Back in the late ’90s and early 2000s, female pop stars were often served up as carbon copies in lip gloss and low-rise jeans—so much so that it was easy to blur the lines between a Christina, a Britney, or a Mandy. But today, music’s leading ladies aren’t just reshaping the sound of the charts—they’re rewriting beauty culture while they’re at it. Think Chappell Roan’s camp maximalism, Charli XCX’s indie-sleaze, and Raye's effortless mix of nostalgia. Each one brings a distinct aesthetic of unapologetic individuality, and together, they’ve given us a full spectrum of looks to obsess over. It’s more than music—it’s rewriting the rulebook. And we're here for it.

Raye

“Raye’s look is all about natural femininity, with a playful nod to '40s Italian glamour,” says her make-up artist, Lan Nguyen-Grealis. What makes Raye's look stand out is the balance between embracing her natural features and enhancing them in clever, creative ways. Nguyen-Grealis often mixes matte and shine for contrast, keeps her base fresh and flawless, and plays with soft nude washes or ombré lips for subtle drama. Flushed cheeks, well-placed highlight, and thoughtful contouring add dimension, but nothing feels heavy. “The details shift from day to day—one moment it’s fluffy brows, the next a sharper, more graphic liner, paired with lashes that swing from barely-there to full-on glamour.” The constant? Raye’s make-up always feels effortless and modern, even when it’s referencing vintage glamour.

Shop Raye's look

Chappell Roan

Chappell Roan’s make-up is a glorious clash of references—drag-inspired drama meets Pre-Raphaelite dreaminess, sharpened with club-kid defiance. She also plays with colour clashes—turquoise eyes, fuchsia cheeks, oxblood lips—leaning into combinations that shouldn’t work, but somehow do. “She’s not afraid to go bold and maximalist,” her tour make-up artist, Ali Scharf, told Dazed. “Some days she channels traditional glamour, other times she’ll lean into something weird, scary, or unexpected.” That same fearlessness extends to the way Chappell toys with the so-called ‘ugly beauty’ trend. Scharf points out that it’s this refusal to play it safe—the willingness to embrace offbeat, even unsettling choices—that keeps her beauty feeling vulnerable and, ultimately, very human.

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Sabrina Carpenter

Sabrina Carpenter’s signature beauty look has become instantly recognisable: a kittenish eye framed with feathery lashes and lips with just the right hint of pout. Add in softly diffused doll-like blush—now her calling card—and a wash of shimmery Y2K-inspired shadow, and you’ve got a modern pin-up that feels both nostalgic and fresh. Make-up artist Carolina Gonzalez, who has crafted many of Carpenter’s beauty moments, has described her aesthetic as “watercoloured, sensual, feminine, and universally flattering,” a romantic mix of creamy textures and a skin-like glow that falls somewhere between Old Hollywood starlet and internet-era cutie. No wonder TikTok can’t stop re-creating it.

Shop Sabrina's look

Charli XCX

Charli XCX has built an entire beauty identity around not playing by the rules. She birthed the now-iconic ‘Brat’ look, neon green at its core—a colour more rave floor than red carpet, which is exactly the point. “She’s always been a cool girl with a zero-f*cks attitude,” says her make-up artist Kali Kennedy. Lately, though, her aesthetic has matured: gothic drama courtesy of Valentino Beauty at the Grammys, and refined brows with just a nod to a smoky bronze eye at the Met Gala hint at a new phase of unruly glamour. And perhaps the boldest element of all? Charli refuses to conceal her under-eyes. “I kind of like the eye bag look; I love it,” Charli reportedly said—obviously a proud advocate for the ‘hot hungover’ trend. “It’s just nice to look a bit tired, like you just woke up and had the best night ever.”

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Doja Cat

Doja Cat isn’t just known for her sharp lyrics—her beauty choices are equally fearless. She’s gone through an E-girl phase, embraced an alien-inspired aesthetic, shaved her hair and brows, and even sat front row encased in ruby-red Swarovski crystals, a Pat McGrath look that broke the internet. At Beyoncé’s party, she transformed her face into a living optical illusion with a perfectly placed swirling line. While those looks aren’t exactly day-to-day, her latest beauty statement is effortlessly wearable: an iconic red lipstick. Bright, unapologetic, and channelling Hollywood’s femme fatales, MAC’s Lady Danger has become Doja’s signature power move. As Dominic Skinner, MAC’s director of artistry, puts it: “It was showing the world her confidence, her strength and her passion in a single colour.”

