Jordan Rakei

Riding the waves of support and plaudits for his sophomore album – and debut for Ninja Tune – Wallflower, London-based, Brisbane raised Jordan Rakei is looking forward to a busy and fruitful 2018. Today he releases new single and firm fan favourite ‘Eye To Eye’ from the aforementioned album alongside a tight, soul-infused dancefloor edit produced under his Dan Kye moniker (Rhythm Section). The release is accompanied by a stunning video conceived and directed by Tom Ewbank, featuring Jordan as the despairing protagonist.

“We shot the music video on the Welsh coast in the middle of December, which came with a few challenges, not least the temperature of the sea and the weather!” explains Tom. “This was the first bit of acting that Jordan had done and I was initially concerned that we may struggle to transform one of the nicest and most considerate people I know into a psychopath. I’m not sure what Jordan’s performance says about him as a person but his portrayal is very convincing and at times terrifying. I’ve always enjoyed working with Jordan and I feel very fortunate to have worked with him on this project, hopefully his fans enjoy the video as much as we enjoyed making it.”

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DAN KYE (RHYTHM SECTION) RE-IMAGINES JORDAN RAKEI’S “WALLFLOWER”

Wallflower out now on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music

Touring Australia in January, 2018

When Jordan Rakei moved to London from Brisbane two years ago he struck up a friendship with Bradley Zero (founder of the South London club night and record label Rhythm Section) who encouraged him to try his hand at making some uptempo, dancefloor-facing music. This was an entirely new venture for Jordan who had, until that point, been experimenting on a hip-hop/soul tip and honing his songwriting skills. He made four raw, instinctively soulful house tracks and, delighted with the results, Bradley released them on a Rhythm Section 12” titled Joy, Ease Lightness in December 2016. Jordan created a new moniker for this offshoot project: Dan Kye.

LISTEN TO “WALLFLOWER (DAN KYE EDIT)”

It was a natural step for Jordan to return to his stand out debut album Wallflower in Dan Kye mode and re-imagine the title track. The result is a characteristically warm, bumpy, four-to-the-floor dub.

With his new album Wallflower newly released on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music, the heat around the insanely talented vocalist, songwriter and producer Jordan Rakei continues to intensify. Throughout the year he has lit up stages at Glastonbury, Dimensions, North Sea Jazz Festival, Farr Festival and Pitch Festival before selling out his debut headline US tour, then blazing a trail around the UK and Europe, including his largest show to date at a rammed O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London. Jordan will be returning to Australian shores in January, 2018 for a run of headline shows in celebration of Wallflower. He will be playing at The Rosemount in Perth, The Triffid in Brisbane, Metro Theatre in Sydney and The Corner Hotel in Melbourne. Further details below.

In the midst of his gigging, Jordan also released a Spotify Live EP including an incredible version of Frank Ocean’s “Lost” featuring Alfa Mist on keys, alongside new versions of original songs “May“, “Lucid” and “Chemical Coincidence“.

JORDAN RAKEI
WALLFLOWER AUSTRALIAN TOUR
Presented by Niche Productions

Friday, January 5 | Rosemount Hotel, Perth WA
Thursday, January 11 | The Triffid, Brisbane QLD
Friday, January 12 | Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW
Saturday, January 13 | The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC

Tickets

Also appearing at:

Here’s To Now
Friday, December 29 | Coriole Vineyards, McLaren Vale, SA

Tickets

Freedom Time Melbourne
Monday January 1 | Coburg Velodrome, Melbourne, VIC

Tickets

Wallflower by Jordan Rakei is out now on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music
Order now: https://InertiaMusic.lnk.to/Wallflower

www.jordanrakei.com
www.facebook.com/JordanRakei
www.twitter.com/jordanrakei
www.instagram.com/jrakz

Featured Photo Credit : Hollie Fernando

Wallflower out now on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music

Touring Australia in January, 2018

At his biggest gig to date at London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire last Friday night, Jordan Rakeibrought out his friend – the hotly-tipped Alfa Mist – to join him performing a stripped-down keys and vocals version of Frank Ocean’s “Lost” for his encore. With the crowd singing along, it was a truly sublime conclusion to an incredible night.

