Pop-Culturalist.com

The future of country music looks bright with Jordana Bryant leading the way. The gifted singer-songwriter first caught everyone’s attention with her viral covers of artists like Shawn Mendes and Why Don’t We, which have amassed millions and millions of views.

Since then, she’s continued to build on that momentum with originals songs that radiate with positivity and paint vivide pictures.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Jordana about her songwriting process, her new single, and so much more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Jordana: I always loved music. Growing up, there was always music playing around my house. When my dad was younger, he played guitar in some country rock bands. I grew up with him playing guitar around the house. I loved it. I started singing melodies and lyrics. That’s how I started writing songs.

I’m not sure I would call those songs back then. [laughs] But I always loved how music felt like such an awesome way to spread positivity and to bring people together. I feel like right now we’re all too focused on what divides us, but I feel music can be a great way to unite us and bring us together.

I also loved how especially with country music you’re taken into these stories and you feel like you’re a part of them. Songs are so vivid. I was always really inspired by music. I also loved writing. Five years ago, I really started getting into writing more seriously. I fell in love with the ability to choose what message you wanted to be put out into the world. It felt like an awesome way to spread positivity and to be uplifting.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jordana: As far as artists who inspire me, there are so many, but I’d have to say Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift, Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini, and Reba McEntire to name a few. I love how throughout their careers they’ve stayed true to themselves and have been authentic and relatable to fans.

I’d say Reba McEntire and Dolly Parton are two of my biggest inspirations. They really paved the way for women in country music. They did something that no one else had really done before.

PC: You released your debut single last year and it’s been incredibly well received. What has that response meant to you? Does that add any pressure for future releases?
Jordana: It’s meant the world to me. Getting to share my music with people has been the most incredible experience. It’s been so gratifying for me to hear that it’s resonating with people and that it brings a smile to their faces. With my music, I just want to spread positivity and bring people together.

I couldn’t be more grateful for the support that everyone has been giving my single. I love getting to share my music. It was scary to put out my first song because it was a song that I had co-written and I hadn’t really put a song onto a streaming service or out into the world before. But it turned out to be an incredible experience. I couldn’t be more grateful to be able to share my music with people and get to share a little bit of myself with them as well.

I wouldn’t say that there’s pressure. Every song has the potential to resonate with people. I’m really grateful that my first song did, but I don’t think that really adds any pressure.

PC: Tell us about “Not Sayin'” and the inspiration behind the song.
Jordana: “Not Sayin’” and my first single, “This Love,” relate to each other. They both follow the journey of a relationship. “This Love” is about the beginning of the relationship. “Not Sayin’” is about the love stage. I really wanted to capture and express the excitement and nerves that go along with telling someone you love them for the first time.

I really wanted to do two songs that tie into each other. There’s going to be a third song that ties into them too. With my favorite songs, I always want to hear how the story ends. With “Before He Cheats,” I wanted to know how she got over him. With “Jolene,” I wanted to know whether Jolene got the guy. There are so many awesome songs where I feel people want to see the story continue, so I thought it would be fun to have my first three singles be a trilogy and make them all tie into each other.

PC: As you look ahead to the next five to ten years, what do you hope to accomplish as an artist?
Jordana: I really want to keep putting music out. I hope to continue to spread positivity. I’d love to do some more live shows. It’s up in the air as to how live shows are going to be this summer—whether they’re going to happen or whether we’re going to have to wait a bit longer.

I would love to do some touring and definitely more writing. Writing is so important to me. Getting to do a lot more co-writes would be incredible. I really want to keep writing, singing, and connecting with people through my music.

PC: Do you have a dream co-write?
Jordana: Liz Rose would be a dream co-write. She’s written so many of my favorite songs, and it would be incredible to get to write with her.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jordana: Ed Sheeran.

PC: First album you bought?
Jordana: Carrie Underwood’s Some Hearts.

PC: First concert you attended?
Jordana: Carrie Underwood. [laughs]

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Jordana: Probably Taylor Swift’s self-titled album. Each song on that album is its own story. You can really picture them in your mind. I love that.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Jordana: The Bluebird.

To keep up with Jordana, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, Spotify, and Amazon Music.