Shop Doja's look

The 97th annual Academy Awards red carpet didn't disappoint. From the Brit Awards last night to last week's SAG Awards, it's safe to say that celebrities have been building up to an incredible Oscars red carpet—and they definitely delivered.

Hollywood brought plenty of drama: Ariana Grande's Schiaparelli gravity-defying gown to Mikey Madison's pretty-in-pink, two-toned Christian Dior gown, which resembled a similar dress worn by Gwyneth Paltrow.

We've rounded up the biggest trends of the evening that will set the tone for occasion wear inspiration for 2025 and beyond.

Sheer pink

From Monica Barbaro to Mikey Madison and Rachel Sennott, soft and shimmering hues of pink were a recurring theme on the red carpet. Including A-line skirts and column silhouettes, all three actresses paired their looks with glittering motif jewellery and embellishments.

Back to Black

A black dress is a classic wardrobe staple that can solve any wardrobe woes, whether you're looking for a chic evening look or a quick, casual office get-up. For the 2025 Oscars red carpet, Scarlett Johansson, Margaret Qualley, and Miley Cyrus opted for elevated black dresses in shimmering velvet fabrics paired with shimmering jewellery and gloves.

Structured Silhouettes

Noted as one of Spring/Summer's 2025's biggest trends, structured silhouettes made a high-impact red carpet appearance at the Oscars. From Ariana Grande's classic champagne-toned Schiaparelli gown to Yasmin Finney's Harris Reed gown, and lest we forget Cynthia Erivo's custom Louis Vuitton.

Metallic Fabrics

After the Brit Awards' significant amount of transparent dresses, the Oscars went the opposite direction by opting for metallic hues in both sequinned and duchess satin. Key purveyors of the look included Demi Moore and Felicity Jones in Armani Privé and Halle Berry in Christian Siriano.

Pops of Colour

Of course, it wouldn't be an award ceremony without classic pops of colour. For the 97th annual Oscars, the A-list opted for different shades of red and pops of blue to bring in some extra drama from Stormi Reid in Alexander Vauthier Haute Couture, Michelle Yeoh, and Raye in Vivienne Westwood.

Today, Raye is a bonafide pop star with a record-breaking number of wins at this year’s Brit Awards and a headline slot at next year’s All Points East festival, but it wasn’t always this way. Back in 2021, she was frantically worried her dreams might never be realised and frustrated by her label’s refusal to release her debut album. She took to Twitter to tell her fans all this: “I’m done,” she said, “being a polite pop star.” The post went viral and she was released from her contract, but it wouldn’t be the last time Raye would take the industry to task.

2022 brought the devastating single Ice Cream Man, which left everyone in the studio in tears, Clara Amfo told me. The track opens with: “So, this producer hit me up on the DM…” before unfurling into a vocalisation of Raye’s experience of sexual assault at ages “seven, just 21, was 17, was 11.”

Again, Raye went viral and what followed (along with those six Brit Awards), was her first-ever Grammy nomination for Songwriter of the Year, singing with Taylor Swift, and a world tour. She’s on her way to Mexico—the last show of that world tour—when we speak over Zoom. “I’ve been moving 100 miles an hour and just all these crazy things keep happening,” says Raye, seemingly bemused by the whole thing.

She’s in the back of a cab weaving through London with her best friend. Her trademark Hollywood bob is styled with Y2K-style glasses and sweats—in other words, she’s the epitome of an off-duty celebrity. This is pretty much the air she gives off as we natter and she compliments me on my colour-coordinated bookshelf and politely corrects me when I refer to her headline slot at All Points East as a homecoming tour.

She’s also quick to tell anyone that she’s from South of the river, Tooting, to be precise, where she grew up as the oldest of four girls, which—as a fellow eldest daughter—is what I want to speak to her about. She’s just starred in Nintendo’s latest TV ad with her sisters, Abby, Lauren, and Katelyn. Here, big sister Rachel ‘Raye’ Keen shares everything about sisterhood and why she’s “worried for our little girls becoming women”.

What was it like growing up with three younger sisters?

It was beautiful. I’m the oldest sister, so I'm super protective with my girls. I love them, but also, you know, all the typical stuff: ‘You took my hairbrush’.

Being a sister is kind of your first taste of human interaction. Those growing moments with my sisters probably define a lot of how my personality is and how I am. I’m definitely a girl’s girl because of it.