LISTEN TO JORDAN RAKEI’S SPOTIFY SESSION

This duet version of “Lost” with Alfa Mist on piano is now available as part of a live session that Jordan recorded for Spotify alongside new versions of original songs “May“, “Lucid” and “Chemical Coincidence“.

Jordan will be returning to Australian shores in January, 2018 for a run of headline shows in celebration of Wallflower. He will be playing at The Rosemount in Perth, The Triffid in Brisbane, Metro Theatre in Sydney and The Corner Hotel in Melbourne. Further details below

JORDAN RAKEI
WALLFLOWER AUSTRALIAN TOUR
Presented by Niche Productions

Friday, January 5 | Rosemount Hotel, Perth WA
Thursday, January 11 | The Triffid, Brisbane QLD
Friday, January 12 | Metro Theatre, Sydney NSW
Saturday, January 13 | The Corner Hotel, Melbourne, VIC

Tickets

Also appearing at:

Here’s To Now
Friday, December 29 | Coriole Vineyards, McLaren Vale, SA

Tickets

Freedom Time Melbourne
Monday January 1 | Coburg Velodrome, Melbourne, VIC

Tickets

Jordan moved to London from his hometown Brisbane two years ago and has forged strong roots and friendships in the UK’s flourishing music underground – from Tom Misch and Loyle Carner to The Invisible’s Dave Okumu, Bradley Zero and his Rhythm Section family (with whom Jordan released an EP under his Dan Kye moniker), Richard Spaven and a raft of fast rising British jazz and soul artists: Moses Boyd, Oscar Jerome, Poppy Ajudha, and Joe Armon-Jones to name a few.

With his new album Wallflower newly released on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music, the heat around the insanely talented vocalist, songwriter and producer Jordan Rakei continues to intensify. Through the European summer he lit up stages at Glastonbury, Dimensions, North Sea Jazz Festival, Farr Festival and Pitch Festival before selling out his debut headline US tour. The Brisbane-raised, London-based artist went on to blaze a trail around the UK, selling out in Bristol, Brighton and Leeds and ending with his largest show to date at a rammed O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. In the midst of his touring, Jordan also somehow found time to present Jamz Supernova’s BBC Radio 1Xtra radio show whilst she was away. The three hour show gave him a chance to share some of his current favourite music – from the likes of King Krule, Moses Sumney, Mount Kimbie, Henry Wu and Nick Hakim – in addition to inviting his friends Yussef Dayes (of Yussef Kamaal) and Alfa Mist in for chats and presenting an exclusive mix from Photay (Astro Nautico).

PRAISE FOR WALLFLOWER 

“Rakei’s second LP is a melting pot of ideas, pulling inspiration
from a variety of styles and scenes, with his song-writing taking
a step up to another level with this influx of creativity.”
The Line Of Best Fit, 8/10

“A genre mashing mix of electronic wizardry and jazzy time
signatures lent weight by Rakei’s reflective lyrics and
enigmatic croon.”
Evening Standard, 4/5

“Creamy modern soul that recalls everyone from Frank Ocean
to Fat Freddy’s Drop.”
 Mixmag

“Rakei’s vision is unhurried and luminous; this wallflower
is blooming bright.”
STACK

“‘Nerve’ is a modern soul gem.”
Clash

Jordan Rakei
Wallflower

1. Eye To Eye
2. May
3. Sorceress
4. Nerve
5. Goodbyes
6. Clues Blues
7. Chemical Coincidence
8. Carnation
9. Lucid
10. Hiding Place
11. Wallflower (feat. Kaya Thomas-Dyke)

Wallflower by Jordan Rakei is out now on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music
Order now: https://InertiaMusic.lnk.to/Wallflower

For more information:
www.jordanrakei.com
www.facebook.com/JordanRakei
www.twitter.com/jordanrakei
www.instagram.com/jrakz

Featured Photo Credit: Hollie Fernando

JORDAN RAKEI ANNOUNCES AUSTRALIAN HOMECOMING TOUR IN JANUARY, 2018 FOR WALLFLOWER Album out now on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music 

 

Jordan Rakei, the New Zealand-born and Brisbane-raised multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer has battled his inner demons and written an inspirational, soul-stirring record in the process. On Wallflower sees Jordan edging further his sun-flecked sound his fans have come to know him for, evolving his sound to an unmistakable groove and cadence, framing his emotionally charged soul and jazz in a vibrant oeuvre.

