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

Jordan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Earning a full time living from one’s creative career can be incredibly difficult. Have you been able to do so and if so, can you share some of the key parts of your journey and any important advice or lessons that might help creatives who haven’t been able to yet?

I have been a full-time singer/songwriter for the last two years, after having done it in a part-time capacity for a decade before that. I’ve been able to make a living off of my songwriting and performing, but it takes lots of travel and performance to make it happen. I made the decision to go full time after being passed over for a standard job I had been interviewed for. After missing out on that opportunity, I and my wife decided that I should take the plunge. During this beginning time frame, we also found out that we were expecting for the first time. That was some added pressure along with the standard pressure of making ends meet. I was booking shows constantly and making sure that I was securing a guarantee that would fulfill my financial obligations. Since our son was born last fall, I have been able to be a stay-at-home dad during the week and go out on nights and weekends and make a living. Some of the requirements included setting up an LLC and finding an accountant to help keep the income and taxes in proper working order. With running my art form as a small business I was a little bit concerned about losing my inspiration, so to speak. However, I have found that the pressure and my new position as dad and artist have renewed my drive to create and create well. When I first started doing this a dozen years ago, I definitely felt like I wanted to jump into it with both feet. However, having waited to build a reputation, a small following, and a solid base of boking contacts, I believe it was the right time to make the transition.

Jordan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

My name is Jordan Messerole. I’m a singer/songwriter and creative writer based out of Des Moines, Iowa. At present, I have released six full length records and am working on a new project that will include the release of a double album in the latter part of this year or the beginning of next. One of my songs, Whiskey Colored Glasses, was featured in the movie “Bad Witch”, but I have yet to publish any other music. All of my recorded works are available on the usual streaming services. I was a lifelong fan of music and learned to play guitar at the age of 22. Being a slow learner, I didn’t have the patience to sit and learn other people’s music so I decided to start writing my own to have some sort of sense of accomplishment. Fast foward to 15 years later and I’m now making a living with it. In addition to writing and performing original music, I write in other formats as well. Since the birth of my son, I’ve developed a series of children’s books surrounding the idea of how to deal with emotion. I also have a handful of novels in the works at this time. I’m most focused on a crime drama surrounding a lobster fishing operation in Maine. I try and spend more fo my off time in the winter writing the novels so they are slowly coming along.

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

Being able to connect with an audience. Even if it’s just one person, or maybe especially if it’s a single person, having a connection with someone based on the songs I write is irreplaceable.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

As I continue to work on building up my following and creating a broader appeal, my goal remains the same. Being able to play out and make a living off of my writing, and connecting with people as frequently as I can. I would love to be able to model my career after other great songwriters, such as my constant inspiration, Jeffrey Foucault. Being able to be selective over the shows I have and tour with frequency is the mission.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://www.jjeffreymesserole.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanmesserole
• Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jordanmesserolemusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jordanmesserolemusic

Image Credits
Black and Whites – r.k. anderson Color photos – Roberta Osmers – Illuminated Scene