Rag’n’Bone Man is stepping into the club, not metaphorically nor quietly as on July 25, 2025, he makes his Defected debut alongside tech-house staples Max Chapman and Mischief with a new track called ‘Whisper’—a stripped-back, soulful house cut that leans deep into his origins and unexpected influences. Best known for stadium-ready anthems like Human and Skin, Rory Graham has always hinted at something heavier pulsing underneath. With ‘Whisper’, he finally lets it out.
“I’ve known Justin (Mischief) for 20+ years. We both came through in the drum and bass scene, so it’s serendipitous for us to have a track together after so long in a new space for us both. I randomly had the idea to send him and Max my piano phone recording idea. I never expected it to sound the way it does. These two know their onions.” – Rory Graham (Rag’n’Bone Man)
The track came together organically, driven by friendship and shared history. Rory sent a spontaneous voice note—raw vocals, no production—just an idea. Mischief and Chapman were already in studio mode when they heard it. That message sparked something far more than a casual collab.
From Bars Over Breaks to Dancefloor Groove
This is more than a single. ‘Whisper’ represents a reunion decades in the making. Mischief and Rag’n’Bone Man share roots not just in music but in life—growing up together, performing together, and now, releasing together. For Mischief, this track is a full-circle moment.
“Me and Rory (Rag’n’Bone Man) have known each other since school, and in those early days, as we grew we discovered the same love for music. I’d play drum and bass sets, and he’d be on the mic. Watching him grow over the years has been something special. I remember going to his first few gigs, and now seeing the size and scale of the shows he’s doing – it’s mad how far he’s come.
The idea for ‘Whisper’ started with a voice note from Rory – just him and a vocal idea. Around that time, me and Max Chapman were locked in at the studio. The moment we heard it, we knew it was special and had to build something around it. Max and I laid down a stripped-back, rolling groove that gave the vocal room to breathe…” – Justin Goldsmith (Mischief)
Max Chapman, an underground favorite with releases on Hot Creations and Elrow, brings sharp, techy structure to the production. Already supported by Jamie Jones, Adam Beyer, and Loco Dice, Chapman adds weight and movement to the track while letting Rory’s vocal command the room.
For the Floor and the Feels
‘Whisper’ places Rag’n’Bone Man’s distinct vocal at the fore, with his deep reverence of dance music holding strong over Mischief and Max’s sleek production, showcasing a diverse outing for all three artists that demonstrates their varied styles marrying together with floor-filling confidence.
The track follows Rory’s rising presence in electronic collaborations, including a second team-up with Calvin Harris, along with remixes by LP Giobbi, High Contrast, and Riva Starr. But ‘Whisper’ feels less about radio and more about soul—a club record with intimacy, not bombast.
In 2025, Rag’n’Bone Man remains creatively active. His 2024 album What Do You Believe In? debuted at No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart. The track Time to Love, produced by Danger Mouse, reconnected him with his hip-hop roots and received strong reactions on his Australian tour. His Scarborough Open Air Theatre show in July 2025 drew fans from across the UK and offered live proof that his emotional range still resonates.
As his career expands into film and soundtrack work, ‘Whisper’ serves as a reminder that his vocal home can be anywhere—even inside a groove-heavy, minimal house cut built from a voice note.
Rag’n’Bone Man Goes Club-Ready, Soul-Heavy with Whisper
What stands out most in “Whisper” is how naturally Rag’n’Bone Man’s voice blends with the groove, notes journalist Jon Powell, News & Music Editor at REVOLT and a defining voice in music. His blues-rooted vocals bring real weight to the track, and the way he delivers the hook — “Whisper sweet nothings to me, darling” — feels both tender and powerful.
The production is smooth and steady, with just enough swing to keep things moving. Those horn accents really lift the mood without overwhelming anything. It’s a proper dancefloor track, but there’s emotional depth in there too. You can hear it in the lyrics, which feel raw and romantic without being overdone. It’s not trying too hard to be a “moment,” it just is. The chemistry between all parties comes through clearly. It feels like they trusted each other’s instincts, and the result is a track that works whether you’re two-stepping in a club or vibing alone with headphones on. Definitely one of those rare collaborations that feels balanced from every angle.
‘Whisper’ by Rag’n’Bone Man, Max Chapman, and Mischief drops July 25, 2025 via Defected Records. Pre-save the track now.
This story includes valuable insights from Jon Powell, a respected music journalist with a reputation highlighting genre-defying artists and shaping conversations across hip-hop, dance, and alternative music.