“A rising talent…Wallflower is a confident, accomplished work, from a preternaturally talented artist”
XLR8R

Out now on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music

STREAM / DOWNLOAD / BUY

JORDAN RAKEI RELEASES NEW SINGLE “GOODBYES” From his forthcoming album Wallflower Out Friday September 22 on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music

Poised to head out on his first, sold out US tour, with additional dates added due to extraordinary demand, Jordan Rakei today unveils a third track – “Goodbyes” – from his forthcoming album Wallflower, released Friday September 22 on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music. 

LISTEN TO “GOODBYES”

Recalling BADBADNOTGOOD at their laidback best, “Goodbyes” marries Jordan’s exceptional soul vocal with airy strings and the whole thing is underpinned by an understated funk. “‘Goodbyes’ is about totally investing your love and energy into someone in the early stages of a relationship, but those feelings might not be reciprocated,” he explains.

Wallflower is the New Zealand-born and Brisbane-raised multi-instrumentalist’s second album, written and recorded in the wake of a life-changing 10,000 mile move to London from Brisbane. In London Jordan found kindred spirits, friendship and inspiration in Loyle Carner, Tom Misch, Bradley Zero (Rhythm Section), Richard Spaven, Alfa Mist and Dave Okumu of The Invisible(who, incidentally, plays guitar on “Goodbyes”).

Jordan Rakei
Wallflower

1. Eye To Eye
2. May
3. Sorceress
4. Nerve
5. Goodbyes
6. Clues Blues
7. Chemical Coincidence
8. Carnation
9. Lucid
10. Hiding Place
11. Wallflower (feat. Kaya Thomas-Dyke)

Wallflower by Jordan Rakei is out Friday September 22 on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music
Pre-order now: https://InertiaMusic.lnk.to/Wallflower

www.jordanrakei.com
www.facebook.com/JordanRakei
www.twitter.com/jordanrakei
www.instagram.com/jrakz

THE PARTAE

JORDAN RAKEI ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM WALLFLOWER Out Friday September 22 on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music

Listen to new single “Nerve” now

“With ‘Sorceress’, we see Rakei take the reins of a further matured sound
and captivate an evocative sonic soundscape brilliantly.”
The AU Review on “Sorceress”

“Another step in the sensual soul repertoire he’s building.”
Paste Magazine on “Sorceress”

Wallflower: introverted, misunderstood, sensitive, strange and seemingly unknowable.

Newly signed to Ninja Tune, Jordan Rakei has battled his inner demons and written an inspirational, soul-stirring record in the process. Wallflower will be released on Friday September 22 on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music. Jordan has celebrated this announcement with the reveal of an upbeat new single, “Nerve“.

LISTEN TO “NERVE”

At only 25, the New Zealand-born and Brisbane-raised multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer is a rare talent whose distinct take on soul captures a sonic and emotional awareness many artists spend their entire careers chasing. He writes with a maturity and flair that belies his years and new album Wallflower sees Jordan edging beyond the peripheries of the genial, often sun-flecked sound his fans have come to know him for. The easy swing that has been the backbone of his sound from the outset is ever present, harking back to teenage days spent in his bedroom with his beloved MPC trying to emulate 9th Wonder and Pete Rock. On Wallflower the tools and the process have evolved – the focus is on live instrumentation – but the groove and the cadence are unmistakable, framing soul and jazz in a truly vibrant oeuvre that simultaneously recalls his predecessors The Roots and peers The Internet, Nick Hakim and Hiatus Kaiyote.

