Genesis” from the previous year is a seven-minute journey through dynamic R&B, gospel choirs, and big-band vocals. Some of her biggest songs include garage-house hits with Disclosure (“Waterfall”) and Rudimental (“Regardless”), as well as the vibrant EDM remix “Prada,” which has garnered over 800 million streams on Spotify.

“It’s really thrilling to continue crossing genre boundaries,” Raye said, naming Nina Simone and Lauryn Hill as major influences. “For many years, I was told this was a weakness: that I was unsure of myself and that fans couldn’t connect with me unless I chose a genre. As a mixed-heritage woman, this added to my identity struggles in everyday life.

“So, it’s a wonderful feeling to now embrace this diversity instead of feeling distressed about it.”

Raye hopes her heartfelt lyrics can help listeners

Even during a casual FaceTime chat, Raye comes across as a close friend, relaxing in her bedroom with a large, fluffy hat. Her relatable, diary-like lyrics are part of what makes her music resonate, as they reflect her personal experiences with topics like sexual violence (“Ice Cream Man”), substance abuse (“Mary Jane”), and self-image issues (“Body Dysmorphia”).

“The truth can be harsh, my dear,” she acknowledges. “But sharing your music on stage with an audience that understands can be incredibly empowering. Sometimes I wonder, ‘Why did I share all of this?’ or when an interviewer asks about my experience with sexual assault. It can be intense, but when someone tells me I helped them through their pain, I feel immense gratitude for being able to provide some form of healing through my music.”

Raye will be cheering for Doechii at the upcoming Grammy Awards

Currently, Raye is in the “very early stages” of creating her second album, having just concluded her world tour for “My 21st Century Blues.” She recently filmed a “tiny, tiny role” in a project she can’t disclose, and hopes to explore acting more this year. However, before jumping into that, she will be supporting her fellow nominees for best new artist at the Grammy ceremony in Los Angeles on February 2.

“Doechii is an absolute artist,” Raye remarked. “While we naturally want to support ourselves, she totally deserves to win. Additionally, Chappell and Sabrina are excelling right now, and I couldn’t be more thrilled for them. It fills me with pride to see so many women nominated. I understand how challenging this industry can be, and it’s amazing to witness so many women creating art that represents their truth. It’s wonderful just to be included in this celebration.”

If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence, RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline provides free, confidential, 24/7 support for survivors and their families in English and Spanish: 800.656.HOPE (4673) and Hotline.RAINN.org and in Spanish RAINN.org/es.