Recently we got the chance to interview singer-songwriter Rebecca Jordan. Rebecca is from Cleveland, Ohio and currently living in New York City. Her songs have been recorded by Prince, Alice Smith, Kelly Clarkson, Adrian Younge, and John Legend. Recently she self-released an album called “Asphalt Heart.”
Check out our interview with Rebecca!
Photo Credit: Falcon Griffth
upfrontNY: How did you get started with music?
Rebecca Jordan: Music was a part of my everyday life from day one, my mother played piano at home and at our church, while my father (who was the church choir director) would play his old records on the weekend, everything from Joao Gilberto to James Brown. There was always lots of singing in our house, though it didn’t occur to me that music could be a career until I was older. As a kid, I was quite shy and wanted to be a writer. I thought I would write short stories, and in some ways I do, in song.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your self-released album, “Asphalt Heart”?
Rebecca Jordan: Asphalt Heart came about organically over time, as I one by one, met my bandmates after moving to New York. I would have these very official “songwriter/producer” writing sessions, so as a release and just for fun, I would rehearse and play with my bandmates around town, trying out new song ideas, or ideas that were too different or personal to pitch to anyone else. The city was so inspiring and overwhelming, I got lost all the time (!), but very much found my way in the process.
Photo Credit: Falcon Griffth
upfrontNY: How would you describe your music?
Rebecca Jordan: It’s hard for me to describe it, I don’t “think” about it in that way, I write what I feel. I have heard other people describe my music as a hybrid of soul, americana, jazz, pop, and folk…It’s probably all of those things.
upfrontNY: What has it been like to have your songs recorded by many amazing artists?
Rebecca Jordan: Exciting! And humbling. It’s been a great honor to have other artists record my songs, and it’s inspiring to hear different interpretations, to see a song grow and take on other colors because of what someone else brings to it.
upfrontNY: Is there an artist you would love to record one of your songs?
Rebecca Jordan: In the past I would have said Prince, but unbelievably, that happened! I don’t have a wish list, I love so many artists in different genres, though if Aretha Franklin ever sang a song of mine, I think I would faint.
upfrontNY: Can you tell us about your upcoming performance at The Standard, East Village Penthouse?
Rebecca Jordan: Yes, we are performing as part of the Standard Sounds/Annie O Music Series, and I’m really looking forward to it because the series is so eclectic and tastefully curated and the space is all beautiful, floor to ceiling windows, you are literally surrounded by and playing to Manhattan.
upfrontNY: You grew up in Ohio, moved to LA, and now live in New York City. How has moving to NYC changed your life?
Rebecca Jordan: Moving to NYC has confirmed my belief in magic. There’s just no city with this kind of energy, culture, and possibility. I also met the love of my life here, so I thank the city for that 🙂
Photo Credit: Falcon Griffth
-New York City-
Number 1 favorite thing about New York City- The Magic
Favorite Restaurants – Impossible to answer, too many great choices
Favorite Music Venue – 55 Bar, Rockwood Music Hall, Bowery Ballroom, Beacon Theater
Favorite place for a night out with friends – King Cole Bar at the St. Regis, Ten Bells, Anfara, Top of the Standard, Red Rooster
Learn more about Rebecca
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