RAYE interview: 'If I could cast any spell, I’d create more equality in the music industry'

Rachel Keen, better known as RAYE, is beaming, and who can blame her?

The 21-year-old singer-songwriter has knocked out a succession of chart smashes, from featuring on Jonas Blue’s By Your Side to Jax Jones’s You Don’t Know Me, which peaked at number three on the UK singles chart. She was shortlisted for the BBC Music Sound of 2017 prize, reaching third place. Now, with a special project with this year’s BRIT Awards, she’s ready to hog the limelight.

What would you save if your house was falling into a sinkhole?

My mini recording set-up. I love creating and making beats in my free time. I’m working on becoming a producer as well as writing and being an artist, because there are very few female producers around.

A day you’d like to live again?

My 21st birthday party. It was amazing to have everyone I love in one room. I travel a lot so spending quality time with my loved ones was perfect.

Favourite smell?

Freshly baked bread.

Earliest memory?

My earliest memory is meeting my sister when she was born. I was four but I remember how tiny she was.

Your greatest invention?

Ham, jam and cheese sandwich.

Proudest moment?

Being nominated for a BRIT award last year with Jax Jones. We worked really hard on that song so it was amazing to get the recognition. It was really special to hear the BRIT school students create their own versions of the song this year, particularly as I went to the school.

Best fact you’ve learned this year?

Elephants look at humans the same way we look at dogs — they think we’re cute.

Given a spell book, what would you cast?

I’d create more equality in the music industry. I’m going to create a women-only writing camp for amazing artists, writers and sound engineers.

Raye was speaking on behalf of Mastercard; 2019 represents the 21st year of Mastercard’s headline sponsorship of The BRIT Awards