Jordan’s whirlwind rise has been a predominately solo effort. His exceptional musical ability (he writes, sings and plays most of the instrumentation on his records himself) is accompanied by an unrelenting – yet agreeably humble – ambition. His aptitude and knack for songwriting caught the attention of tastemakers following the release of his 2014 EP Groove Curse. His self-released debut album Cloak (2016), which features fellow Australian musicians Remi and Ngaiire, lit the blue touch paper and earned him a coveted set at Pitchfork Avant-Garde Block Party 2016 and supports for Jamie Woon and NAO; and a call-up to play AMP. Drawing early support from the Soulection crew, he has collaborated with Taku, Tom Misch, FKJ, and lent vocals to the Disclosure track “Masterpiece” (from their 2015 album Caracal) after the duo were tipped off by a friend who had seen Jordan play a tiny basement bar in Australia. At radio, Jordan has been championed at BBC R1/1Xtra by Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, Mistajam, Jamz Supernova, Toddla T plus Mary Anne Hobbs and Gilles Peterson at BBC Radio 6 Music.

Jordan considers Wallflower his most personal work yet – it’s an emotive opus inspired by his own struggles with introversion and anxiety. Sonically lush and complex, yet lyrically relatable and unguarded, listeners are offered a glimpse into the mind and artistry of a musician who grapples with his own self- image and fears every day. On “Sorceress” (recently supremely reworked by Photay) the ego is personified as a sinister and controlling spirit figure led by equal parts understated ethereal guitar and Jordan’s superb multi-layered vocals. New single “Nerve”, featuring Dave Okumu of The Invisible on guitar, is upbeat and incites a sense of renewal as its lyrics call out the fallacies within self-constructed paradigms. Elsewhere, the ska-tinged “Clues Blues” is laced with trombone and saxophone by Ahmad Dayes and Wayne Francis II from South London pillars United Vibrations.

“It’s about how the ego can fully control the way you act and perceive life,” he says. Jordan’s decision to leave his home in Brisbane for London in 2015 has had a life changing effect on his music, his career and his outlook. Just thinking about a 10,000 mile relocation was traumatic, and these feelings were exacerbated by his introversion and anxiety. However, he plucked up the courage to make the move and never looked back.

“In Australia, I was stuck in a bubble,” Jordan explains. “When I moved to London I had to deal with my introversion through ‘exposure therapy’. Every day I met new people for a whole year. I met every producer, songwriter, and musician I could. You have to improve as a person to improve as an artist.” Building a new community in London, Jordan linked with Tom Misch, Loyle Carner, Richard Spaven and Alfa Mist – musical like minds experimenting on the fringes of jazz, soul and hip-hop – and also met Bradley Zero, founder of South London record label and party Rhythm Section. Bradley encouraged him to try his hand at a collection of dancefloor-driven tunes which became the EP Joy, Ease, Lightness, released by the label at the end of 2016 under the alias Dan Kye.

In many ways Wallflower is a direct emotional response to his new surroundings and is undoubtedly testament to Jordan’s personal strength, drive and overriding passion for his art as well as a reflection of his openness and eagerness to reach out and explore London’s fertile music underground. It cements not only his importance as a contemporary, and truly exhilarating, soul voice on the international stage, but his stature as a producer, songwriter and multi- instrumentalist in total command of his sonic vision.

Jordan Rakei
Wallflower

1. Eye To Eye
   2. May
   3. Sorceress
   4. Nerve
   5. Goodbyes
   6. Clues Blues
   7. Chemical Coincidence
   8. Carnation
   9. Lucid
   10. Hiding Place
   11. Wallflower (feat. Kaya Thomas-Dyke)

Wallflower by Jordan Rakei is out Friday September 22
on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music
Pre-order now: https://InertiaMusic.lnk.to/Wallflower

www.jordanrakei.com
www.facebook.com/JordanRakei
www.twitter.com/jordanrakei
www.instagram.com/jrakz

Featured Photo Credit :  Hollie Fernando

JORDAN RAKEI RELEASES STUNNING ACOUSTIC
VERSION OF “SORCERESS”

Newly signed to Ninja Tune and with a new album on the way, New Zealand-born and Brisbane-raised multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer Jordan Rakei has released a stunning acoustic version of his current single “Sorceress“. Following his recent Majestic Casual live session, the version underlines his stature as a truly exhilarating soul voice, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist in total command of his sonic vision.