Do you think that being an older sister plays a part in why you stand up and speak out for women?

Probably. When you’re the oldest, if anyone upsets your sister or there’s something mean going on in school, you’re like, ‘Right! Who said it? I'm gonna go and talk to them.’ It’s that kind of protective instinct that you just have as an older sister.

What does sisterhood mean to you?

You can have your blood God-given sisters and you can also have a family of women that you get to choose to have in your life. I think sisterhood is that raw and pure love that you choose to share with other women, be it your family or your chosen family.

If I call someone my sister—whether they are my actual sister or they’re my ‘sister’—it's coming from a really deep, true, passionate place of real love and saying, ‘You know, I’m gonna look out for you in this life. You're gonna look out for me and we’re gonna make memories together and we’ll take care of each other.’

What do you think of the state of girls’ rights today?

We’re in a new time, and there’s an exponential amount of pressure on keeping up appearances. I think social media is such a huge part of everyone’s life now and that’s having a lot of negative impacts. A lot of us are exposed to an unhealthy amount of judgement and an un-normal amount of putting our lives out there.

All these screens and the dopamine rush that you get from sharing things online and getting a like—it’s something I struggle with a lot being an artist. Human beings aren’t meant to be seeing this much information every day about what other people are up to, how good they look or how nice their makeup looks. I’m worried for our little girls becoming women.

How do you think your music fits into women’s lives and speaks to the reality of women and girls today?

With some of the traumas that I faced, my personal medicine is to put it into music because it’s the only way I really know how to make something. Music makes the ugly, heavy, horrible burden feel a little bit more beautiful than it did in my head or a little less ugly.

In some of those songs, I didn't even think about putting them out, it was just the urgency to create that music. My song Ice Cream Man is a really heavy sad song, but when I see the eyes of women who really get it and understand or relate to that song I think what a powerful thing music is, being able to provide—even for a moment—a chance to just release or feel something or acknowledge it. It’s a really powerful and heavy thing.

I’m a lot better at singing that song than I used to be—I used to cry every time I sang it, but it’s a beautiful thing being able to create. I know I’m not the only woman who needed that song.

Given your experiences in the industry, how do you feel about your sisters following in your footsteps?

The time when you’re most vulnerable is when you’re a little girl with a dream. I think people in this industry see that vulnerability and—in the worst-case scenario—exploit that.

It’s a really sad thing because when you’re a little girl, a lot of us—or hopefully, most of us— grow up trusting everyone. But you worry about the girls who are in that position, especially that stage where you have a passionate dream and you want to go after it.

It’s really difficult to speak in depth on this subject because I was that little girl and I had a really awful time sometimes.

I think it’s that navigation of trying to make sure you have people around you that have your back and you’re not isolating yourself, or if your gut instinct is saying something doesn’t feel right—even if it’s just a feeling and nothing’s happened—you’re encouraged to just get out.

It's about trying to help the people around you. It shouldn’t be like that, being a woman in any industry is going to be a journey. It’s really tough.

Have you sat down with your sisters and spoken to them about the reality of the music industry?

Oh, yeah, definitely. The two below me also work in music, so it’s a constant stream of advice or just awareness: keeping safe, staying safe.

My girls know that I’m one phone call away. If anything is wrong or hits the fan, trust me, no one’s messing with my sisters.

How do you think your music contributes to the conversation of women’s empowerment—do you see it as a form of activism?

Yes and no. Yes because I think that’s essentially what a lot of the music I create is, but I’m not in the room thinking ‘Right, I’m going to make a women’s anthem.’ The lyrics that I love to write and choose to write are ones that empower me as a woman.

The hope is that you go and share that and other people get to feel medicine in your music or feel empowered and elevated or stronger and tougher.

You've spoken a lot about how you escaped in the past, but how do you escape now?

A really healthy form of escapism I’ve found is going to play a game. When I’m playing a game, it allows me to not think about anything else because I’m extremely competitive. It’s the only time that I’m not a nice person. Other than that, I’m actually a really nice person.

What is your hope for your sisters and, more broadly, young girls in general?

My hope for my sisters is they find joy in this life and good people to spend it with so that they’re able to heal and forgive. Forgiveness is quite a big thing in our family and thank goodness, too, because I don’t know how I would process a lot of life—especially working in music—without the ability to let things go. I hope they find good, loving people as well to share their lives with.

