New music from Rex & The Rhythm

Los Angeles-based artist Rex & The Rhythm has been on a decorated musical adventure that brings together his Barbadian origins, international stage experience and a boundless creative spirit. A multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and producer, his musical upbringing was shaped by time spent in the studio of legendary artist Eddy Grant, where he absorbed technical skills as well as the joy of building sound from the ground up. That background led to a career that’s shifted through multiple incarnations but has always remained tied to rhythm, storytelling and connection.

Rex’s journey began at just nine years old, when he picked up the drums, the instrument that would first inspire his creative voice and by his teens, he’d expanded to guitar and bass before joining Cover Drive, the Carib-pop band co-founded by his mother. With Rex on drums and vocals, Cover Drive inked a deal with Polydor Records in 2010, scoring a UK number one single with “Twilight” in 2012. The band went on to achieve multi-platinum and silver singles, three UK top tens and performances alongside Rihanna, Kelly Clarkson and Lauryn Hill.

The whirlwind success confirmed Rex’s place in the international music scene, but when he eventually stepped into his solo journey, it was with a desire to shape a sound that was entirely his own. Graduating from Full Sail University in 2020, Rex launched his debut EP #127 Solace the following year. While traces of the Caribbean influences of his Cover Drive era remained, his solo work leaned into an alternative R&B and pop fusion, carrying a more reflective and emotionally textured feel.

In 2022 he returned home to open for Ashanti at The Hennessy Artistry festival in Barbados and the following year, his sophomore record Secrets Behind Our Smiles further expanded his sonic output, pairing grooves with poignant lyricism. Beyond his studio work, Rex has continued to shine on stage, opening for artists such as Rihanna and Kelly Clarkson and last year he became only the second Barbadian ever to perform at Glastonbury, appearing as a backing vocalist for Shaboozey.

Now, Rex returns with his latest single titled “Without You,” a track that turns heartbreak into an infectious funk-inflected pop outing. Sparked by stumbling across an unverified rumour of an Anderson .Paak breakup, Rex used the moment to reflect on his own romantic fallout, transforming chaos into a velvet-wrapped, shimmering jam.

Set up by the rustle of pattering drums, bright instrumental tones enter as Rex’s soulful voice rings out before the arrangement slips into a slick groove capped by alluring melodic writing. With heartfelt lyrics carried by his wholly absorbing vocal performance, the intricate instrumentation adds flickers of colourful hues as the track rolls with smooth R&B-tinged vibes, resulting in an engrossing listening experience that’s original and instantly memorable.

Propelled by energising rhythms and wrapped in a timeless feel, it’s a stunning display of Rex’s songwriting talent and pure creative flair. It’s a sensational new pop anthem from an artist who continues to go from strength to strength with each move, adding to his incredible catalogue with a delightful single that’s truly impossible not to love.

Commenting on the single, he shares, “Without You is about how dull life feels post a serious relationship and the vices we turn to or in some cases abuse, to make us feel better and make the grief we feel lighter. The questions we ask like, ‘how long will it take me to get over this?’ and, ‘Why is it so damn hard?’ I wanted something universally relatable in the hook while using imagery in the verses staying in the world of Andy and Silk Sonic’s sauce.”

Listen to Without You below

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