Raye says gaming is her secret to escaping life

Raye, a talented singer and songwriter, has recently shared her love for video games, particularly Mario Kart. Standing on stage in a beautiful white dress adorned with large red poppies, Raye radiates joy as she holds a microphone. While many people recognize her for her chart-topping hits and impressive performances, there is a side to Raye that not everyone knows about: her passion for gaming. Raye has been a gamer since childhood, starting with her Nintendo DS. She humorously mentioned, 'I genuinely need to think about getting a 1-Up mushroom tattooed on my arm,' showcasing her deep connection to the gaming world. For Raye, gaming is more than just a hobby; it serves as a vital escape from her hectic life filled with touring and performing. 'I find games to just be like a very beautiful escape from your everyday life,' she explained. When she immerses herself in a game, everything else fades away, allowing her to focus entirely on the experience. Raye often turns to gaming as a way to unwind after a long day. 'Almost every day, when I need to just turn off, I'm just playing a game,' she said. She enjoys playing with friends while on tour, gathering around a console on the tour bus. One of her current favorites is Overcooked, a fun cooking simulator where players must work together in a chaotic kitchen. Raye loves the excitement and teamwork involved in the game, saying, 'I just think games offer a moment of togetherness and pause and joy. ' Raye also enjoys connecting with her fans through gaming. She has invited her followers on TikTok to join her in playing Mario Kart, creating a sense of community. 'It's actually one of my favourite things to do, especially when I'm feeling a little bit down or lonely,' she shared. Gaming provides her with a way to connect with others, which is especially important for someone in the music industry who can often feel isolated. However, Raye warns that she is quite competitive when it comes to gaming. 'I consider myself to be such a lovely person, except when it comes to games,' she admitted. Her character of choice in Mario Kart is Baby Luigi, and she takes winning very seriously. Raye also appreciates the role of music in video games, particularly the iconic Super Mario soundtrack. 'I just love the Super Mario soundtrack,' she said, noting its evolution over the years. Raye is currently featured in a new Nintendo campaign that highlights the growing number of women who play video games. She feels strongly about the positive impact of gaming on mental health and well-being. 'You can't actually work to the best of your ability without taking those moments for yourself,' she emphasized. For Raye, gaming is a way to escape into a vibrant world filled with adventure and fun. 'It's a moment to just be a character and run around a world of beautiful, bright colours,' she explained. After playing, she feels recharged and ready to tackle her busy life once again.