Podcast Summary: The Run-Through with Vogue

Episode: British Vogue’s Cover Star Raye On The Story Behind Her New Song ‘WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!’

Date: September 18, 2025
Host(s): Chloe Malle (Vogue U.S.), Chioma Nnadi (British Vogue)
Guest: Raye (British Vogue’s newest cover star, acclaimed British singer-songwriter)

Episode Overview

This episode of The Run-Through with Vogue features an intimate and lively conversation between British Vogue’s Chioma Nnadi and the magazine’s latest cover star, Raye. The focus is on Raye's transformative year, her creative process, her bold new single “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”, her fascination with old-school glamour, and her evolving role as an artist and public figure. The discussion is peppered with personal stories and insights, from career highs like performing at the Grammys and the Oscars to thoughts on sisterhood in the industry, fashion influences, and her approach to life and love.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Making of a Vogue Cover Star

• The Photoshoot Experience
  • Raye recounts her excitement and nerves during her British Vogue cover shoot in Paris, styled by IB Kamara and shot by Malik Bodien, wearing Chanel. She describes being pushed out of her comfort zone, embracing glamour, and interacting with models who pretended to be her fans for the shoot.
    Quote:

    “I had to do a shot walking around a fountain… people are just looking at who is this girl… But the pictures turned out so amazing… seeing those mockups of the cover was a heart stop, wow moment for me.” (04:06–05:05, Raye)

2. Raye’s Breakout Year: Career Milestones & Moments

• Grammys & Oscars Performances
  • Raye shares what it felt like performing at the Grammys and the Oscars—highlighting the adrenaline, the spontaneity of her choices on stage, and the pride she felt afterward. She distinguishes between over-preparing and the magic of live inspiration. Quote:

    “If I could bottle that feeling and sell it, I’d be a billionaire… I came off stage and I was like, I don’t know what to do with myself. But in that specific performance, I was like, we did it. I’m so proud.” (05:37–07:10, Raye)

  • She notes key differences between the two events and how taking musical risks on stage continues to inform her artistry.
• Tour and New Music Announcement
  • Raye reveals she’s launching a tour, “This Tour May Contain New Music,” bringing her sisters on the road, and that her new album is available for pre-order—even though it’s not yet finished. Quote:

    “The album is not done but I’ve announced it. Sometimes you need the pressure on.” (09:19, Raye)

3. Crafting “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” and the Evolution of Sound

• Songwriting on Stage
  • Raye describes how live performance has fundamentally shaped her songwriting, citing “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” as an example—its arrangement evolved through real-time audience feedback at multiple shows before being finalized.
  • She talks about transitioning from electronic/dance music roots towards incorporating orchestral and live instruments, drawing from her jazz background. Quote:

    “It’s been a real evolution… I like something for my next album belonging on the stage and then working backwards… We’re really going to kill that in this next body of work in terms of the indulgence and largeness and the drama.” (11:19–13:42, Raye)

4. Manifesting Love and Life: The Personal Behind the Art

• Manifestation and Motherhood
  • The new single is not just a catchy title, but (jokingly and earnestly) a genuine call to the universe for partnership—and even motherhood. Quote:

    “No matter what you believe in this life, what you speak out will come to pass… I want a husband, so I just need to find him and then I can get the whole life thing cracking.” (13:49–14:18, Raye)

• First Dates and Spontaneity
  • Raye shares what makes a perfect date for her: spontaneity, going with the flow, and fun little adventures that unfold unexpectedly.
    Quote:

    “I kind of love a spontaneity… you know when the night takes you somewhere random and unexpected… Just an adventure.” (15:00–16:00, Raye)

5. Navigating the Industry: Sisterhood, Resilience, and Representation

• Sisterhood in the Music Industry
  • Raye reflects on building supportive connections with other women in music, often acting as a big sister figure, shaped by her own experiences and family. Quote:

    “There’s a Beautiful understanding between female artists… I know I’ve been able to be a shoulder for amazing female artists, in a safe space… I’m a complete girl’s gal.” (17:39–19:32, Raye)

• Coping with Success and Change
  • She underscores both the privilege and the pressure of living her dream, the scrutiny that comes with it, and the necessity of trusted confidantes.

