Track By Track: Jordan Rakei on Cloak

The New Zealand-born, Brisbane-raised, and London-based artist has worked with the likes of Disclosure and Tom Misch, but with Cloak strikes out on his own to staggering results. This is an inventive, constantly bewitching collection of neo-soul-slash-dance-slash-pop tracks that burst with vivid rhythms and bright melodies.

Stream Cloak below and read the Track By Track guide after.

Midnight Mischief

I wrote this song a few years ago for an alter ego of mine. I loved it so much I decided to work on it properly. Once I got to London I jammed on it a bit with my band and we came up with this vibe. It's about taking control of the night.

Snitch

This is about people that talk behind your back. I have had this finished for a while and reached out to Remi as I love his delivery and attitude. He's one of my favourite rappers at the moment and has an amazing energy in his live performance.

Blame It On The Youth

We are currently faced with a young culture that are becoming increasingly less motivated to challenge themselves, and most are living through social media platforms. This is my commentary on this topic and is something I'm incredibly passionate about.

The Light

The Light is about embracing all things nature. Just being present. Presence is a tool I've used extensively since my discovery of meditation. It has changed my life and I've been trying to share that message ever since.

Talk To Me

This is about the first realisation I had one night over the other personality in my head. I've come to realise this as my ego, and this song reflects the constant conversation I have with my conditioned mind. I recorded this originally as a Latin Samba track but recently changed it just so it could be more relevant to the soundscape of the album. Turned out being one of my favourite tracks I have ever written.

Still

This is about my deepest ever meditation. I will never forget that day. It changed my life. In realtime I saw the death of an older self and witnessed through presence a realisation of oneness and stillness.

Rooftop

I wrote and recorded this one in Australia. Was lucky enough to work with the amazing Richard Melkonian on strings and he brought the track to life. My first song I've ever released without extra production and rhythmic elements. A "Jordan Rakei Ballad"

Lost Myself

When meditating and looking introspectively you can delve into deep pathways of the mind. We all have them, however most haven't tapped into these areas. It's a reflection of the lowest points of the mind and separating yourself from it.

Toko

Was lucky to work with an amazing artist and musician on this one. Richard Spaven has worked with many of my favourite artists and after working with him I could see why. He co-produced and co-wrote this track with me and we really created something fresh here. Probably my favourite track from the album and my best vocal performance. Not easy listening and will take a few listens, but one that resonates with me regularly.

Cupid's Cheese

This song was at a time when I had never experienced love. I saw it from an outer perspective and thought it was all hype. It's a playful title on this point. I’ve been a fan of Ngaiire for years, and am so happy she liked the song and we were able to collaborate.

Theta State

I've never experienced drugs before but have read up on a lot about hallucinogens and this way my take on that experience. I think it's a VERY interesting thing. The fact the mind can expand to the point of changing perception blows my mind.

Sworn Enemy

This track is about a lover that has been caught committing an act of betrayal.

Tawo

The closing track on this album resolves all themes that were present throughout. Despite having several changes of ideas and themes, Tawo reflects on the theme that it's always going to be OK as long as you trust the process.

Cloak'is out now via 4101 Records and Soul Has No Tempo.