When you hear the name Raye, what comes to mind? Is it her impressive chart-topping hits, her historic recognition at the Brit Awards, or perhaps the dramatic fallout with her record label that propelled her career to new heights? However, there’s an intriguing side to Raye that many may not know: she has a deep passion for Mario Kart.
In a recent chat with BBC Newsbeat, Raye revealed her inner gamer, sharing that she has loved video games since childhood, starting out with her Nintendo DS. “I genuinely need to think about getting a 1-Up mushroom tattooed on my arm,” she admitted, referencing the iconic power-up from Super Mario Bros. “I know it sounds sad, but I’m really that obsessed.”
Raye explained how gaming serves as a form of escape from her busy life as a touring artist. “Games provide a beautiful escape from everyday life,” she says. “I’m someone who loves to hyper-focus, and when I’m in a game, nothing else matters.” She emphasized that gaming is a vital lifeline amid her hectic schedule. “Almost every day, when I need to unwind, I’m just playing a game or finding someone on tour who wants to join me. We have a console on the bus, and we all gather around.”
Lately, Raye has been hooked on Overcooked, an energetic cooking simulator that she describes as chaotic yet fun. “You play as chefs in the kitchen, and everyone’s screaming at each other to ‘cut the carrots!’ I think games offer a moment of togetherness, a pause, and so much joy.”
When it comes to connecting with her fans through gaming, Raye’s enthusiasm is palpable. She’s even invited followers to join her for multiplayer Mario Kart sessions on TikTok, leading to hundreds of new friends for online racing. “It’s one of my favorite things to do, especially during those lonely moments that can come with being a musician,” she reflects. “Those connections mean a lot to me.”
But don’t be fooled—Raye has a competitive edge that comes alive when she’s gaming. “I consider myself a lovely person, except when I’m playing games,” she laughs. “That’s when my competitive side really comes out. I care a lot about winning!”
As a talented musician and songwriter, Raye also appreciates the integral role music plays in gaming, noting how it can elevate tension and set the mood during critical moments. A particular soundtrack that resonates with her is the beloved Super Mario score. “I just love the Super Mario soundtrack; it’s absolutely genius,” she shares. “It has evolved over the years while keeping the same notes and chord patterns. It pairs brilliantly with games, and for me, Mario encapsulates that nostalgic feeling.”
