RAYE achieves chart success with independent hit ‘Where Is My Husband!’

RAYE’s independent single ‘Where Is My Husband!’ debuts high on UK charts, proving mainstream success.

British singer-songwriter RAYE has proven that going independent can lead to mainstream success.Her latest single, Where Is My Husband!, released on September 19, quickly became a chart hit without the backing of a major label.

The track debuted at No. 4 on the Official UK Singles Chart, topped the UK iTunes Chart, and claimed No. 1 on the Official Independent Singles Chart. These achievements highlight the singer’s ability to thrive in a competitive industry often dominated by heavily promoted label artists.

RAYE’s independence began in 2021 when she parted ways with Polydor Records. She later partnered with Human Re Sources, a distribution and services company, allowing her to retain ownership and creative control of her music. Her debut album, My 21st Century Blues, served as a breakthrough, culminating in a historic night at the 2024 BRIT Awards where she won six honors, including British Album of the Year and Songwriter of the Year.

To build on her latest success, RAYE has performed Where Is My Husband! on The Graham Norton Show in the UK and NBC’s Today Show in the US, boosting her international presence. She also announced a 2026 world tour, signaling her continued rise as an independent artist.

RAYE attributes much of her progress to fan engagement. She revealed that fan-run accounts, like @RayeUpdate, help track her streaming statistics, a role typically filled by label teams.

By combining theatrical flair, sharp songwriting, and loyal fan support, RAYE has shown that independence and commercial success can go hand in hand. At 27, she continues to redefine what it means to succeed outside the traditional label system while paving the way for other artists seeking creative control.