When Pharrell Williams, Elton John, and Annie Mac all give their backing to an artist without an album, it’s a sign of good things to come.

Rationale, whose actual name is Tinashe Fazakerley, has yet to release his debut LP, but his singles, EPs, and live performances are attracting plenty of acclaim.

Due to appear in Glasgow today for his second performance at King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut, the artist formerly known as Tinashé says he’s excited to return.

“I’ve played Tut’s before, it was great, really energetic.”

“With live performances I have the freedom to move around, I’m not in a four-by-four environment with computers and speakers.

“It’s the place where you can live and breathe outside that algorithm, people are reaching out, it’s not just numbers and streams.”

He has earned himself plenty of streams, however, with his baritone becoming a staple for praise in reviews.

Complemented by his production work and honest lyricism, Rationale’s debut track, Fast Lane, hit the second spot on Spotify’s global viral chart.

His songwriting managed to catch the attention of popular indie band Bastille, too, and when they went on their Wild, Wild World Tour, he joined them.

Rationale’s CV also lists sold-out shows in London, New York, and Los Angeles, and the festivals he has performed at include Reading, Leeds, Bestival, Latitude, and Radio 1’s Future Festival.

With five UK dates this January, Tinashe has another chance to show what he can offer in a live space, as a performer as well as a singer.

“I still remember watching reruns of Prince and Michael Jackson performing,” he explains.

“I have this amazing band, we always have a crowd after an event, even if we are not the main act.

“Why should someone come along? Come if you want to have a good time, dance and sweat, and hear real music, with an emotional and real performance.”

Born in Harare, Zimbabwe, Tinashe moved to London when he was nine. Taking the stage name of Tinashé, he released his album ‘Saved’ in 2010.

He made a move into doing more songwriting for other artists, working with Rag 'N' Bone Man, who is better known now as one of 2016’s breakthrough acts.

By 2015 Tinashe had decided to re-invent himself as Rationale and released his ‘Fuel to the Fire’ EP.

Pharrell Williams, an artist with some critical weight having picked up 10 Grammy awards for himself, described Rationale as having discovered “beauty” in his voice.

“I’ve always loved Pharrell Williams, so it’s amazing to hear him say such nice things about my music. It makes me feel like maybe I’m doing the right thing.”

This does mean there are very high hopes for the quality of the album, and it will not be pushed out ahead of its time.

“I had decided to put it out at the end of last year, but I got to that point where I thought it needed something. I didn’t feel like it was done.”

The album has been bumped back again to allow for these tour dates, but Tinashe is still willing to speculate about what he would be willing to try in the future.

He explains: “I’d most definitely consider a concept album. I think they’re clever, and they’re difficult to execute well.”

His last single, ‘Vessels’, was written in collaboration with Bastian Langebaek, also known as Carassius Gold, described by Rationale as “an amazing artist and an amazing producer”.

He adds: “Vessels is a bit of an ode to the master that is Reverend Al Green and his songwriting style.

“I've always been a fan of that period of soul and subtle production values and this is an example of that influence.”

That track will be part of an upcoming EP of the same name, along with the already released ‘Prodigal Son’ and two others, still under development.

The singer is heavily involved with all aspects of making his music, essential when the songs delve into his own emotions.

“I’ve got literally seven ideas in my head right now, everyone is raring to go at the studio.

“At the moment, producing is my favourite thing to do, getting out the ideas in my head. I’ve got stories to tell.”

The next single is due to arrive soon, and tickets are still available for his performance at King Tut’s on Friday, 20 January, which will be supported by Dom McAllister.

STEWART WARD