A Chat with Jordan Stephens
Intro by Lily Carr-Gomm // Q&A by Hayden Kays // Photos by Eva Pentel
Jordan Stephens has got that thing… that thing that artists try to paint and writers try to recount. That thing which is impossible to be learnt or taught, something you’re simply shot out of the womb with. You feel it as he walks into the room, he’s like an energy magnet yet without that egocentric side symptom of ‘superstardom’.
He’s done the transition from young shiny pop star to multi-faceted artist incredibly well. None of that ‘I never liked Rizzle Kicks anyway and was forced to be something I’m not’ attitude that is so overdone… Instead he’s been busy dipping fingers in many pies and toes in lots of ponds; from acting in killer TV series, multiple lovely short films and Hollywood blockbusters to speaking openly and honestly about mental health struggles and fronting the mental health awareness campaign #IAMWHOLE. Now coming back to music after releasing bits throughout the years under different aliases (Al, the Native and Wildhood) Jordan kicked off 2021 with his energy-fuelled single, Wicked, followed by Star which focuses on our desire to be seen and loved & has just released our favourite yet, Shake!
Jordan sat down with the wonderful artist, Hayden Kays and talked about languages, bodies of water and our current education system. Have a read…
What is your full name? I’ve googled it, but sometimes people have sneaky middle names.
Jordan F Stephens. I do have a sneaky middle name. I’m not saying what it is though I’ll let subjective imaginations deal with that.
You’re an aquarius, do star signs have any meaning to you?
Yes, I very much believe in the power of the cosmos and its ability to shape our futures. Our everyday interpretations of ancient knowledge is up for debate though.
If you were a shape, what shape do you currently feel like?
Curly Wurly.
Do you speak any other languages?
A little bit of french and northern sarcasm.
I read something years ago that creative people, particularly musicians often have a knack for them.
Yeah, maybe. Wouldn’t mind learning Brazilian Portuguese.
Do you consider yourself an honest person?
Generally and impulsively, yes.
Favourite place you’ve visited on your travels?
I couldn’t possibly answer that with certainty, however there’s a cafe in Budapest called Freya that sells boutique croissants and it’s fucking wild. There’s a pistachio one that’s mind blowing. Also Ibiza.
You’re a stylish guy, do you harbour any sartorial project ambitions?
Yes I want to create the male equivalent of Victoria’s Secret.
Tell me something you really like?
Sunlight through a canopy.
Now something you really loathe?
City air.
Where have you worked in the past?
I’ve worked in the fast food kitchen at Coral’s greyhound stadium.
Where do you prefer to work most now?
Staring into the fucking ocean.
Ask yourself a question and answer it.
Jordan - do you think our current educational system is up to scratch?
No I don’t at all. It’s outdated and unwanted. I really believe it needs to head in a more holistic direction as soon as possible. More understanding of our bodies. The strengthening of our minds and spirit.