Jordan Paul’s sound is distinctive, soothing, and contemplative. Unsurprisingly, his words speak with the same beautiful tones of his songs. This Ontario native discusses childhood memories with a certain mystical reminiscence that show the reason he became a musician in the first place. He was influenced musically by his Canadian roots. However, his musical tastes show that he is enthused by explorative sounds. Overall, it is easy to see that Jordan Paul is not only a passionate and talented musician, but refreshingly down to earth.
Indiependency is thrilled to present you 10 Questions with Jordan Paul.
When did you start doing music and how was your childhood?
Jordan: Music found me young. Some of my earliest memories involve Jimmy—a family friend—playing and singing old C&W songs on his nylon-string. I was mesmerized by it, I needed a guitar… I got a keyboard. Flash forward to age 12 and a friend’s older brother introduces us to the band Saves The Day. I became hooked—my friend and I dyed our hair pink to match Chris Conley’s–and that was the beginning of a long addiction to performing and writing music every single day. Not too terribly much has changed! Jimmy has since passed on, but I like to think that he and his partner Joan live on in every single one of my songs. They were a second family to me.
How has your music been influenced by where you grew up or where you live now?
Jordan: I think Neil Young has had a considerably massive impact on my songwriting just by proximity. A certain amount of Canadian music has to be played across the country by government regulation, and that exposed me to the certain breed of alternative music that dominated the airwaves here while I was growing up. I’m sure being Canadian helped my sound along!
What's your current dream?
Jordan: My dream is that I can potentiate as much love as possible in my short time here in the material world. Music is the tool—my seat in the world—that I gravitated to and I want to give back to others in the profound way music has given to me. Music has a unique way of connecting humans of all walks of life. I also feel that by being vulnerable, an artist can instill that same courage to be one’s true in others. It is my therapy, my communication, and my meditation.
Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?
Jordan: I love how music and video tie together to create a gestalt. I think audio and visual artforms are enhanced greatly by one another and the new dimension brought on by this synergy creates a more emotionally and spiritually impactful medium. Sometimes I like to imagine a drama film with a comedy soundtrack or visa versa—and while the juxtaposition is funny—it seems rather silly and is a reminder of how vital the synergy between video and music really is. I’d love to delve further into the world of film scoring during the next five years and beyond.
Did you ever play in front of a big crowd or on television? How was it? If not, where would you love to play at?
Jordan: I’ve had a few opportunities I’m extremely proud of, but honestly my favourite shows are in someone’s home. The intimacy, the connection, the conversation, the energy, the long-lasting partnership are so important to me. I have connected with some truly amazing people through touring house shows; these are now people I consider true lifelong friends and family.
If you would have the possibility to collaborate with a big artist, who would that be? Why?
Jordan: I would love to collaborate with Annoushka Shankar or Lonnie Holley perhaps—both for very different reasons. I think Annoushka’s musicianship is heavily understated—she’s an incredible sitarist! I enjoy her creativity in the fusion style she plays, it harkens back to a lot of great Raga in the style of the Maihar Gharana (and beyond) but has countless interesting elements spattered throughout. Her live show looks incredible, though I’ve unfortunately not had the chance to see her perform.. Lonnie Holley is such a fascinating person and his approach to art is really special and unique. I strongly recommend looking him up if you aren’t aware of him already! All Rendered Truth (ART) is a good place to begin. I’d love to be in a room with him and bask in his magic! He’s a true artist in every sense of the word.
What's your favorite thing to do in your free time?
Jordan: I’ve just moved to a new place and pulled out the tape cassettes, echoplex, ‘90s drum machine, and FX pedals. Needless to say, I’ve gone little nuts making tape loops while quarantine. I love playing sitar as well. Right now I’m working on a record with a good friend from Italy, ‘lietoofine.’ That is bringing me a ton of joy, as it is totally different from any project I’ve done up until now.
You have been air played in one of the biggest radios on earth, who would you call first to tell the news? Why?
Jordan: Mahta, because she’s my best friend and would be happy to hear the news! I tend not to relish too much in these types of accomplishments, so it’s nice sometimes to spread the joy around.
What are 3 things you want to achieve this year?
Jordan: One of the biggest things I’m working on is regulating my anxiety to manageable levels and learning breath through things in a healthy manner. I think the time inside has allowed space for journeying inwards and much self-improvement and reflection on my end. These are never-ending battles we all face in life, and for me, it seems a worthy fight to take on. Challenge accepted! Beyond that, I just wish to continue my musical journey and spread as much love as I can along the way.
Be sure to listen to Jordan Paul's new single "Emerald Glass": https://soundcloud.com/jordanpaulmusic/sets/emerald-glass
Follow Jordan
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanpaulmusic/
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jordanpaulmusic
Website: http://www.jordanpaul.ca/