Jordan Rakei has dropped his latest single - ‘Rolling into One’ - from his forthcoming album Origin, which will be released on 14 June 2019 via Ninja Tune. It follows ‘Mind’s Eye’ and 'Say Something’ which were both supported by Annie Mac (BBC R1), Jamz Supernova (BBC 1Xtra), Jamie Cullum (BBC R2), Julie Adenuga (Beats1) and were A-listed at BBC 6 Music.
Origin is an album that is overtly inspired by dystopian visions of our future, with many of the album lyrics exploring technological growth and how it affects our sense of humanity. And, with ‘Rolling into One’, Jordan notes: “This song is about embracing the mentality of acceptance and perseverance. Things will continue to happen and we can only look at the bright side to remain sane through the rise of technology and artificially intelligent systems. I wanted the song to be sonically vibrant and colourful but maintain its darker lyrical theme of a dystopian future.”
The New Zealand-born, Brisbane-raised, London-based musician has stepped up to the plate since signing to Ninja Tune and releasing “Wallflower” in 2017, stamping his authority as a preternaturally talented songwriter, producer and live performer and cementing his worldwide rep as a modern soul icon in the making. On moving to London in 2015 Jordan quickly found himself in a network of like-minded individuals that include Tom Misch, Loyle Carner, Alfa Mist (with whom he shares a studio) and Barney Artist. These friendships spawned many professional collaborations. He’s part of the “Are We Live” crew with Tom, Barney and Alfa, who put on gigs, record podcasts and make music together, and Jordan has written, produced and performed on four tracks for Loyle Carner’s new album. He has also found the same passion for experimentation and rhythm in frequent collaborator Richard Spaven (drummer and don of the British jazz scene who has collaborated with Flying Lotus, Jose James and Mala). Likewise, the founder of the dance party and label Rhythm Section - Bradley Zero - who released Jordan’s “Joy, Ease, Lightness” EP under the pseudonym Dan Kye in 2016. Simon Green (aka Bonobo) also included an exclusive Dan Kye track on his recent Fabric presents Bonobo mix, having previously invited Jordan to perform alongside him at Alexandra Palace in 2018.
However, there’s no doubt that the depth, craftsmanship and maturity of Jordan’s music has turned heads worldwide. He recently joined Chic co-founder and undisputed legend Nile Rodgers in the studio for a writing session and, following his show at Cape Town Jazz Festival last year, Jordan came off stage to find Robert Glasper and Terrace Martin (producer for Kendrick Lamar, Snoop Dogg and Herbie Hancock) waiting in the wings to commend him for his performance. Martin wasted no time in inviting him out to LA to record together in his studio.
Fresh from a triumphant sold out EartH (London) show last week, the 26 year old is set to play a string of European festivals including Dot 2 Dot (Manchester, Bristol, Nottingham) and Cross The Tracks (London) in the coming weeks before heading out on his mammoth worldwide headline tour in August through November, including London’s Roundhouse on 18 October.
2019 Live Tour dates:
24 May - Dot 2 Dot, The Ritz, Manchester, UK 25 May - Dot 2 Dot, SWX, Bristol, UK 26 May - Dot 2 Dot, Trent Uni, Nottingham, UK 09 June - Cross the Tracks Festival, London, UK
Pre-order / Pre-save / Pre-add Origin here.