We don't want you to be slow on the update so we're giving to give you a quick rundown of British artist Rationale before everyone else is raving about him.
He's A 32 Year-Old Zimbabwean-Born Londoner
Tinashe Fazakerley, now known as Rationale, was born in Zimbabwe and moved to the UK when he was a kid. He's been touted by everyone from Pharrell to Justin Timberlake but it hasn't been a completely easy rise to prominence. This isn't Rationale's first crack at the music biz. He released a record in 2010 under his real name but was dropped from his label shortly after the release. He's back and far more mature now, ditching an alternative sound for something a little more soulful and rounded. In 2015, he released his debut Rationale EP Fuel To Fire and began climbing the music ladder once again. Fast.
He's Making Music That Sounds Like Gallant and ANOHNI's records collided
On your first listen to Rationale, you're going to find it hard to place him which is a good thing. He's got the same off-kilter texture to his voice that ANOHNI does but he's also got those big, soulful pipes that Gallant does. His music is funky, electronic and R&B-tinged but that doesn't mean it fits in any box at all. Each song comes with this malleable texture which takes just about every genre and stamps it with the Rationale touch. Something For Nothing is a pop song weirded-up by bubbling bass while Palms is a subtle slice of funk with experimental electronic touches.
He's Got A Debut Album Coming Out Friday
"I don’t believe good, memorable music is made by finding a formula and creating carbon copies from it," said Rationale when he announced his debut album. He further added, "there will definitely be surprises," meaning you should expect the record to be a genre hopper. So far we've heard two tracks from the album Something For Nothing and Palms which should give a little bit away but clearly there's plenty more to discover.
He's Been Doing Piano Versions Of His Song / Basically Just Showing Off How Fkn Amazing His Voice Is
Usually when artists are experimenting with off-kilter production, they've got nothing to show when everything is stripped away but that's not the case for Rationale. He's been doing stripped-back piano sessions that show his voice in all his glory. We don't wanna make any claims but he may have the biggest new voice of the year. It's beutifully textured - rough in places but smooth when it soars - and it's also big. Like, real big. This performance of Living On The Line will bring you up to speed.
He's A Damn Good Live Performer
For the past year Rationale has been playing European festivals from Reading and Leeds to Latitude. His live show is danceable, hypnotising and vocally-tight. The ballads soar and the funkier tunes give way to some grooving which has had festival crowds in love. Let's hope it's not long before he spreads the love over here in Australia.
Rationale's debut self-titled album is out this Friday.
