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PREMIERE: Watch Rationale's Video for "Fast Lane"

The British multi-instrumentalist shows the gloomy side to the good life in this surrealist video.

Since Rationale’s breakout track “Fast Lane” landed on the internet earlier this year, nearly a million people have bobbed their heads along to his blissed-out R&B sound. The London-based singer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist has somehow remained an enigma despite the song’s viral success. But still, Rationale’s deep baritone vocals and soulful melodies make his work instantly recognizable—even though this is a guy who still refuses to reveal his real name. He’s been consistently dropping new gems from his Fuel To The Fire EP (out now) over the past several months, and this week the recent Warner Bros. Records signee brings things full circle with the premiere of his video for “Fast Lane.”

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Rationale told us he wanted the visuals to cut through the song’s irresistible melody and get right to the message. Directed by Luke Monaghan, the clip follows actor Jim Ortlieb as he tries to stay afloat amidst the struggles of daily life.

“'Fast Lane’ is a song about feeling crushed by the demands of everyday life and snapping under pressure,” he explains. “Most people I know have gone through a period in life where we’ve had to ask the question, ‘Is this really it?’” The surrealist clip might leave the answer up for interpretation, but the surprise gut-wrenching ending will make the video stick with you long after it's over.

“It would have been easy to film a video with fast cars and one armed driving scenes,” he says. “However, considering just how much the song has connected with people, I felt it deserved more.” Sure, there is a car in the video—a nod to the song title—but here, life in the fast line definitely isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be. Watch the premiere below, and keep an eye out for Rationale's forthcoming debut album.