Aliases are handy. For artists who have varied musical interests or who like to collaborate with other people, they provide a platform to start afresh and make music unencumbered by expectations from other work. Jordan Rakei knows only too way, who created his Dan Kye alias in 2016 to pen more club ready sounds. Here, he reflects on some of his favourite aliases.
Catch Dan Kye playing live at Rhythm Section’s Easter Bank Holiday Session (Corsica Studio, 1st April).
Captain Murphy
I saw Flying Lotus debut Captain Murphy live at one of his shows in London a few years ago. Was so sick. I didn’t actually realise it was him until he started rapping in front of us.
Dirg Gerner
I was only shown this alias recently.Really dope though. It’s sick to see this side of Flako. He’s got sick vocal arrangements and a solid knack for songwriting!
Black Star
I actually prefer this group over their individual projects. Their music was the soundtrack to my later teens. Can’t remember a day I didn’t walk to school and listen to these dudes.
Atoms for Peace
I’m a genuine fan of anything Thom Yorke and Nigel Godrich are involved in. I love this stuff though. A lot more produced and “loopy” than Radiohead stuff.
2nd Exit
Probably one of my favorite hip-hop outfits in London. Alfa and Lester are so underrated as rappers. I spent a lot of commutes listening to their only EP. Both are sick producers and rappers. Sort of the full package! Also the EP features a few sneaky collabs with Kaya Thomas-Dyke who is also incredibly sick.
Rhythm Section’s Easter Bank Holiday Session also features Neue Grafik, Bradley Zero and Mafalda. Info on Facebook, tickets on RA.
