Jordan Rakei: The Soulful Architect of Future Jazz
Jordan Rakei is a New Zealand-born, Australia-raised multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and producer who has carved a unique space at the intersection of soul, jazz, and electronic music. Based in London, his sophisticated sound has garnered a dedicated global following, with albums like Origin and What We Call Life achieving critical acclaim and strong chart positions on UK jazz and independent album charts.
Early career
Born in 1992, Jordan Rakei moved to Brisbane, Australia as a child and began his musical journey through self-production in his teenage years. His early work, shared on platforms like YouTube and SoundCloud, showcased a blend of soulful vocals with intricate beat-making, leading to his first EP, Franklin's Room, in 2012. This DIY approach caught the attention of the London-based label Ninja Tune, which signed him and released his debut album Cloak in 2016, establishing his atmospheric, genre-blending signature.
Breakthrough
Rakei's breakthrough to wider recognition arrived with his 2019 third studio album, Origin. Released via Ninja Tune, the project was a conceptual exploration of technology and humanity that resonated deeply with critics and fans. The album debuted at number 4 on the UK Jazz & Blues Chart and solidified his reputation as a thoughtful songwriter and a formidable producer within the modern soul and future jazz scenes.
Key tracks
Mad World — This early single from his Groove Curse EP became a viral success online, introducing his soulful voice and complex production to a vast new audience.
Eye to Eye — A standout from the Origin album, this track exemplifies his skill in merging warm, organic instrumentation with glitchy electronic textures and introspective lyrics.
Family — Featured on the 2021 album What We Call Life, this song highlights his growth as a lyricist, delving into personal therapy sessions with a soaring, anthemic chorus.
Add the Bassline ft. Loyle Carner — This collaboration from his album Wallflower demonstrates his seamless fusion with the UK hip-hop scene, creating a laid-back yet rhythmically sophisticated groove.
Beyond his solo work, Jordan Rakei is a sought-after collaborator, having worked with artists like Tom Misch, Loyle Carner, and the cinematic collective Cinematic Orchestra. His production and vocal contributions extend to the revered jazz outfit Blue Note Records, appearing on albums by pianist Alfa Mist, further cementing his place in the contemporary jazz landscape.
Listeners who appreciate the nuanced, genre-fluid sound of Jordan Rakei often find common ground with artists like Tom Misch, who similarly blends jazz guitar with soul and hip-hop beats. The introspective lyricism and warm production of Loyle Carner also share a clear kinship with Rakei's work. For those drawn to the more complex jazz harmonies, Alfa Mist offers a parallel instrumental journey from the same London scene, while Hiatus Kaiyote provides another Australian connection with their own pioneering take on future soul.
The sophisticated and immersive music of Jordan Rakei is a perfect fit for the playlists of modern jazz radio stations, future soul online streams, and independent music radio stations that champion forward-thinking artists. His tracks provide a textured, intelligent alternative that stands out in any curated mix.
You can explore the evolving discography of Jordan Rakei by tuning into the radio stations featured on onairium.com, where his soulful future jazz is regularly in rotation for discovery and enjoyment.