And hopefully, one day we’ll all get married and go to each other’s weddings, and then that’ll be really cute, and I'll just be sobbing my eyes out.

Then for all women, I just hope the girls are gonna be all right, you know?

It’s a cliche to describe someone’s energy as “infectious”, but in Clara Amfo’s case, it’s accurate, which was a relief to me, as I was knackered the day Clara and I caught up on the fly. We’d both been partying at Notting Hill Carnival and I was kicking myself for not being better prepared, something Clara could never be accused of; “I hate coming into a situation not knowing anything—if I'm given a TV show to watch, I'll watch the series.” she says. I take note.

Clara Amfo is charismatic. It sounds obvious, but I think it bears repeating and I also suspect it’s why OVO tapped her and her mate Jessie Ware to show off the benefits of their loyalty programme, OVO Beyond, which rewards customers—like a spot at an intimate Jessie Ware gig—for making greener choices. I’m not an OVO customer, and like Clara, I can’t drive (a source of shame for me until I met Clara, who of course, had a positive spin on it), but I did manage to wangle a space at the Jessie Ware gig; a sublime experience which granted me access to both musical stalwarts in their element. It also gave me the distinct impression that Clara would find her element anywhere, that in any room, she’ll find her people. “I love doing stuff with friends, but there is something special about enjoying a moment with a bunch of strangers that you’re never gonna see again,” she later confirms.

When it came to editing our conversation for brevity, I read all of Clara’s answers in her voice—not just because I’ve grown up listening to her on Kiss FM, Live Lounge, and the BRIT Awards—but because she was so effusive when we spoke, our interview left an audio imprint in my memory. It might’ve made me a better interviewer, too, not least because I now have Clara’s fail-safe question in my back pocket. “I always like to ask somebody—sincerely— ‘How are you at this moment?’ Because I think it makes people ask that question a bit more honestly,” she explains. So, without further ado, I decided to find out how Clara Amfo really is…

Clara, how are you in this moment?

Well, thank you for asking me. So, in this moment I am delightfully overwhelmed. That’s how I would describe it—I am delightfully overwhelmed. It's always a Catch-22, isn't it? I love being busy even when I’m just revelling in the chaos.

Could you pick one particular song or artist that has really deeply resonated with you?

I’ve been so spoiled. I’ll catch little things on TV or I’ll be listening on Spotify, and I’m like, “Clara, you spent intimate time with that person and you’ve seen this thing live right in front of your face—not everyone gets to do that.”

When Raye debuted Ice Cream Man, sort of live on my radio show it was really, really powerful. We all had a little cry afterwards ‘cos it’s a really intimate and painful song that she’d written about the sexual assaults she’d experienced at all ages of her life. It’s a topic that I think resonates deeply with a lot of people. I remember thinking, ‘That really, really hit me’.

How have your music tastes developed and been shaped by the different cultures that you’ve been exposed to?

I’ve never been a person who said, “I don’t like this genre of music”. I don't believe in speaking in absolutes about genres of music because I truly believe you can find at least one song you like within a genre of music, even if you don’t like most of it. I have pretty eclectic taste, and I attribute a lot of that to my older brothers. I can’t imagine being one of those people who only listen to one type of music—that's sad for me. You're selling yourself short of some really great experiences.

What role do you think music plays in addressing social and cultural issues?

I’m going to paraphrase her terribly, so I hope she doesn’t roll in her grave too much, but Nina Simone says it’s an artist’s duty to reflect the times—or something to that effect—and I believe that. I’m not saying every artist has to be an activist, and not every artist wants to be an activist—and that’s OK—but I do think there is a responsibility with having a platform.

I’ve seen, within my lifetime, the power of music to bring people together; to influence culture, to influence people to essentially, do the right thing. I don’t think we’ve ever existed where that hasn’t been a thing; if you think about some of the most famous songs in pop culture, a lot of them are protest songs.

What’s your favourite way to experience culture?

I love a trip to a gallery, ideally on my own or with one friend—never more than groups of two. I love the cinema—open-air cinemas where possible—I think it’s a really fun communal experience, even though people can be annoying cos I swear, I’m always sat by the people that get up 50,000 times or eat the loudest.

How do you think your upbringing influenced your approach to storytelling and interviews?

