MEET : Jordan Nash
Based in West London, Jordan Nash’s dreamy soundscapes coupled with seductive lyrics are soon to be at the top of all of our playlists. Having released his debut track ‘Nightmares’ via The FADER in August, Nash has just announced his debut EP Sixty Four (out 3rd Nov) alongside a brand new single 'Hillside'. His ethereal sound has hints of both psychedelia and bedroom-pop, yet completely transforms these familiar elements into something new and exciting.
Speaking about his latest single, Jordan says "I wrote ‘Hillside’ to show spontaneity - it’s my take on rap. I reference almost everything I was experiencing at that moment in time, and a lot of the time I spent in my studio by myself wishing I was in the Hollywood Hills just soaking up the sun. I also wanted to play with the emotions of the song by writing about slightly sadder things and placing those lyrics over a beat that is way happier.” If his current releases are anything to go by, we can’t wait to see what Jordan’s full EP has in store for us. Without further adieu, let us introduce you to…Jordan Nash.
Hey Jordan, thanks so much for taking the time to chat to us! To start off with, could you please tell us a little bit about you– what you play, where you’re based and how you’d describe your songs to someone who’s never heard music before?
Of course I can! I'm Jordan Nash, I play guitar and sing / talk / rap and stuff too. I live in West London, and my music is best described like a crisp lemonade on a 27 degree summer day. I think anyway.
From the first chord, Nightmares draws us in – it’s such a beautiful, enticing song that keeps us on our toes for your upcoming EP. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt about song writing in your time?
There’s so much I'm constantly learning, I think the most important lesson is to just never take it too serious, what’s the point? I just have fun with it, make silly voices, do silly effects. It's all just a nice way to explain things from my perspective.
What’s the worst nightmare you've ever had?
I used to have a recurring dream. I would be waiting at the top of the block of flats I grew up in and looking over the edge of a wall… In the distance the BFG but kind of more Grim reaper style, would be walking towards me and then steal my teeth. No idea what that means for a 5 year old to be dreaming that. But hey, maybe it's normal?
Has this translated into any of your song writing?
I don’t think that specific nightmare is in any of my songs, but maybe.. I guess it's all in my head somewhere. But yes I do definitely get melodies in dreams quite often- it's actually quite annoying because I will be falling asleep and then have to get up and write a song at 2 am.
We’ve heard through the grapevine that you’re inspired by 60s/70s counterculture. Is there a specific source/sources that you keep going back to for inspiration/if not inspiration just pure enjoyment?
I'm always watching movies that are filmed in that time period, or at least based around it. I find songs easier to write alongside a visual more than other music. Otherwise I'm in the studio just fighting my brain's urge to directly copy something that already exists.
Though you’re influenced by this period, your music takes on a whole new life and reinvents psychedelia & dream pop. Is there a song writing mantra you live by?
I'm not sure I’ve ever really thought about it! I remember hearing a quote saying to "make sure to finish every song you start or the bad idea will be stuck in the front of your head.". I definitely butchered that, it was far more eloquent.
What’s the first song you learnt on guitar?
I'm pretty sure it was Smoke on the Water. Isn’t that like an unwritten rule?
And what’s the earliest memory of music you have?
I remember listening to my dad sing Your Song by Elton John when I was a kid, can’t help but tear up if it plays now.
What’s on the horizon for Jordan Nash?
I don’t even know where to begin! I hope the world and all it has to offer. But to start, I really just wanna keep giving everybody new music to listen to.
You’re on the Last Bus home from your own headline gig at your favourite venue. What’s the venue, what are you listening to and why?
This is a really cool question so I’m gonna take a minute to think…
Venue is gonna be Woodstock (I guess with a time machine) and now I’m on the bus headphones on and it's gonna have to be We Are The Champions by Queen, just seems right.