Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kyle Jordan May. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Kyle Jordan, appreciate you joining us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
The biggest risk I’ve ever taken was starting The Kyle Jordan Project while I had a brain tumor. At the time, I didn’t know if I would survive, let alone whether I’d have the strength or time to build something meaningful. It wasn’t just a physical battle—it was mental, emotional, and spiritual. But that diagnosis forced me to reevaluate everything. It hit me that life is short, unpredictable, and far too precious to spend holding back.
Instead of waiting for the “right” time or letting fear take over, I dove headfirst into creating music. I started writing songs that were raw and honest, reflecting the intensity of what I was going through. I reached out to collaborators and poured myself into building the foundation of a band that would mean something—not just to me but hopefully to anyone who connected with the music. Every step felt like a gamble. There were days I didn’t feel well enough to play or even think clearly, but I kept pushing forward.
In hindsight, it was one of the most pivotal decisions of my life. Starting the band during such a dark and uncertain time gave me purpose when I could have easily been swallowed by fear. It forced me to channel every ounce of energy into something that would outlive my struggles. The risk paid off—not just in terms of creating The Kyle Jordan Project, but in how it gave me a reason to fight. It reminded me that music isn’t just about the notes or the words; it’s about survival, connection, and turning pain into something beautiful.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
We’re The Kyle Jordan Project, a modern rock band delivering fearless, raw, and connected music. Our sound is anthemic and emotional, blending big guitars, soaring vocals, and lyrics that dig deep into the human experience. We met online, but choose Victoria, B.C., as our home base (but we are spread out across many, many, miles). We organize things well for tours as that involves airplane tickets and visas. Our music and message reach far beyond our home base.
The story of how we got here is a wild one. About three years ago, I (Kyle) was diagnosed with a brain tumor—a life-changing moment that forced me to slow down and reevaluate everything. During my recovery, I turned to songwriting as my creative outlet. But I craved collaboration, so I went online to find others who shared my passion. That’s when I met Greg Van Kerkhof, a talented studio musician with a progressive metal background. Greg introduced me to Erick Gerber, his Red Helen bandmate and an incredible guitarist and synth player. The three of us clicked instantly, and The Kyle Jordan Project was born.
What makes us stand out is our versatility and storytelling. Our music is a blend of influences—Imagine Dragons, The Glorious Sons, Led Zeppelin, Kendrick Lamar, and more—which gives each song its own unique identity. We love diving into character-driven narratives, writing about unlikely heroes, anti-heroes, and the complexities of human emotion. There’s also a fearless honesty in our music, whether we’re tackling personal struggles, like in our single Demons, or celebrating resilience and connection.
Aside from creating music, we offer virtual recording, production, and songwriting services for other artists. We thrive on collaboration and helping others bring their visions to life.
We’re incredibly proud of our single Demons, which has stayed on the World Wide Rock Charts for eight weeks already, peaking at #7 alongside legends like Foo Fighters and Linkin Park. It’s a testament to the impact of our music and the connection we’ve built with fans around the world.
What we want people to know is that The Kyle Jordan Project is about more than just music—it’s about real stories, human connection, and embracing the ups and downs of life. We’re constantly writing, recording, and planning big things for the future, including a tour in 2026. Whether you’re a fan of rock, storytelling, or just something real, we’re here to bring it to you. Let’s connect!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Society can best support artists, creatives, and a thriving creative ecosystem by recognizing the immense value they bring to our lives—emotionally, culturally, and economically. This begins with investing in the arts through grants, public funding, and accessible platforms that allow artists to showcase their work without financial barriers. Fair compensation should be a standard, ensuring creatives are valued for their contributions. Education and mentorship programs can nurture the next generation of talent, while fostering collaboration through collectives, festivals, and co-working spaces encourages innovation. Protecting intellectual property is crucial in ensuring artists aren’t exploited, and amplifying local talent through community events and media exposure helps creatives gain recognition. On an individual level, attending concerts, purchasing art, and sharing creative work online can make a significant impact. Integrating art into public spaces and daily life normalizes creativity and inspires others. Finally, advocating for mental health and work-life balance creates an environment where artists can thrive without the constant pressure to hustle for survival. By prioritizing these efforts, society can build a vibrant and sustainable creative ecosystem.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Absolutely. One of the most defining moments of my journey happened this past year. In May 2024, my brain tumor hemorrhaged, and I nearly lost my life. I underwent emergency brain surgery, and I’m incredibly grateful to say that as of today, I am tumor-free. The recovery has been immense—physically, emotionally, and mentally—but it’s also been a journey of growth and resilience. The day that I was released from the Hospital, my Mother-in-law passed away. Two months later, both my Step-dad and Father-in law were put on life support and barely pulled through. So, it was a very tough year.
A standout moment for me was releasing Demons, a song that symbolizes this journey. Seeing it resonate with listeners worldwide and climb to #7 on the World Wide Rock Charts felt like a testament to how far I’ve come. This year has been one of survival and transformation, and I hope my story—and our music—can inspire others to find their own strength in the face of adversity.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kylejordanproject.com
- Instagram: @kylejordanproject
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552070858891
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBmlMB1GqLIxZ0kSDFgSPjQ
