Now signed to Ministry of Sound, Rhodes is one of the most exciting artists of the year and is currently gearing up for the release of his heavily-anticipated debut album 'Wishes'.
Tackling a fear of performing in front of an audience, Rhodes is now ready to become a household name. With his incredible talent, that task should be something that doesn't take too long.
We got the opportunity to chat to Rhodes about his career, new album, challenges he's faced and much more in a new and exclusive interview - read on to find out what he had to say.
For those who may not yet have heard your music, how best would you describe your sound?
My music is quite introspective but on quite a personable level I think. There is an uplifting message in most of the songs that most people can relate to. Sonically it can be very intimate but also grand and cinematic; I like a big chorus!
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
I'm inspired by friends and family, relationships and love. Not just romantic love. I feel most inspired when I'm alone travelling or walking. I like to be alone when I write because I feel more open and able to fully immerse myself in creating music and moods.
Can you tell us a little about the creative process behind this album 'Wishes'?
I decided to make a big change in my life which involved overcoming some big fears, in particular my fears of singing and performing on my own. I'd been in a band playing bass with my best mates and in a way hiding from what I really wanted to do. I'd never really expressed how I felt inside in a way I felt comfortable with, so I decided to start recording demos at home and experimenting. I wrote a lot of songs mostly about change, insecurity and love. It turned into a bit of a journey over around 18 months and I realised I had an album amongst all these demos that maintained a loose but quite powerful narrative of overcoming fears and relationships.
What else should people expect from this new collection of tracks?
It's dynamic and melancholic in places but it's uplifting and positive at the same time. There are songs to relax to and also songs to jump around to.
You've done a collaboration with Birdy on the record, how did that come about?
We met through mutual friends and really got along. We decided to hang out one afternoon at a piano and ended up writing 'Let It All Go'; we had no real intention for the song and ended up with a duet that I'm really proud of.
What was it like working with Birdy?
It was very organic and seemed to flow very easy. It's the only collaboration I've done on a song from start to finish and to work with someone so accomplished was an honour.
You've also recently toured with George Ezra and Years & Years, what were those experiences like?
It was great. I learned a lot from the artists I've supported and feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to show those fans my music.
Then there's the Burberry runway performances - how were they?
Very different from a normal show! Incredibly fun to do though, quite intense and I really had to push myself for the last one. I was in the middle of a tour at the time and had to learn some covers on the piano, which isn't my first instrument, so it was daunting, but to see it all come off in the end was wonderful.
Do you have any definitive aims or goals for your career going forward?
I'd just really love to keep on doing what I'm doing. It's great being able to make music and be creative every day! It feels like a dream.
If you could work with anybody on new material, who would you choose and why?
I'm just looking forward to getting back in the studio with my producer James Kenosha, and beginning the next chapter. To collaborate with somebody like Nick Cave would be quite brilliant - perhaps one day I might give him a call!
Finally, what should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
A headline tour begins in the UK at the end of the month which I'm incredibly excited for. I'll be travelling all over Europe after that playing the songs to anyone who'll listen!
Rhodes' debut album on Ministry of Sound - 'Wishes' - is out later this month on September 18.