Jordan Rakei

Having spent his formative years programming beats in his Brisbane bedroom – resulting in two early EPs – Jordan Rakei’s decampment to London in 2015 launched a flurry of creativity. He lent his distinctive vocals to Disclosure for their album, Caracal, followed by his own debut album, Cloak; both showcase his soulful tones and precocious talents as a songwriter. Things went to another level when Rakei signed to ever-innovative label Ninja Tune, before releasing second long-player, Wallflower to copious plaudits in 2017.

Over and above the eponymous releases, Jordan Rakei has also functioned as one quarter of the Are We Live crew (aided and abetted by Tom Misch, Alfa Mist and Barney Artist) whilst also DJing and releasing more dance-centric tracks under his Dan Kye alias. Rakei has been championed by luminaries like Simon Green (aka Bonobo), Nile Rodgers and LA behemoth producer, Terrace Martin.

Jordan’s newest offering, Origin, is a stunning set of well-crafted, soulful songs that see the 26-year-old exercise the freedom of having his own designated recording space, while singles, Say Something and Mind’s Eye show Rakei at the top of his musical game. FM ventured to South London to catch up with the man himself and endeavour to find out more about the synths and circuitry that let the soul flow.

Is having your own studio setup essential to you as a songwriter/producer?

“It’s been huge as it’s the first time I’ve had my own setup since I moved to London. Back in Australia, I lived with my mum and I had all my gear in my room, but I’ve lived in London for four and a half years without having any proper place to work. I was mainly just working on a laptop with headphones and having to hire studios. Having the workspace for this new album, I basically tried to set myself a nine-to-five work routine, and to try and finish writing a song a day. Finally having a studio with all