Paul-Institute artist Ruthven returns with Precognition, a tight, exploratory three-track EP that marks the beginning of a bold new chapter following last year’s acclaimed debut album Rough & Ready. Having premiered on Apple Music’s New Music Daily Radio with Zane Lowe, the EP arrives via Paul Institute/XL Recordings as Ruthven concludes a run of UK and European shows, including headline shows and standout festival appearances at Pitchfork Festival Paris and Fifty Lab Brussels.
Where Rough & Ready introduced an artist with meticulous production and a fiercely individual voice, Precognition captures Ruthven in motion – writing more instinctively, leaning deeper into the warmth and dynamism of live instrumentation, inspired by his recent live performances. “This small body of work feels like a good segue into the next era for me” Ruthven says. “I’m using a lot more live instrumentation and programming a little bit less. Playing more guitar, more acoustic drums – all of which have formed a new sound for me. The fundamental DNA of my music is there, but there’s a new evolution. This is the first of it.”
Across the EP, Ruthven traces a musical lineage that moves freely between funk, disco, and classic songwriting. While the previously released ‘Kiss Goodnight’ nods to disco’s four-on-the-floor pulse and the dynamic energy of Ruthven’s live show, the EP’s two new tracks – ‘Precognition’ and ‘Bottle’ – were written and fully performed by Ruthven alone. Though united by their live, analog feel, each track on the EP pulls from a different lineage. ‘Kiss Goodnight’ leans into disco’s rhythmic discipline; ‘Bottle’ slinks with a funkier, cheekier swing; while ‘Precognition’ blends the harmonic richness of Stevie Wonder with the tight, jazz-informed polish of Steely Dan.
LISTEN TO PRECOGNITION EP NOW
Ruthven – ‘Precognition (Extended)’
The South London musician has always had a certain fervour associated with him. He first emerged in 2017 as a founding member of Paul Institute – the imprint created by A.K. and Jai Paul – while Nelson simultaneously served as a firefighter with the London Fire Brigade. Between emergency calls and equipment checks, he meticulously shaped the songs that would form Rough & Ready, released last October to widespread praise. The Observer named him “One to Watch”, while The Fader highlighted his rare gift: “One of Ruthven’s greatest assets as a songwriter is his ability to sound like he’s performing for an audience of one“. CLASH included the album among the “Best Albums of 2024”. The album’s impact opened doors to collaborations and tour support with Sampha, Berwyn, and Overmono, cementing Ruthven’s reputation as one of the UK’s most compelling emerging voices.
Ruthven – ‘Kiss Goodnight’ (Official Visualiser)
Praise for Ruthven
“The gorgeously voiced Prince-channelling funk anger dances around shuddering orchestral fanfares as if in a ghostly ballroom” – THE GUARDIAN
“One of Ruthven’s greatest assets as a songwriter is his ability to sound like he’s performing for an audience of one.” – THE FADER
“South London’s Ruthven is beguiling listeners with his genreless and gregarious sound…. the vocalist, producer, and multi-instrumentalist offers a fully-realised and succinct style that bursts with emotion and cinema” – WONDERLAND
“Paul Institute signee Ruthven makes feather-light 80s-inflected pop that gives off a warm, endearing glow” – PAPER
“Ruthven has his own distinctive vocals flourishes” – THE FACE
Ruthven
Paul Institute / XL Recordings
Tuesday 9 December 2025
Tracklist:
- Precogniton
- Bottle
- Kiss Goodnight
- Precogniton – Extended Edition
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