Ghanaians love to tell a story. Ghanaian folklore is really big in the culture and it’s funny seeing it infiltrate mainstream culture. Ghanaians love the goss, just via intonation of voice, you know something juicy is going on.

I think my upbringing definitely influences how I tell stories. My dad in particular was really well travelled and well read. And I think he had an influence on me and my curiosity—he was a very curious person about people, and I think I 100% inherited that.

Where is on your bucket list?

Egypt, Egypt, Egypt. I need to see the pyramids. I wanna see them for myself and feel insignificant and amazed. Could that even be recreated in 2024? Did the Egyptians have links to aliens?

I would love to go to Zimbabwe or Tanzania. I really wanna go to Singapore as well. Yeah, so much. I wanna go back to Brazil, I love Brazil.

How do you immerse yourself in the local culture when you travel to a new destination?

Food and galleries. I always wanna go to the best auntie spot in any area, and I wanna check out the local art gallery because that will always tell you everything you need to know about an area. I love going to gigs in other countries, that is truly one of my favourite things to do. It’s always interesting observing how different cultures react to global artists.

You worked with your mate Jessie Ware on OVO’s campaign to encourage people to be greener—how do you think music can inspire people to live more sustainably?

I think music can inspire people to be greener. We’re not trying to be sanctimonious out here, but small steps make big leaps. Everyone is trying to do their best, and there are some things people can’t avoid doing that aren’t the most green, so I think it’s about having an awareness; whether that’s switching your light bulbs or having a smart metre.

Are you spontaneous or an itinerary planner?

I’m a bit of both, but I lean more towards the spontaneous. I always like to go somewhere where I can be as lazy as I like, but I can also be as busy as I like.

Are there any experiences you’ve had while travelling that have changed your perspective on a culture or a social issue?

As a West African person, it’s something I’ve always known, but I think I would always encourage people to not believe—or to not buy into—the perspective of a continent. One of my biggest pet peeves is people who describe Africa as a country, not a continent; there are lots of different countries in there.

I think through things that we’ve seen, even though the intentions can be good—like via certain charity things—people have got a very limited view of what the continent of Africa has to offer.

I think you’ve got to see stuff for yourself. I can’t stand when people visit somewhere that’s maybe not doing as well economically as where they’re from and they’re like “Oh my God, do you know they have so little?” Shut up! People are just living. I think we can all learn to be a little bit less patronising of other people’s countries.

What trends or movements are you most excited about right now?

Body neutrality—I don’t know if I would even call it that—I’m just very much at a point where when it comes to your body, do what you feel, babe.

It seems like every other day we're pledging 'something' girl summer, but pleasingly, this is one trend that has legs, or, spots, to be more precise. Enter: Polka Dot Girl Summer, and the fashion set are going, well, dotty for it.

There are few more iconic than the classic polka dot. Yes, the graphic spots may drift in and out of our wardrobes over the years however I’ll argue the polka dot trend is never far from fashion favour, and even in its down time, it’s always only a few seasons before we’re all going dotty for it once again.

Right now, the polka dot trend is most definitely on the up and I couldn’t be happier. While the bold print is usually reserved for more autumnal or transeasonal dressing, it’s currently having a summer resurgence with a whole host of stylish women incorporating the print into their warm weather wardrobe.

Ever a fan of a classic style, Raye recently stepped out in a spotted gown by Reformation for the Rock Werchter Festival. Spun from silk with a matching scarf, the style is remarkably, still on sale.

So, why is polka dot print so how right now? One thing all these looks have in common, is rather than oversized 1950’s inspired dots, they’ve all opted for a smaller polka dot pattern which gives their outfits a touch of whimsy perfect for warm, sunny days.

There’s also the common addition of frills and lace detailing, which moves the print away from its more formal roots and instead gives it a sense of playfulness. The result? Summer looks that feel fun yet elevated and will work for everyone from the fashion minimalist who likes to keep things classic as well as those who like to push the fashion boundaries.

If you’re ready to pop on some polka dot pieces yourself, I’ve compiled an edit of the best dotty styles online right now. From summer dresses and co-ords to spotty accessories, nothing is safe from the polka-dot this season so now is the perfect time to embrace the look. Keep scrolling to see for yourself...

Shop the polka dot trend

With award season in full swing, celebrities are gathering on both sides of the pond. The A-listers have been busy in LA at the Critics Choice Awards and Golden Globes, and the biggest names in music were honoured at the GRAMMYs. Here in the UK, the BAFTAs were a night to remember, and this weekend we'll be tuning in for the iconic BRIT Awards. 