LISTEN TO “SORCERESS (ACOUSTIC)”

Riding high on the BBC Radio 6 Music playlist, with amazing support from tastemakers Mistajam, Jamz Supernova, Toddla T, Mary Anne Hobbs, Lauren Laverne and Gilles Peterson, “Sorceress” broke into Spotify’s UK Viral Chart. In September, Jordan heads out on a headline US and European tour (including London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire).

Rakei has played Pitchfork Avant-Garde Block Party, Annie Mac Presents, supported Jamie Woon and NAO, and collaborated with Disclosure, Taku, FKJ, Tom Misch, Loyle Carner, Dave Okumu and Richard Spaven. In 2016, he self-released his debut album Cloak, which features fellow Australian musicians Remi and Ngaiire. He also released an EP of dancefloor-focused tracks via Rhythm Section that same year under the moniker Dan Kye.

www.jordanrakei.com
www.facebook.com/JordanRakei
www.twitter.com/jordanrakei
www.instagram.com/jrakz

Featured Photo Credit : Jon Bergman

“He’s found his niche amid a backdrop that sees neo-soul revived by the
British establishment and funk carving out new sonic terrain in hip-hop
with recent releases from Kendrick Lamar, Thundercat and
Childish Gambino.”
Sydney Morning Herald

“Strikingly modern take on old school influences. It’s got a hip-hop flavoured
cadence, soul-infused background vocals, fluttering brass notes, and even
a bit of jazz influenced scatting.”
Indie Shuffle

Jordan Rakei signs to Ninja Tune and unveils new single “Sorceress”. At only 25, the New Zealand-born and Brisbane-raised multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer is a rare talent whose distinct take on soul captures a sonic and emotional awareness many artists spend their entire careers chasing. “Sorceress”, the first single taken from his forthcoming album, sees Jordan edging beyond the peripheries of the genial, often sun-flecked sound his fans have come to know him for. “It’s about how the ego can fully control the way you act and perceive life,” he says.

LISTEN TO “SORCERESS”

Jordan’s whirlwind rise has been a predominately solo effort. His exceptional musical ability (he writes, sings and plays most of the instrumentation on his records himself) is accompanied by an unrelenting – yet agreeably humble – ambition. His aptitude and knack for songwriting caught the attention of tastemakers following the release of his 2014 EP Groove Curse. His self-released debut album Cloak (2016), which features fellow Australian musicians Remi and Ngaiire, lit the blue touch paper and earned him a coveted set at Pitchfork Avant-Garde Block Party 2016 and supports for Jamie Woon and NAO. Drawing early support from the Soulection crew, he has collaborated with Taku, Tom Misch, FKJ, and lent vocals to the Disclosure track “Masterpiece” (from their 2015 album Caracal) after the duo were tipped off by a friend who had seen Jordan play a tiny basement bar in Australia. He is equally respected by the jazz fraternity – collaborating with United Vibrations (featuring Yussef Dayes of Yussef Kamaal fame), Richard Spaven (Flying Lotus, 4 Hero, José James) and Alfa Mist.

Moving from Australia to London, Jordan met Bradley Zero, founder of South London record label and party Rhythm Section. Bradley encouraged him to try his hand at a collection of dancefloor-driven tunes which became the EP Joy, Ease, Lightness, released by the label at the end of 2016 under the alias Dan Kye.

Recently, returning home to Australia in March this year in celebration of Cloak, Jordan’s Australian live dates in March showcased his incredibly diverse live show to his growing fanbase, as did a sold date at London’s famed KOKO in April.

“Sorceress” by Jordan Rakei is out now on Ninja Tune via Inertia Music
Get it now: https://Inertia.lnk.to/Sorceress
For media enquires, please contact yingdi@inertiamusic.com

For more information:
www.jordanrakei.com
www.facebook.com/JordanRakei
www.twitter.com/jordanrakei
www.instagram.com/jrakz

Featured Photo Credit: Jon Bergman