Raven Numan on BPD, Fame, and Finding Her Sound with ‘Overwhelming’

Raven Numan is back, and she’s got a lot to say. Just three singles into her career, the 20-year-old alt-pop artist is already making waves with her unique blend of dark wave roots and modern alt-pop influences. Her latest single, “Overwhelming,” takes listeners deeper into her world, confronting the realities of living with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and growing up with a famous parent.

“Overwhelming” is a haunting track that combines juddering beats and grinding industrial sounds with Raven’s engagingly unconventional vocal style. Lyrically, the song is raw and personal. Raven explains, “‘Overwhelming’ is somewhat self-explanatory; it’s about being overwhelmed with everyone and everything, and it’s also about growing up with a famous parent and how it’s affected me personally.”

Raven goes on to share how her parents’ careers, including extensive touring, impacted her own mental health. She speaks candidly about developing BPD and dealing with social anxiety, mood swings, and a fear of abandonment—all of which are amplified by the chaos and noise surrounding her life. The FAULTless honesty in her lyrics makes this single not just a song, but a bold statement on navigating the pressures of fame and mental health.

The accompanying music video, directed by Jackson Ducasse (known for his work with Dua Lipa and Imagine Dragons), adds another layer to the track. Shot in a deep crimson hue, it captures Raven with a searing intensity as she performs, her angst visible while a crowd of partially hidden figures looms in the background. This visual narrative blurs the line between reality and perception, mirroring the themes of paranoia and dissociation in the song itself.

Growing up, Raven was surrounded by her father Gary Numan’s music, but her early interests lay elsewhere—specifically in the vibrant pop of artists like Ariana Grande. Over time, however, she found herself drawn back to the darker sounds of her father’s world, as well as the music of Nine Inch Nails, Ministry, Deftones, Lana Del Rey, and Siouxsie & The Banshees. Writing her own music became a therapeutic outlet, allowing her to channel her emotional struggles into a creative process.

Now, Raven Numan stands on the brink of something big. Her recent appearances on stage with her father at London’s Roundhouse have showcased a newfound confidence that matches her musical evolution. “Overwhelming” is a powerful step in her journey, highlighting her growth as an artist who is unafraid to confront her demons head-on.

For more on Raven Numan, check out our recent photoshoot and interview with her. And for the latest music updates, make sure to follow FAULT Magazine on Instagram.