Rarelyalways - REVIEW (Single) + 10 Questions
To continue teasing his forthcoming debut album WORK due March 10th via Innovative Leisure, London multidisciplinary artist Rarelyalways shares the new single "REVIEW." With a twinkling synth-laced, bass heavy beat complementing Rarely's strategic and cheeky lyrics, "REVIEW" continues to showcase the chameleonic qualities of the artist.
Rarely explains the meaning behind "REVIEW," stating, "I believe water is only one of many of the Divine creator’s inventions. In the chorus I disclose my action plan confirming 'water, hand on my waist before they wither away, rejuvenate.' I honestly felt that 'REVIEW' brought more life back into the hip-hop culture."
"REVIEW" follows the previous WORK offerings "URGENT," a haunting and surreal track, the playful lead single "LET'S," and the jazzy b-side "Voice note 0142," all of which arrived paired with videos directed by frequent collaborator MadeInEden.
WORK will follow Rarelyalways' collaborative Manic EP with Hanni El Khatib, featuring the stand out single "Lamenting" as well as his 2020 EP Baby Buffalo. His debut EP was described by The FADER as, “a concise exhibition of his minimalist swagger," with Pitchfork adding, "though Rarelyalways comes out of the London jazz scene, his music has its own distinct flavor."
Rarelyalways learned from a young age that music had functions beyond entertainment. Born in London to a West African family, he was raised by his single father, a drummer who played mainly gospel tunes during hours-long services and would bring Rarely along for afternoons in practice spaces where the young musician learned the power of playing for playing's sake. Rarelyalways went on to attend The BRIT School and eventually entered the South London gig circuit where he would play trip hop and heavy rock in the orbit of artists like King Krule, Henry Wu and the Tomorrow's Warriors jazz collective. With his music often taking on a dark, mysterious tone, Rarely is able to roam freely outside the prescribed structures of hip hop, jazz or anything else, by creating a conversational abstract style that can mold according to a song's message.
Rarelyalways sat down with Wordplay Magazines to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
My love for music became apparent from assemblies in St Dominic's Primary School. I quickly learned singing had a positive effect on my mood.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Ego Ella May, Rachel Chinouriri, Matilda Mann, Armani Caesar, Alchemist, Lila Ike, King Krule, Leland Whitty, Stelvio Cipriani, El Michels Affairs.
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I have two projects landing this year which are two completely separate entities from LP work. All I can say is they all vary in genre.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I'll say my sounds is very unapologetic…
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
My proudest moment as an artist is the morning of the 22nd of February 20(23); that day REVIEW finally gets released. It's long anticipated and coincidentally my favourite track on the album.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
The best advice I could give anybody going into music is to remember why they started doing it, and never let go of the goal.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
I really like the music 'Emil' is making’ - you should check it out. Sounds very intentional, you just can't make it up.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Darklo- American Made.' This album won't leave me alone and has been spinning it for the last year'.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
Spending quality time with my loved ones.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
1. CLB my engineer
2. Lorenze Okello’s prayers
3. Green tea.