This year, singer-songwriter Raye has absolutely dominated the shortlists with no less than seven nominations - making her the most nominated artist in a single year ever. She received nominations for British Album of the Year, British Artist of the Year, New Artist, Song of the Year (twice), Pop Act and R&B Act. Previously, the most nominations in a single year was 6 - a record jointly held by Craig David, Gorillaz and Robbie Williams. 

Raye said that she was 'floored' by the outpouring of support, saying via Guardian: "I am currently a mess of overwhelming emotions and confusion as to how this even happened to be honest."

Ahead of the show on Saturday, she has also been awarded an early BRIT Award for Songwriter of the Year. The award was announced before the live ceremony and Raye was selected by a panel of judges. In response to the win, she said: "I am so so honoured and blown away, honestly to be given this prestigious award for Songwriter of the Year, it is my very first Brit award and I will treasure this trophy very much. I am so grateful to be recognised as a songwriter as this is a craft I am so passionate about and have been since I started my journey as a musician, and I’m very grateful to those who voted for me to have this award."

In the past, the award show has been criticised for its lack of female nominees, and while gendered categories were scrapped in 2022 to address the balance, it actually left the shortlists male-dominant. This year, the BRIT Awards organisers have increased the nominations in the Best Artist category from five to ten to ensure fair representation. 

Want to know who else is in the running for a BRIT Award this year? Take a look at the list in full:

British Album of the Year

• Blur – The Ballad of Darren
• J Hus – Beautiful and Brutal Yard
• Little Simz – No Thank You
• Raye – My 21st Century Blues
• Young Fathers – Heavy Heavy

British Artist of the Year

• Arlo Parks
• Central Cee
• Dave
• Dua Lipa
• Fred Again
• J Hus
• Jessie Ware
• Little Simz
• Olivia Dean
• Raye

British Group

• Blur
• Chase and Status
• Headie One & K-Trap
• Jungle
• Young Fathers

New Artist

• Mahalia
• Olivia Dean
• PinkPantheress
• Raye
• Yussef Dayes

Song of the Year

• Calvin Harris and Ellie Goulding – Miracle
• Cassö, Raye and D-Block Europe – Prada
• Central Cee – Let Go
• Central Cee and Dave – Sprinter
• Dua Lipa – Dance the Night
• Ed Sheeran – Eyes Closed
• J Hus – Who Told You
• Kenya Grace – Strangers
• Lewis Capaldi – Wish You the Best
• PinkPantheress – Boy’s a Liar
• Raye – Escapism
• Rudimental, Charlotte Plank and Vibe Chemistry – Dancing Is Healing
• Stormzy and Debbie – Firebabe
• Switch Disco and Ella Henderson – React
• Venbee and Goddard – Messy in Heaven

International Artist

• Asake
• Burna Boy
• Caroline Polachek
• CMAT
• Kylie Minogue
• Lana Del Rey
• Miley Cyrus
• Olivia Rodrigo
• SZA
• Taylor Swift

International Group

• Blink-182
• Boygenius
• Foo Fighters
• Gabriels
• Paramore

International Song

• Billie Eilish – What Was I Made For
• David Kushner – Daylight
• Doja Cat – Paint the Town Red
• Jazzy – Giving Me
• Libianca – People
• Meghan Trainor – Made You Look
• Miley Cyrus – Flowers
• Noah Kahan – Stick Season
• Robin Schulz and Oliver Tree – Miss You
• Olivia Rodrigo – Vampire
• Peggy Gou – (It Goes Like) Nanana
• Rema – Calm Down
• SZA – Kill Bill
• Tate McRae – Greedy
• Tyla – Water

Rock/Alternative Act

• Blur
• Bring Me the Horizon
• The Rolling Stones
• Young Fathers
• Yussef Dayes

Hip-hop/grime/rap act

• Casisdead
• Central Cee
• Dave
• J Hus
• Little Simz

Dance Act

• Barry Can’t Swim
• Becky Hill
• Calvin Harris
• Fred Again
• Romy

Pop Act

• Calvin Harris
• Charli XCX
• Dua Lipa
• Olivia Dean
• Raye

R&B Act

• Cleo Sol
• Jorja Smith
• Mahalia
• Raye
• Sault

She’s written songs for some of the biggest artists in the business, but now it’s Raye’s turn in the spotlight...