6. Style Evolution: From Nostalgia to Custom Couture

• Old Hollywood & Jazz Era Influence
  • Raye credits her distinctive style to her lifelong love for jazz and icons like Diana Ross, favoring glam, bobs, and bold makeup which represent her truest self. Quote:

    “What’s really and truly shaped my style is my taste in jazz… there’s something about that era which is everything to me… How amazingly these women would dress up…” (21:23–22:38, Raye)

• Collaboration with Fashion Designers
  • She details her collaboration with Sarah Burton of Givenchy (formerly Alexander McQueen), explaining how their partnership began and evolved into the iconic custom designs for Glastonbury. Quote:

    “Sarah Burton… made me some sketches… there must have been at least 50, 60, 70 designs… she made me feel so valued and so special and so seen.” (26:22–27:58, Raye)

7. Life Offstage: Joy, Playfulness, and Downtime

• Celebrations and Hobbies
  • Raye considers throwing a games night for her upcoming birthday and shares her love of Nintendo Switch games and Super Mario collectibles.
• Reflections on Growth
  • She looks back on her style journey with humor and gratitude for having found her own voice and aesthetic.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On her Vogue cover shoot:

  “Seeing those mockups of the cover was a heart stop, wow moment for me… like, oh, wow. I'll never, I don't think I'm ever going to forget that feeling that goes in a life highlights feeling.” (04:06–05:05, Raye)

• On performing at the Grammys:

  “If I could bottle that feeling and sell it, i'd be a billionaire… I came off stage and I was like, I don’t know what to do with myself. But in that specific performance… I was like, we did it. I’m so proud.” (05:37–07:10, Raye)

• On "WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!" as manifestation:

  “I want a husband, so I just need to find him and then I can get the whole life thing cracking. So I figured this would actually be the perfect first song to release just to put it out there.” (14:18, Raye)

• On sisterhood and resilience in music:

  “There’s a beautiful understanding between female artists… I’m a complete girl’s gal… I know I’ve been able to be a shoulder for some other amazing female artists, you know, in a safe space… my negative experiences has been able to give me wisdom and resilience to share.” (17:39–19:32, Raye)

• On the meaning of her evolving style:

  “When my hairstylist first was like, let's do a Hollywood blowout on you… I remember just looking at myself in the mirror and being like, this is it. This is who I am.” (22:24–22:38, Raye)

• On collaborating with Sarah Burton:

  “She made me feel so valued and so special and so seen… that moment wasn’t just some sort of, like, she cares… what an amazing experience.” (26:22–27:58, Raye)

Timestamps for Major Segments

• [02:13–05:05] Cover shoot memories, the magic of seeing herself on the Vogue cover
• [05:05–09:19] Grammy and Oscar performances, on-the-fly artistry, tour and album announcements
• [10:23–13:42] The creative evolution from stage to studio; shifting to orchestral sound
• [13:42–16:00] “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!”, manifestations, love life, perfect first dates
• [17:17–19:32] Sisterhood, supporting women in the industry, resilience and community
• [20:28–23:44] British girl energy, fashion evolution, old Hollywood influences
• [25:01–27:58] Relationship and collaboration with Sarah Burton, custom fashion for Glastonbury
• [28:15–29:47] Birthday plans, downtime, and gaming as escape

Tone & Takeaway

The conversation is warm, candid, and empowering, full of laughter and mutual admiration. Raye communicates vulnerability, confidence, and a sense of adventure—both on stage and in life. Her optimism about manifesting her dreams and supporting others shines alongside her artistic ambitions. There’s a sense of British wit and self-awareness throughout, complemented by Vogue’s signature appreciation for originality, fashion, and personal storytelling.

For listeners:
Expect an engaging portrait of one of music’s most exciting voices, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a cover star, and a sincere discussion about art, ambition, friendship, and finding joy on and off stage.