We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jordyn Davis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jordyn below.
Jordyn, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I discovered my purpose through the creation of “Composetheway,” my singer/songwriter project initiated in 2013. My songwriting journey began in 2011 as a member of an Alternative Rock band, and my solo endeavor allowed me to express my love for music and connect with others. The name “Composetheway” reflects my belief that individuals are the composers, voices, and leaders of their own lives, embodying encouragement, empowerment, and the celebration of individuality.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As a composer, I’ve written music for various platforms, ranging from film to professional concert performances, showcasing my work at prominent venues. My dedication to addressing racial and gender inequities in music led me to complete a Master’s thesis on the historical representation of black women in jazz. I aspire to create a woman-centric musical “herstory” program, educating about hidden figures in jazz and destigmatizing the roles of composers and jazz musicians.
My ultimate goal is to become the first African American woman to receive an Academy Award for Best Original Score, having already made history as the first African American woman to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Composition from MSU. With ongoing projects, such as my first full-length album, I aim to inspire young women and advocate for the creative voices of people of color. My dedication aligns with the mission of the organization, and I envision future initiatives, including a production company highlighting art by marginalized individuals. Through my roles as a bassist, composer, songwriter, and vocalist, I strive to be a role model, inspiring others to pursue their dreams despite challenges.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
The most significant challenge in initiating a project like mine was securing the necessary funds to execute and promote my vision professionally. In November 2017, I launched a one-month GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for recording and releasing my debut EP. To incentivize donors, I offered various merchandise packages, including Composetheway T-shirts, stickers, and signed copies of the EP. Ultimately, the campaign successfully generated approximately $2,000, marking the beginning of the EP recording process. The initial budget, covering recording (a minimum of $1,500) and merchandise production ($2,500), along with startup expenses like website development, copyright registration, and PRO registration, posed a financial challenge. In 2017, I entered the Running Start Programs Entrepreneurship Live Pitch Competition and secured an additional $400, helping me reach the initial $2,500 budget goal.
To promote and officially release the EP, I initially planned a free show at a local East Lansing record store. However, unforeseen circumstances forced the record store’s evacuation, leaving me without a venue. Subsequently, I opted to rent an official venue in Lansing, inviting other musicians to perform and transforming the release show into a more formal event. Additional costs, totaling approximately $800, covered venue rental, musician compensation, official tickets, and event promotion. In an effort to give back, I invited Girls Rock Detroit, a non-profit I’ve closely collaborated with for two years, to speak about their role in the Detroit music community. The event aimed to recruit more people to support their cause. As part of the initiative, 5% of merchandise sales from the event, including contributions from the participating musicians, were donated to Girls Rock Detroit. The success of the event not only allowed for a $50 donation to the organization but also facilitated breaking even on the money spent, thanks to high ticket sales and attendance.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Everything that I do to a certain extent is yes, for me and my creative expression because I am a human being. But, most of the work that I want to do, and the reason that motivates me to do all of this, is not solely because of me. It’s because of how much it’s going to benefit other people. How many opportunities it’s going to provide and create for other women of color, other women, and different people who are not white men, who don’t think that they belong in certain spaces? I want to be in every space that I’m told I don’t belong in in ten years. Or every space that a black woman is told that she’s not supposed to be in, or every job that she’s told as a musician that she can’t do. I want to have done it or be getting ready to do it
Contact Info:
- Website: www.composetheway.com
- Instagram: @composetheway
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/composetheway
- Twitter: @composetheway
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/composetheway