Raye Opens Up About Her Tough Decisions on Career Choice: “I Just Had No Fear of the Worst Case Scenario Anymore”
Wanjiru Waweru, Jadetimes Contributor
W. Waweru is a Jadetimes News Reporter Covering Entertainment News
RAYE is reflecting on the darkest days in her music career.
In the latest cover story interview for the 2026 TIME100 Next Issue, the WHERE IS MY HUSBAND! Singer-songwriter (Real Name – Rachel Agatha Keen) is looking at creating a public plea to part ways with her former record label.
The 28-year-old Grammy-Nominated artist signed a four-album deal with Polydor Records in 2014 while spending years struggling to publish her debut album.
In June 2021, RAYE poured her emotions on Social Media: “I’ve done everything they asked me, I switched genres, I worked 7 days a week, ask anyone in the music game, they know. I’m done being a polite pop star. I want to make my album now, please that is all I want.”
At the time, a Representative from Polydor Records on BBC reported that RAYE’s posts upset them and they contacted her management team to “to discuss and offer our full support.” In July 2021, RAYE and Polydor Records called it Quits for good.
RAYE spoke out about this issue in TIME magazine.
“The catalyst came when I just had no fear of the worst case scenario anymore, said RAYE. “Genuinely, I had zero expectations,” she added. “It was spur of the moment and impulsive, and I was very, very, very emotional and very hurt, and in a lot of pain.”
After parting ways with Polydor Records, RAYE signed an Independent Record Label, Human Re Sources, in June 2022. Her Parents, Sarah and Paul Keen are managing her career. Her debut album – My 21st Century Blues, was released in February 2023.
The International Pop Star expressed that her first album was based on her struggles both her professional and personal life including career setbacks, body dysmorphia, substance abuse, and relationships.
“A lot of my first album was very cathartic,” said RAYE. “We touched on some heavy stuff. We were able to create a space of emotion and reckoning.”
March 2026, RAYE released her Sophomore Album, This Music May Contain Hope, and promoted her tour entitled This Tour May Contain New Music.
RAYE is in her charge of her music career, and she is willing to take control.
“A massive part of that has come from just removing any external opinions,” said RAYE. “It’s important to have people who can give you a great perspective, but you don’t need too many cooks in the kitchen. Being able to clear that noise out allowed me to give myself permission to just do what feels right.”
Read Raye: Time100 Next 2026 on TIME Magazine
Watch CBS Sunday Morning - Extended Interview: RAYE on YouTube
About Wanjiru Waweru
Wanjiru Waweru is a Jadetimes Contributor. You can email Wanjiru at sellmypaperwork@gmail.com.
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