The Rise of Raye
How one of the biggest names in showbiz found faith in the depths of depression
The story of British singer-songwriter Raye, and her rise to fame, may not be reminiscent of a fairytale, but it appears on track for a happy ending.
If you’re not familiar with Raye, the artist made history earlier this year when she scooped six of the seven accolades she was nominated for at the Brit Awards; including becoming the first woman to win ‘Songwriter of the Year’.
But, the award-winning artist has had to overcome many battles to get to where she is today.
Raye, whose real name is Rachel Keen, always knew that she wanted to become a musician. Raised in a Christian home, her parents met at church and were both involved in leading worship. As a little girl, Raye would attend church with her family in Croydon. She credits her musical upbringing in the church for her love of music.
In an interview with BBC Music, she shared: ‘I was brought up in church. My dad used to lead worship and my mum would sing in the choir, so there was always music going on. My dad used to sit me at the piano as this little kid. I’d sit on his lap and push his hand out of the way, like, “I can do it”!’
Raye held on to this determination and confidence throughout her childhood. At school she entered the annual talent contest, and at just ten years old, she performed a song she had written in front of the entire school.
‘I think I was about ten when I decided I wanted to take it [music] very seriously,’ she told The Mirror. ‘Anywhere I could sing or play – I would.’
Recognising her talent, Raye’s father bought her a mic, and created a makeshift recording studio inside their home.
By 14, Raye had got into the acclaimed Brit School, but she quit after two years as she felt confined.
With a clear gift for songwriting, at just 17 years old Raye secured a four-year record deal with Polydor Records.
Deal turned Sour
Early on in her career, the rising star was sexually assaulted by a music producer, and she turned to alcohol and drugs to cope. Despite gaining traction in the industry, Raye was depressed, anxious and struggling with addictions; personal battles she faced alongside a professional one.
While Raye was singing vocals on hit records and writing songs for the likes of Little Mix and Beyoncé, Polydor would not allow the artist to release her own album.
In 2021 Raye opened up on social media. She posted: ‘Imagine this pain. I have been signed to a major label since 2014… and I have had albums on albums of music sat in folders collecting dust, songs I am now giving away to A-list artists because I am still awaiting confirmation that I am good enough to release an album.’
Following a series of tweets, Raye concluded: ‘I’m done being a polite pop star. I want to make my album now, please, that is all I want.’
Three weeks later, Raye separated from Polydor, enabling her to pursue success on her terms. Within 18 months, she released her first single as an independent artist, Hard Out Here, and it became an instant hit.
Writing her Story
Raye is admired by fans for her raw and honest storytelling. Many of the songs on her debut album My 21st Century Blues tell candid stories of her mistreatment in the music industry, her battle with eating disorders, and experiences of sexual assault.
Alongside detailing the trauma she’s faced, she also sings about what got her through the toughest period of her life: her faith.
Raye explained in an interview with the BBC: ‘There’s a world in which, if I didn’t find faith again, I might not even be here. I’m really grateful I have this faith. It’s honestly pulled me out of a really dark place.’
Raye has not always walked closely with the God she was raised to believe in, but she says coming back to a relationship with Him has helped her find the strength to move on from a time when she struggled with body dysmorphia, anxiety and suicidal thoughts.
Speaking to music website The Line of Best Fit she detailed: ‘I was raised in a Christian household and I think I had quite a difficult relationship with it all in the early days. But there was a moment where I really found God, in the time that I really needed it and it saved my life…I really owe my life to my faith, it’s kept me going and it’s kept me okay, it’s given me strength.’
Raye’s faith has also helped her forgive those who have hurt her. She feels safe now in the secure knowledge that God is with her, something she has tattooed in the form of a Bible verse that describes His protection: Psalm 91, which says: “Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.”
Discussing her tattoo on Louis Theroux Interviews, she explained: ‘It’s a protection prayer. Whenever you’re scared or feel unsafe, any negative energy comes to you or whatever, I’ll pray this prayer. It’s an important one for me.’
When the award-winning artist isn’t on stage singing to thousands of people, she can be found spending time with her musical family and hosting a church service at her home on a Sunday.
Raye is reaping the rewards of finding faith, peace and forgiveness, and now looks set to take the music world by storm.
