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Photo: Louis Flashman

Very few artists of this era make you question your perspective, your depth as a human, or challenge you at all beyond soundtracking prosaic memories. London-based artist Rarelyalways is one of those rare few. Having just released his debut album, WORK, and wanting to no more about this wide-ranging talent, we reached out across to the pond to find out more.

Ones To Watch: Who is Rarelyalways?

Rarelyalways: Dust from the ground circulating God’s breath.

What is WORK all about?

WORK is all about roles, assignments, and tasks. It’s funny how no matter what you do nothing goes to waste, as in there’s always transferable skills. I mean the whole album's track list reads a sentence.

New sounds abound throughout WORK, most obvious in "LET’S." Are you embracing some of your jazz and melodic roots on the new album?

Yeah, for sure. I had to collaborate. "LET’S" was produced by one of the UK’s favorite producers called Eyes. My team felt that single revealed a soft side of me.

Any significant collaborations on the album? 

As previously mentioned, Eyes and another favourite of mine called CLB. There’s an unresolved track that I recorded with an incredible artist called Sola but I'd like to highlight the spoken word track titled "MSG." Produced by Lorenz Okello and inspired by Nany Wilson. You’ll be glad to know I produced 10 out of 14 tracks on the project.

Compared to your prior EPs, what thematically did you want to achieve with this full-length release?

Just wanted it to reinforce the making of my own lane.

Can we expect more of this style in the future, or are you comfortable with constantly evolving?

The next project will be completely different to WORK but, I promise you’ll recognise many characteristics upon playback. There’s way more adventure on foreign grounds.

Besides this excellent album, what else should we be on the lookout for?

Expect to see my music showcased in various formats alongside collaborations provisioned by God.

What's inspiring you right now outside of music?

My main source of inspiration comes from catalogues of family structures.

What's your must-visit venue in London for live music?

I haven’t got a clue.

Who are your Ones To Watch? 

My Ones To Watch is currently Emil.