Raye celebrates Grammy nominations: A journey from major label challenges to independent success

In late November, Raye received thrilling news: she was nominated for two Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist. The timing couldn’t have been better. “I was having an emotional day—maybe it was that time of the month—but it was one of those days where you’re overthinking everything,” the British singer told USA TODAY . Reluctantly, she joined her team to watch the Grammy announcements, keeping her expectations low. Having released her debut album, My 21st Century Blues , in early 2023, she figured the Recording Academy had already moved on. But then her name appeared on the screen. “I just started crying and screaming,” says Raye, who was also nominated for Best Songwriter of the Year (Non-Classical). “My day completely transformed. It was the craziest feeling ever.” At 27, Raye is no stranger to accolades. Last year, she swept the Brit Awards with six wins, including Best Album, breaking Adele’s record for the most trophies in a single night. Yet the Grammys hold a special place in her heart. Growing up in South London, she dreamed of one day holding that iconic gold-plated gramophone. “As soon as you’re old enough to imagine it, you dream of having your name etched on one of those awards,” Raye says. “I wondered, ‘Will I ever create something impactful enough to be recognized at the most prestigious music awards?’ It means everything.” In the Best New Artist category, Raye faces tough competition from Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter, Shaboozey, Benson Boone, Khruangbin, Doechii, and Teddy Swims. Here’s more about her journey: Born Rachel Keen, Raye grew up singing in church with her English father and Ghanaian-Swiss mother. At 17, she signed with Polydor Records, releasing six EPs and writing hits for Beyoncé, Charli XCX, and Ellie Goulding. However, in 2021, she revealed on social media that her debut album was being delayed because her single “Call On Me” hadn’t met performance expectations. Shortly after, she parted ways with Polydor and became an independent artist. Reflecting on her experience, Raye now speaks openly about the challenges of signing with a major label as a young, inexperienced artist. “You have no leverage in those early contracts, which can be devastating later,” she says. “The label takes 85%, and you get 15%—which sounds good until you realize every penny they spend on you comes out of your share first. You’re not seeing money from sales until they recoup everything.” Touring and merchandising brought additional deductions. “You only start to grasp it years in, wondering, ‘Why am I not earning anything from these songs?’ It’s overwhelming.” R aye’s music is a genre-defying tapestry, pulling from pop, hip-hop, R&B, and gospel. Her viral hit “Escapism” blends silky pop with gritty hip-hop, while tracks like “Genesis” explore big-band jazz and gospel influences. Collaborations with Disclosure (“Waterfall”) and Rudimental (“Regardless”) showcase her versatility, as does her EDM hit “Prada,” which has racked up over 800 million streams on Spotify. “I love pushing boundaries,” she says. “For years, I was told my eclecticism was a weakness—that I didn’t know who I was and needed to pick a genre. As a woman of mixed heritage, that fueled my identity crisis. Now, I’m embracing it.” Raye’s deeply personal lyrics resonate with fans worldwide. From addressing sexual violence in “Ice Cream Man” to grappling with body image issues in “Body Dysmorphia,” her songs are raw and confessional. “The truth isn’t always pretty,” she admits. “But performing these songs and connecting with listeners who understand that pain is incredibly powerful. Sometimes I question why I’ve shared so much, but when someone tells me my music has helped them, it’s worth it.” With her world tour for My 21st Century Blues behind her, Raye is in the early stages of writing her second album. She’s also exploring acting, recently filming a small role in an undisclosed project. But for now, she’s excited about the Grammy ceremony on February 2. “I’m rooting for Doechii—she’s an incredible artist,” Raye says. “Of course, I’m cheering for myself too, but I’m proud to see so many talented women in the nominations. It’s amazing to witness all these incredible artists making authentic, meaningful work. It’s an honor just to be part of it.”