Jordan Rakei Releases New Studio Album The Loop via Decca
May 10, 2024
Jordan Rakei Releases new studio album The Loop via Decca
Early praise for The Loop…
“What has spawned from this approach of raw expressionism is Rakei’s grandest record to date. It’s his most cinematic, most grandiose – his most ambitious.” – Wonderland
“A master producer, multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, Rakei’s music is revered for its iconic DIY sound. But in his fifth album he dares to step out in a new direction.” – CLASH
Today sees the release of revered multi-instrumentalist, vocalist and producer Jordan Rakei’s fifth studio album, The Loop via Decca (and Verve Forecast in the US). Following previous singles ‘Flowers’, ‘Freedom’, ‘Learning’ and ‘Friend or Foe’, album focus track ‘Trust’ thrives on its rich soulful sound with a deep vocal-led groove and lush brass accompaniment as Jordan explains: “With this one, I was focused more on the feeling I wanted to convey, rather than a specific lyric. I’ve often felt like there’s an element of performance to my personality – I believe we’re only our true selves when we’re alone. So ‘Trust’ is about trying to embrace your true self more, and performing less, trusting that being the ‘real you’ is the right thing.”
The record lands off the back of a host of exciting recent announcements. First up was his 21-date UK & EU tour in support of the album (with 7 US dates added earlier this week), which lands this autumn and includes 2 x Royal Albert Hall shows in October. Next, he announced a run of in-stores for the week of album release in May, with Rough Trade East selling out in minutes and he also appeared on the first Glastonbury line-up reveal. Just last week, the BBC announced that Jordan will be performing his very own BBC Prom in July alongside the Royal Northern Sinfonia orchestra, and Jordan was also recently announced as the inaugural ‘Artist In Residence’ at London’s iconic Abbey Road Studios. This huge accolade means Jordan will have access to the entire building, including the fabled Studios Two and Three and the treasure trove of legendary Abbey Road gear, microphones and instruments. In addition to this, Jordan will have a dedicated writing room at his disposal. In the role, Jordan will continue to foster his career-long spirit of collaboration by participating in some of Abbey Road’s outreach programmes and content series which are designed to inform and inspire the next generation of creative talent.
Support for Jordan’s magnificent new music has been coming in thick and fast from all corners with BBC Radio 1’s Clara Amfo describing ‘FREEDOM’ as “easily one of my favourite songs of the year” before choosing Jordan to perform her final Maida Vale session. ‘FREEDOM’ was A-listed at 6 Music and was Radio 1’s Tune of the Week, with further support from Radio 2 and Radio X playlist. Plays and support across all stations on releases to date continue, with latest single ‘Friend or Foe’ also being added to the BBC 6Music B-list last week.
The Loop marks a new chapter in Jordan’s career that coincides with a number of profound changes in his personal life. It’s an extraordinary record, not least for its sheer, breathtaking ambition whilst retaining the experimental, off-kilter vibe he’s synonymous with. Along with his typically bold production style are spectacular orchestral arrangements and haunting choirs, hypnotic beats and an Odyssean-style narrative that charts a course through times of darkness and positivity.
Recorded at RAK Studios, self-produced and mixed by Ben Baptie, fans and critics will note how on The Loop, Rakei has stepped away from the DIY sound he was once known for (and still loves). He grew up listening to artists such as Stevie Wonder, Bill Withers, Curtis Mayfield and D’Angelo and having returned to immersing himself with their music recently, he knew he didn’t want this new album to sound like it was made in a bedroom. Inspired by a Bill Withers documentary, in which his hero ignored the contempt of his peers for daring to reach higher, Rakei set about assembling a crack team of musicians to fulfill his own crystal clear ambitions for this album.
“I wanted to get back to why I fell in love with music in the first place.” Jordan explains. “I found myself listening to my favourite artists again and I wanted to make an ambitious record that was centered around my vocal. I had a no-judgement approach when it came to production and songwriting choices.
The album title refers to that cycle of being a child, and then having children, and the relationship with the inner child. We move forward in life on a loop that never ends and I wanted to explore that vulnerability in my lyrics.”
