The artist and HBCU graduate has deep roots in musical expression.
Jordan Tyler exists at the intersection of expression explorations and medium selections that allow him to showcase his artistry with control and quiet bravura.
The multi-hyphenate artist released his debut EP, Terms and Conditions, on June 9th as an auditory telling of his journey into young adulthood. He explores what that trek looked like for him in the midst of a global pandemic and the unique perspectives that experience yielded for him.
Thalia of The Disco sat with Jordan on a warm summer morning at Bravo Ocean Studios in Atlanta, GA to discuss the process behind the EP, the power of supportive community, and how he incorporates thoughtfulness into his artistic practice.
Below is an excerpt from the conversation. Watch the full interview or stream it on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Soundcloud.
Thalia: Why Terms and Conditions? Why June 9th? Why now? Tell me more about that.
Jordan: I feel it's so many things, and it's funny how timing really plays a role in all of this. But I mean, all of the songs that I worked on, on the project are things that I've thought about for at least the past maybe four or five years. I feel it explores everything I've been through since entering a new phase of life called adulthood.
Thalia: Whatever that means (laughs).
Jordan: Yeah. And even the date, June 9th, after I released it, I realized that it dropped the same day as Control by SZA, who's one of my favorite artists of all time. And I thought it was really one of those synchronicities, you know, when something happens when it's supposed to because June 9th wasn't even the original date, but it all happened when it was supposed to happen.
Thalia: A lot of what we've been exploring on The Disco is about thoughtfulness and how being thoughtful can impact the life you live. What role did thoughtfulness play in terms and conditions?
Jordan: I would say, really, thoughtfulness had everything to do with this project. I knew that I didn't want to put out anything, and there were a lot of times where you could say I was overthinking in terms of the writing process and the recording process. But I think it's one of those things where I know what it is that I'm listening for. So when I hear it, that's when I'll know, okay, this is what, that's what it is right there. So I just have to keep searching until I find the thing. And I think that's important. I'm really big on being intentional, and it was important to me to do everything with intention in this whole process.
Thalia: What specifically about SZA's music is really talking to you?
Jordan: I think when it comes to SZA, it's her cadences. When I first listened to Control, it almost threw me off because she was singing but in this kind of hip-hop, rapping cadences that weren't predictable.
And I wanted that element in my music, nothing that was easy in the sense that you could tell what was coming next. I wanted to keep people interested and find a lot of different pockets. In terms of melodies, people like Drake, who I've listened to since day one, always had a good ear for melodies, and I try to incorporate that into my music as well.
Thalia: Interesting. That's a very, very interesting thing. Another big theme that's been on The Disco recently is community. Can you tell me more about what role community played in this particular project and in your life as an artist and a person? What does that look like for you?
Jordan: Yeah. I think, I mean, this is an idea I've had in my head for so long, and there's no way I would have been able to do this without having a team of people around me to encourage me and teach me. That really started when I found Bravo Ocean Studios. Just working here, I've been able to learn so much, and that community has meant everything to me. It's been the foundation of my entire career. I owe everything to everybody here. So yeah, community is really big for me.
Thalia: Beautiful. For folks, not necessarily musical artists, but just artists in general, creatives, whoever, if they're trying to build their own community, find the right people to be creative with and get feedback from, what advice would you have for them in terms of getting in touch with the right people, finding the right people for them?
Jordan: Yeah. Honestly, I would say it all starts with you. I've definitely been in situations where you feel like you want more connection with people, you want to find that community. But it's one thing to talk about being creative and talking about your plans, and it's another thing to take the action to get there.
So I think the first step is to start small and actually make things. Don't underestimate the people you already have now. Investigate your relationships and see what's there because most people have someone that can help you out.
Thalia: I see. I think a part of that is asking people who are already in the community for help, in addition to meeting new people and opening yourself up to that. All that requires vulnerability. So what does that mean to you? How do you feel really tapped into becoming more vulnerable in this process of this project?
Jordan: That's a good question. To be an artist, you have to be vulnerable, and it's never really an easy thing. You just gotta create the space and give yourself permission to do that.
That's why community is so important because you need people you can trust. You gotta approach it with curiosity. It's easier said than done, but you owe it to yourself to double down on the things that make you, you, because that's the only way you're gonna stand out and bring something new to the table. Just be you.
Thalia: Period. So, there's somebody somewhere in the world with the best project they've ever made sitting on their computer, not uploading it, not letting people hear it or see it because perhaps they're afraid or nervous. If they're listening right now, what do you have to say to them to get it off their computer?
Jordan: I would say, when you're thinking about sharing your art, especially when you're first starting, think about it like you're sharing it with one person or the people you know. It doesn't have to feel like you're giving it away to billions of people. Make it for yourself first and foremost, and then let it go so you can move on to the next thing. Don't get so attached to any individual piece of work. You're more than just that one piece of art you create. You have so much more to say, so just try to reduce it a little bit in your mind.
Thalia: Lower the stakes. Yes. That is beautiful. Amazing. So, Terms and Conditions came out this summer, June 9th. What's next for Jordan Tyler? What can we expect to see? What's next that you can talk about?
Jordan: Definitely just always making more music, of course. I want to continue to expand as an artist. This is my first venture into doing this, and I want to start doing shows and performing, connecting with people in a real physical space. That's definitely what's up next.
Thalia: That's all my questions I have for you. Do you have any last words? Any last thoughts on your project, on who you are right now in this moment today? Any other words?
Jordan: Thank you, first and foremost, for doing this. It's definitely a dream come true. I'm excited for more people to hear the music and to connect with people on a real level. I'm interested in engaging in real dialogue with people and growing the community that I already have.
Thalia: Amazing. Well, thanks, Jordan, for this beautiful conversation. It was lovely to chat. Very excited for your project. Everybody go stream it, please. It's very, very good. And if you're interested in more about The Disco, it exists at w-2d.com. There's everything in there from Alvin Ailey reviews to mid-century murder mysteries and more podcasts about breakfast if that interests you. But thank you for being here, thank you for being part of this entire ecosystem of work and conversations.
Jordan: Thank you for having me.
Terms and Conditions is streaming everywhere you listen to music. Follow Jordan on Instagram @jvrdxn_tyler.
Thalia, 24, is leaning back into her interviewer/true journalist bag and is working to interview many more folks in the near future. She would also like to thank the following for their support and contributions to this piece: Asia Reese, Ameerah de Chabert, and Lilac Burrell.
Story by Thalia Monet'
Creative direction, video editing, and styling by Jordan Tyler
Story photos by Kymani Roach
Recorded by Juice God
Videography by Nick Chahwala
Recorded at Bravo Ocean Studios