With two massive hit singles under her belt (Secrets and Tequila with Jax Jones and Martin Solveig) singer-songwriter Raye (real name Rachel Agatha Keen) has amassed over 1 billion streams of her music, as well as writing for artists like Beyoncé, John Legend, Little Mix and Ellie Goulding, to name but a handful. Her latest single, Natalie Don’t, is part of an upcoming seven-track music project, expected later this summer. Here, she fills us in on the inspiration behind it…

Your new music was inspired by the seven stages of grief. Can you tell us about it?

Over the last two years I had my first taste of real heartbreak and losing someone you love, so I was writing and picking out songs that really pinpointed these different stages. I’m very dramatic - I'm a Scorpio and feel love very intensely. I was on tour with Khalid when I was in stage one. And even though I had been apart from this person for a while, it hit me really hard. I would come off stage crying and I posted stories with tears in my eyes, like ‘I'm so heartbroken’! I was losing my mind but I ended up writing Love Me Again. And gradually, as I've been healing and understanding the different stages, I completed the seven stages with my final song. Now, I’m ready to wrap it up and put it into a project so people can understand how I’ve handled the loss of love.

What an amazing way to deal with heartache, to create. It must feel cathartic?

For sure. I feel so blessed I can put my heartache and negative energy into creating something beautiful. It’s saved me - without that, I don't know what I would have turned to to find my comfort.

Natalie Don’t is inspired by Dolly Parton. Was she an influence growing up?

I think Dolly Parton is one of the best songwriters of of all time. And the song Jolene, I remember hearing it as a little girl and being very moved – as I think every human being is. There's something about the energy of that song that I experienced myself and I wanted to translate it in my own way. But because I was aware that Jolene has been executed in the most incredible way, I wanted to make sure I mentioned the song in my song so people weren’t like, ‘Oh, Raye's stealing it’. I wanted people to know I’ve heard Jolene and this is my modern-day Jolene.

Dolly famously plays a lot of instruments. Do you?

I play the piano and a little bit of guitar. I used to play the cello and the flute. I'm a proper muso. And now I'm officially an engineer because over lockdown I bought all these different compressors and microphones. So now I can go into the studio, record my own vocals and hand it in. It's really great these skills I’m learning.

As a female artist, does the ability to create and put out your own music without needing help feel empowering?

100%. I just got an email from my teacher at Brit school who wanted me to come and speak to the kids. I remember being in school like, ‘One day, I want to do well enough that I'm invited back’. And I was thinking, what would I tell them? Well, I’d say, you need to be independent, especially as a woman. Because coming up in the industry and walking into these rooms, if you don't understand what's going on, you become dispensable. Being able to create - with or without a man in the room - is so important. Learning how to use software, how to use equipment, knowing what microphone you need to use. It’s all really important.

You’ve spoken about equality within the industry and predatory producers. Is that something you've experienced personally?

I’ve experienced it more times than I can count, in many different shapes and forms. From commenting on what I'm wearing to ‘Oh Raye, can you come to this room? Let’s talk for a bit’ then…bang. Even when I go to the studio, I feel I can’t dress how I want to dress. I have to put a big T-shirt and trackies on, you know? I'm not saying every male producer is like that because that's not the case. There are so many incredible lovely producers I feel completely safe around, but there are also a lot I don't feel comfortable around. It's really sad that I now make sure I bring a friend with me so that I'm protected and not vulnerable, because you just never know what can happen. These little things have happened so many times, not just to me but a lot of female artists.

That's shocking.

Yeah, especially when I'm quite loud and confident. I’ll speak up if I feel something's wrong or I feel uncomfortable and say ‘I don't feel well, I’m leaving’. But I know artists who aren’t confident can be so easily manipulated with, ‘If you do this for me then I'll help your career’. It’s nuts to be honest. But I think since the #MeToo movement things are starting to improve because men realise if you fuck up now, you’re going to get caught.

Who else inspired you growing up?

Jill Scott really inspired me growing up. I fell in love with her album Who Is Jill Scott, it’s one of my favourites. Nina Simone was another very big one. Her tone of voice is unmatched and she really took a risk, speaking out to the black community at a time when everyone around her - including her manager - was like, ‘Don't do it’. She was like, ‘I'm gonna play these hard-to-listen-to songs about what's happening to my black people in front of a white audience and you're going to listen to it!’. I was so moved by that bravery. I listened to a lot of gospel music as well.

