Almost two years ago, Jordan Rakei’s name was probably the least familiar among the guest singers on Disclosure’s second album, Caracal.
By that stage the dance duo had the influence to coax The Weeknd, Lorde and Sam Smith into their studio, but they were onto something with this 25-year-old Kiwi too.
Having relocated from Brisbane to London, multi-instrumentalist Rakei has been working with fellow jazz/soul hydrid types such as Tom Misch and Loyle Carner and has now signed with the Ninja Tune label, which puts him into the same orbit as smooth producers Bonobo and The Cinematic Orchestra.
An album is coming soon. It gives a new darkness to his head-nodding productions and expressive voice, adding Massive Attack and James Blake to the comparisons.
People are noticing in increasing numbers. He played at Camden’s Koko in April and in autumn is heading for the even bigger Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Another profile-boosting guest spot may not be necessary.
Oct 20, O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, W12 (0844 477 2000, o2shepherdsbushempire.co.uk)