British singer Raye has delivered a powerful and deeply personal account of her battle with substance abuse, expressing immense pride in the woman she has become after embracing what she describes as "discipline and abstinence in my life." The 28-year-old artist, known for hits like "Escapism," opened up about this transformative journey in an exclusive interview for the February 2026 cover story of ELLE magazine.
A Journey from Darkness to Light
In the candid conversation, Raye reflected on a profoundly dark period in her past where she grappled with drugs and alcohol, admitting she barely survived those challenging times. She revealed how substances like codeine and MDMA, alongside excessive drinking, became mechanisms to numb her pain, particularly during the early stages of her music career. The singer stated with heartfelt honesty, "I’m really proud of the growth I’ve done, because there’s a period in my life where I wasn’t interested in going on. And I know a lot of people out there go through that. I would never dream of giving up on myself like that today."
Finding Strength in Sobriety and Family Support
Raye credited her family, especially her sister Lauren Keen, as pivotal figures in her recovery process. This support network helped her shift from using alcohol as an escape to adopting a more controlled and mindful approach. She elaborated, "I’ve found discipline and abstinence in my life, and it’s a beautiful thing. I’ll have a nice glass of wine every now and then, but I’m no longer drinking to fix or bury or numb or escape." This newfound clarity has not only reshaped her personal life but also her creative process, marking a stark contrast between her debut album and her highly anticipated second record.
Music as Medicine and Personal Empowerment
The artist has consistently used her music as a therapeutic outlet to process past traumas, including experiences with substance abuse and assault. Raye explained that addressing these "difficult" topics in her lyrics serves as "medicine," allowing her to transform painful emotions into empowering art. She shared, "I just want to be a woman discussing uncomfortable topics that we don't talk about, these are all things I battled with in the darkness and silence. You hope in writing about these songs and putting them out into the world, you just hope that people hear them, and relate to them also." This candid approach has sparked open conversations with loved ones, some of whom were previously unaware of her struggles.
Future Aspirations and Self-Discovery
Looking ahead, Raye expressed her desires for love and motherhood, inspired in part by her hit single "WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!" However, she emphasised the importance of prioritising self-discovery before pursuing a romantic partnership. The pop star remarked, "I know there’s going to come a time where I’ll be surrounded with people and family. I want to have kids one day. I want to do all of those beautiful things, but I know that before I’m ready to meet anyone, I need to find myself first. I don’t want someone else to come and fix me. I want to meet someone as the best version of myself."
Reflections on Past Relationships and Personal Growth
Raye also touched upon her past relationships, including a particularly devastating breakup that took years to overcome. She admitted, "My last devastating break-up was four, five years ago. I was like, 'I’m gonna marry him.' We was together for two years and it ended up not working out. I have never experienced a more crippling emotion." This experience has influenced her current perspective on love, with her criteria for a partner having "changed significantly over the years." The singer’s journey underscores a broader narrative of resilience, as she continues to heal from past traumas, including a sexual assault by a music producer when she was 17.
Through her ELLE feature, Raye not only showcases her stunning photoshoot, donning a plunging black corset and sheer lilac underwear, but more importantly, she shares a message of hope and recovery. Her story highlights the power of vulnerability, the importance of support systems, and the ongoing pursuit of personal betterment in the face of adversity.
