Don’t look now, but Jordan Rakei is quietly—and confidently—cultivating one of the most impressive and immersive discographies in recent memory. Born in New Zealand and bred in Australia, the London-based singer-songwriter-instrumentalist has released three stunning studio albums since 2016 and his prolific output is poised to continue when he releases his much-anticipated fourth LP What We Call Life via Ninja Tune next month.
Slated for arrival on September 17th as the follow-up to 2019’s Origin, What We Call Life is preceded by the recently unveiled lead single “Family” and the buoyant, airy new track “Send My Love,” intended as a message for his family back in Australia. “It’s a stand for my independence, like saying: I’m fine here, don’t worry about me, send my love back home.”
During our interview with Rakei this past May, he told Patrick Corcoran that, “(What We Call Life) is definitely my favorite thing I’ve made—it’s my most alternative and obscure sounding yet. I wanted to push myself a bit more sonically and out of the traditional soul music box that I’m put in a lot—which I don’t mind because I love soul music—but I like a lot of other stuff to like Björk, Radiohead and stuff like that. So, I’ve explored a lot of interesting sonic territory that I think people will be surprised by. I connect with this album the most, by far.”
Listen to “Send My Love” and “Family” below, watch the recent Mahogany Session of the latter, and stay tuned for much more from this accomplished artist.
PRE-ORDER What We Call Life from Jordan Rakei’s Official Store
SEE Jordan Rakei on tour | Dates
Note: As an Amazon affiliate partner, Albumism may earn commissions from purchases of vinyl records, CDs and digital music featured on our site.
LISTEN & WATCH: