Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Jordz
Undeniably ushering herself into the realm that is electronic music, Melbourne artist Jordz is on a trajectory that is already driving sound waves and moving audiences and industry alike with her melodic and progressive house hues. With a core intention to influence those in front of her and and beyond, Jordz has sincerely left a mark the last few years as she has mindfully delivered some of her finest work both in the studio and in the DJ booth.
From features on Australia’s inaugural triple j to attracting the #1 spot on KISS FM’s chart with her single ‘More Than Something’, and highlighting on digital publications like Rolling Stone India with her single ‘Set Us Free’, devotees the map over are embarking on a journey with Jordz feeling her music that essentially tells a story. As a neurodivergent creative, her unwavering desire to captivate through music is prevalent. A recent exhibition showcased Jordz’s project ‘The Music Zone’ that was designed to offer an escape from the sensory stresses of the world to inevitably find solace in music. An incredible accessibility ambassador, her vision to create beautiful sonic spaces that of a mindful nature.
A delicate balance of chillness and energy, fused with relaxation with tension, Jordz holds true to a unique aura she evokes for herself and music fans. Connecting with the music and sonically allowing raw emotions and vibrations to forge an experience, while her ability to play multiple songs over a length of time, she welcomes the ability to hold tension, impeccably creating a journey for the audience to emotionally connect with her and the music.
On the road, Jordz isn’t shy of an impressive lineup appearance, praised for her immaculate show delivery at some of the country’s most prolific venues, events and festivals. From Ability Fest with the Dylan Alcott Foundation, support to Elderbrook at the Australian Open, the Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix, RÜFÜS DU SOL at the iconic Wool Store in the industrial streets of Melbourne’s west, Jordz is an electronic music asset on the ground. Invited to support the likes of Elderbrook, Sultan + Shepard, This Never Happened, Nils Hoffmann, Eli & Fur and more, her sound and ability to take dancefloors on a perfect journey, is truly telling.
What is your earliest memory connected to music?
When I was quite little, I played my keyboard – nothing formal, just pressing the notes. I must have used a radio or something as I remember listening to music and trying to play the notes I heard by ear.
How did your passion for creating music begin?
My passion for music has been lifelong as I have so many memories as a child of it being at the forefront, however I truly began making music when I was a late teenager. Dabbling in GarageBand, I ended up winning a producer prize from a local university. Because of this, one of the music teachers at my high school managed to get me access to FL Studio and I spent my spare time learning to write music on it.
What’s the story behind your current music project?
The Jordz project is all about balancing energy with tension. Music moves me, and so I want to move others in a similar way through DJing and releasing songs. Across the past few years, I’ve flown around Australia performing, and have supported international artists including RÜFÜS DU SOL, Elderbrook, Le Youth, Sultan + Shepard, Eli & Fur and Nils Hoffmann. My story is that I’m just getting started! The future is bright.
How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?
My sound is like the beach on a summer’s day. It’s chill, but the waves bring an energy that keeps you wanting to go back.
What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?
It’s quite difficult releasing music, because it’s something you spend so much time on and then it’s left to the algorithms to perform well. That can be really tough for many artists including myself. Because of this, I’ve learned to step back on release day and make sure I look after myself.
What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?
Ableton is my #1. I do love Serum, but equally love the included Grand Piano plugin as I like to write out melodies using it when I’m beginning to write a song. I also love Voice Memos because I can flesh out vocals on the go, before jumping in the studio to record them properly.
Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?
Elena Kulstof from London is such a gem in the music industry. We’ve been working together on an upcoming song, as I was lucky enough to have her remix my latest song ‘Little Thing’, transforming it into a powerful Blade-Runner-like indie-dance anthem.
How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?
Performing for hundreds of crowds has allowed me to really tighten my artistry in terms of creating a journey for people on the dance floor. This means building tension slowly, knowing when to bring in more emotional songs and when to turn it up in terms of energy.
What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?
I hope listeners feel better after hearing one of my songs than before they listened to it. If I can make just one person’s day, then it is all worth it for me.
What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?
Music has taught me to be patient. I’ve been in the industry for nearly a decade, starting as a teenager, and even though I keep growing and growing, I still feel that things are only just beginning for me. The sky is the limit.
What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?
I would love to perform internationally, outside of Australia. It would be really cool to fly over to Europe and perform shows for different crowds. The music scene in Europe fits my style really well too – it would be so much fun!
If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
If I could choose anyone in the world, it would be Ed Sheeran. No, he isn’t a DJ, but he is such an incredible songwriter and he often extends his songs beyond one specific genre. I’ve loved listening to his recent album ‘Play’, as it has a lot of international musical references, so I think it would be an incredible experience working with him. I honestly think even just sitting in the writing room with him would be one of the most valuable experiences of my life!
Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)
Hey you! Thanks for reading. You can find me on all music platforms as ‘Jordz’ except for Beatport where I’m ‘Jordz (AUS)’. My instagram is @jordzaus, as well as TikTok.
http://linktr.ee/jordzaus
Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?
I hope to extend this journey with the help of others. I’ve been an independent artist for my entire career, and it’s probably time to get some help with bookings and a label to support my dreams. But, my main goal for the next chapter of this journey is to release more music and play some more live shows (singing included).
What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?
I hope they will discover the ambition and drive I have – I hope it can be heard through my music and push them forwards, toward their own hopes and dreams.