You've written for some huge artists. Who would you like to write for next?

Alicia Keys was another of my favourites growing up - The Diary of Alicia Keys was my first album purchase. I went to ASDA in Mitcham with my dad and bought it. I'd would absolutely love to be on the piano and write something with Alicia. I’d love to work with Gnarls Barkley too, I'm so inspired by his song Crazy. It’s of my favourite songs of all time, it’s timeless. His production style and writing, it’s amazing.

How was writing for Beyoncé?

Beyoncé’s B’ Day was my second album purchase. So it’s like, life coming back at you full-swing, it’s insane. Her team heard music I’d been making in Ghana with a producer called Guilty Beatz who is one of the most talented Afrobeat producers, period. They got hold of some of the songs and asked me to be part of the process for The Lion King. I ended up on the red carpet, with her [Beyoncé] being like, ‘We’re making Bigger track one on the album and we shot a video for it, I can’t wait for you to see it, thank you so much - I think you’re an incredible artist’. Having that from your idol is nuts.

How did that feel?

It’s really affirming because I've been hustling for a long time. I signed my deal when I was 17. I'm 22 now and I still haven't released an album. I'm still working to breakthrough. I've had success, but I still haven't broken through the roof yet. So hearing that from your idol, like, ‘You’re doing the right thing, you are good at what you do’….

Did you feel the pressure writing for her?

Yeah. Luckily I work really well under pressure. For me, when the pressure is on, I just flip into this new gear and become this machine like ‘right, this is my mission’. I wrote maybe 30 songs for that project. There’s so much behind the scenes and people don’t realise how much goes into getting that. I worked hard for that.

How do you write? Do you keep voice notes in your phone if a phrase or a melody comes to you?

Yeah, for sure. If I have ideas I’ll jot something down on my phone or record a voice note. For me, there's no real set way. It's just a gut instinct you develop. When you do something loads, you get better at it. If you’re a terrible runner but you run every day you can do a marathon. When I started writing songs, I really worked hard at my songwriting craft to the point I understand the Swedish perspective. In Sweden, Max Martin and his camp are famous for the mathematics of music, the repetition, the synergy...It’s a combination of different styles of writing and creating, then you apply it. It means I can be writing songs with John Legend on piano, then pop songs for Little Mix, then really heartfelt mellow ballads for Beyoncé. It’s probably the ability I'm most confident of in life.

Do you think there's a misconception that songwriters are just naturally talented and don’t have to work at it?

A thousand percent. I saw this video of Rosalia on a talent show years ago and I listened to her sing, and I was like, ‘Wait, that's not the same Rosalia’. My girl went away and trained and worked at her song-writing, her voice, her art, her perspective. People think you just wake up and you’re talented overnight. No way does it work like that. She became the artist she is today because she put the hard work in. It’s really inspiring.

How do you cope with fame?

Because it’s been a long process it's kind of normal now. It's not intense, it’s never been like I can't sit down at restaurants. More often than not I've gone places and people are too scared to say hi and DM me. It's really cute. I'm a really friendly person, I love people and I love talking - I wish they’d say hi.

And social media?

Social media is probably my least favourite part of being an artist. It's weirdly addictive and mentally dangerous at its worst. I think everyone can relate to this, but if you post something, if it does really well, you feel really good. And if it doesn’t, you feel sad. I make sure I delete my apps on a regular basis. I'll let my sister sometimes have it on her phone, so I don't have to look at it. I’ve definitely been reducing my social media intake and I think it's important for everyone to make sure that you don't dwell on it because otherwise you start to lose your mind. People forget Instagram is a highlights reel.

What’s next?

I have a bucket list. Number one is I want a Brit award. It's been a dream ever since I was a little girl. Last year I was on the sofa, watching the Brits, crying my eyes out, like, ‘One day I will be on that stage, I know it!’. Even if I'm 45 years old when I finally hit my moment, I’m not stopping. I want to go skydiving, to visit every continent, to try different types of foods, to travel. I want to sell out the O2 Arena two nights in a row. I’ve got big dreams!

How would you like to be remembered?

I know when people see me they see a pop artist, a singer, whatever. But when I earn my platform I really want to address important things. I want to be known as that artist who said things that were uncomfortable and people weren't ready to hear, but it made a difference.

RAYE's new single 'Natalie Don't' is out now and her EP follows later this summer