EBR Ep. #27 Jordan Rakei Write Up
This is the tracklist for the 27th Early Bird Radio episode. && for this week’s show we did a SoundFile on New Zealand & Australian based multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter & producer, Jordan Rakei.
A staple in the Early Bird rotation since his album “Groove Curse” was released in 2014, this gentleman of music has been taking care of business since 2013. The 28 year-old savant took up music when he was a youngin’ & after picking up multiple instruments along the way he began digging through ye old parents music collection & discovered some gems. All of these necessary ingredients provided what was needed in order to start getting his thoughts through a beat machine.
After releasing “Groove Curse,” though, it was time for a challenge, meaning it was time to live somewhere NOT in the Indian Ocean. Rakei picked up & headed to London, England around 2014-2015. Moving to another country certainly presented new challenges, but he was ready to immerse himself into the culture ASAP &, in the process, link up with some equally talented creatives. Partnering with the likes of @frenchkiwijuice, @tommisch & @disclosure; the latter got him nominated for a Grammy after being in London for only ONE WEEK!!
With the release of his debut album “Cloak” (2016) & the announcement of his dance music alias “Dan Kye (@dankyemusic),” Rakei had evolved as an artist once again. This propelled him to sign with influential record label @ninjatune. Since signing the record deal, he has released “Wallflower” (2017) & “Origin” (2019) & worked with artists such as @nightmaresonwax, @jorjasmith_, @loylecarner, @yussefdayes, @common, @alfamist & more.
This mix captures the vibes & musical colors of the many places Jordan Rakei has called home. Peers, friends & influences from New Zealand, Australia, England & the rest of the world find a place on this mix. Artists like @joehertzmusic, @jarreauvandal, @alabama_shakes, @electricwirehustle, @cosmos_midnight, @bakarrrr, @reubenjames, @col3trane, @ezracollective, @patrickpaigeii & more. We feel as though we properly encapsulated the soulful, jazz, hip-hop & occasional electronic sounds that his sound is known for.
Enjoiii 🐣🎶