Arjuna Oakes + Rachel Kitchlew

Arjuna Oakes is a New Zealand born singer, songwriter, pianist, composer, and producer based in London. Since his 2019 debut EP The Watcher and the release of his debut album ' I’m Distracted' last year, he has built a reputation for genre defying, immersive music. Arjuna has released several acclaimed projects, including collaborations with Serebii on First Nights and Final Days, released on LA based label Innovative Leisure. He also collaborated with Greek Kiwi composer John Psathas on Future Lullaby and Sierra, with the latter being recorded in Athens with an ensemble of exceptional Greek musicians.

He has performed sold out shows at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club and the Manchester Jazz Festival, and garnered radio support from Gilles Peterson, Jamie Cullum, China Moses, and Harvey Sutherland. Arjuna has toured internationally, opened for artists including Jordan Rakei, Moonchild, Allen Stone, and Bilal, and performed in Paris for the New Zealand Olympic Team ahead of the 2024 Games. He also runs a fortnightly jam night in North London and hosts a monthly Soho Radio residency. He most recently performed at The Royal Albert Hall in January headlining the Elgar Room, and is set to perform at Brick Lane Jazz Festival in April.

Quotes (for While I'm Distracted)

“Excellent debut album” - Clash Magazine

“Nothing short of a masterpiece” - Somewhere Soul

“An album that has absolutely no skips” - China Moses, Jazz FM

“Essential listening” - Electronic Sound