Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Jordan John

It’s easy to fall in love with powerhouse vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jordan John. The fast-rising superstar has everyone singing his praise, including industry giants like David Foster, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Keith Richards, and many others. Already in his career, he’s jammed alongside the artist formally known as Prince, sung the National Anthem at the 2011 Toronto Honda Indy, and been invited by The Queen of Soul herself, Aretha Franklin, to open for her.

Armed with an infectious new single, “I Keep Falling in Love With You”, Jordan John is poised to be music’s next big thing. Pop Culturalist was honored to chat with Jordan about “I Keep Falling in Love With You”, his upcoming music video, and the year ahead.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Jordan: I was born into a musical family. My father is a world-class professional bassist. For as long as I can remember, music was played in the house and singing or participating on an instrument was always strongly encouraged.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jordan: My father has been an incredible hero/mentor to me. Much of how I hear and conceptualize music is a result of his encouragement, guidance, and teaching. Prince has also made a huge impact on my life and is among my biggest inspirations. He was the modern-day musical genius! Aretha Franklin would be another hero and major influence simply because she is the undisputed Queen of Soul.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “I Keep Falling in Love With You.” What inspired the track?
Jordan: I wrote it in the hopes of embodying everything I love about my favorite soul singers and songwriters. It was my first attempt in trying to encapsulate how romantic soul music has inspired me after listening to and studying it my entire life!

PC: You just released a new music video for the single. Tell us about it.
Jordan: I’m pleased to say that it visually encapsulates the lyrics and essence of the song so nicely! There’s an innocence and a lighter, warm-hearted side to the storyline, which I feel many people can relate to and connect with. I couldn’t be happier with my video team. They did an amazing job!

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re working on a new song?
Jordan: My creative process varies quite significantly. Most of my inspiration is groove-based, which comes from being on stage when I’m performing live with my band. However, in the case of “I Keep Falling in Love With You”, I sat in front of the piano one day while thinking about all of my favorite Michael McDonald, Thom Bell, and Smokey Robinson songs. Then, I started playing and repeating the first couple of chords for a few minutes, and out of my mouth came the lyrics “I keep falling in love with you”. From there, it progressed quite naturally.

PC: You’ve had incredible milestones in your career. When you look back, is there one that sticks out to you?
Jordan: While there are many, three particular moments immediately spring to mind:

1. Playing drums at age sixteen with Prince one night at a club in Toronto when he sat in with my father and me
2. Opening for Aretha Franklin at the 2011 Toronto Jazz Festival (at her personal request)
3. December 2018, performing four shows as the featured male lead vocalist and guitarist for David Foster while celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Blue Note Tokyo in Japan.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Jordan: Hard work, perseverance, and unrelenting dedication to your craft and artistry will provide you with the utmost contentment and fulfillment. Regardless of what state the music industry is in, if you are fully prepared and well versed in your ability to execute and deliver your talents, there will always be a place for you in this business that you can be proud of! Do not get into this business simply to be famous! Instead, be respected for the kind of character and integrity you possess as both a well rounded artist and human being.

PC: As we look ahead in 2019, what does the rest of the year hold for you?
Jordan: More creative surprises! Another album release, another music video, more appearances through Canada, U.S.A, Europe, and Asia. There’s a whole lot in store, which I’m excited to share with everyone!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jordan: Family Guy

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jordan: Happy Gilmore

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Jordan: The Book of Mormon

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jordan: Ian Thornley (of Big Wreck), Kings of Leon, Bryan Adams

PC: First album you bought?
Jordan: James Taylor’s Hourglass

PC: First concert you attended?
Jordan: Oscar Peterson Quartet at Massey Hall

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Jordan: Massey Hall in Toronto (hometown answer) or Royal Albert Hall in London, UK.

To keep up with Jordan, follow him on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “I Keep Falling in Love With You” on iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.