Wildfire from Wildfire by Jordan Rakei
2017 was a huge year for Jordan Rakei. The talented 25 year old vocalist, producer and songwriter made his debut on Ninja Tune with his album “Wallflower” offering up a distinct take on Soul that captured a sonic and emotional awareness that belied his age. Through the summer he graced stages at Glastonbury, Dimensions, North Sea Jazz Festival, Farr Festival and more before selling out his debut headline US tour, then heading around the world, including his largest show to date at a rammed O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire in London. In the midst of this he found time to record an incredible version of Frank Ocean’s ‘Lost’ featuring Alfa Mist and present Jamz Supernova’s BBC Radio 1Xtra radio show whilst she was away. He ended the year with a prestigious Album Of The Year nomination at Gilles Peterson’s Worldwide Awards and was voted #2 in the shortlist.
So far 2018 has yielded a return to the US for a second headline tour (finishing up in Austin for KCRW’s SXSW Showcase) and two sold out nights at legendary London venue Ronnie Scott’s with a cast of friends joining him onstage from Loyle Carner to Rosie Lowe and Richard Spaven. In the coming weeks he is set to play the BBC Biggest Weekend in Belfast, support labelmate Bonobo at Alexandra Palace, share the bill at Field Day with Erykah Badu, Madlib and Jeff Mills & Tony Allen and then onwards to the summer festivals: Soundwave, Pukkelpop, Lost Village, Lowlands, Electric Picnic and Smokin’ Grooves.
‘Wildfire’ - a brand new track premiered this morning as part of Jordan’s live session for Lauren Laverne on BBC Radio 6 Music - is Jordan’s first new music since completing “Wallflower” and moving into a new studio that he shares with Alfa Mist.
“‘Wildfire’ is about dealing with a broken friendship. It explores how necessary it is to allow yourself to move on after you've been hurt and how holding a grudge affects your wellbeing,” explains Jordan. “I often write about the concept of overthinking but this track deals more with acceptance for the sake of peace of mind.”
