We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jordan Manley a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Jordan, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

My most recent album “Elm St.”, named after the street I lived on during a two year period. I see it like a time capsule of a very important time in my life. It was simultaneously the best and worst time I’ve ever had so far. I got to live in a house with my best friends. I finally got a band. But then, also, I got really sick from a cat and almost died. I struggled financially. I had to sell my guitars. I lost people close to me. I drank a lot. I battled insomnia. I dealt with a breakup. And the album, to me, is like proof that, not only can I handle that stuff but I can create beauty out of it. At least I think it’s beautiful. These terrible things that happen to people – things much worse than what I went through – if you can redirect those emotions into something that people can relate to and make them feel less alone – something that can bring people together. That’s how you get back at the world. That’s how you make it a better place.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I did marching band in school. I was on the drumline. I thought it was the coolest thing ever. But, beyond that, it taught me discipline, the process of learning an instrument and that amazing things can happen through dedication. It gave me a sense of community. Band kids are a controversial breed but I knew I needed to stay around people like that.

Eventually I heard Jimi Hendrix’s rendition of Born Under A Bad Sign by Albert King. It was like hearing guitar for the first time. The Band of Gypsies album. Too much to even talk about. I spent the next few years transcribing every Hendrix solo I could, moving on to Stevie Ray Vaughan, John Mayer, Jimi Page…

My friend was a great jazz saxophone player and I admired him a lot. I made sure I figured out music theory because of him. I then unlocked j a z z, bepop, fusion and all that. I try to keep infusing that stuff into my playing.

I’m applying these old school tricks to newer genres and it creates a pretty unique sound. I believe in what I’m doing. I just create the music that I’d want to hear and luckily other people dig it aswell.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

I just see a niche that’s not being occupied. It’s just a vibe thing. I feel like I’m onto something. I may not be there yet but I just know that if I don’t stop, something cool is gonna happen. Cool things are already happening.

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

The local music scene can be rough but mostly it’s been really inviting and supportive. I’ve been meeting some of the coolest people. Everyone is united by the same love of art and music. I love getting to see all the local talent and also getting to finally be seen and heard by other musicians instead of being shut away in a bedroom.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jordanmanleymusic
• Facebook: Jordan Manley
• Youtube: Jordan Manley
• Other: Spotify: Jordan Manley
  Email: [email protected]

Image Credits

Julia Faltin
Liam Duffy
Rose Wilson
Jordan Manley