Article URL:
http://www.forthesound.com/2009/09/unsig..ned-feature-striking
Alexis Paige
September 10, 2009
Singer -Songwriter Jordan Thompson is about to tip the balanced
scales of his former life and plunge into the world of celebrity
headfirst…. potentially. After hearing a few clips from his new
project, Striking Back, you are sure you have heard him before, on the
radio in your car, at the local coffee grinder, at your favorite shop
at the mall.
The sound is vaguely familiar, yet new.
With a new CD being recorded by award winning producer Jim Wirt in his
southern California studio this month, Thompson’s music is targeted to
hit the streets sometime this winter. It’s not a jump to say by summer
the cool kids will be pumping it in their hybrids.
Can you give us a brief breakdown of Striking back? The music, the creation, the sound?
In a lot of ways, Striking Back is the band I’ve always wanted to be
in—the music I’ve always wanted to make. That’s actually what the name
means (for me)—I’m “striking back” against all the elements of my life
that have prevented me from making music the way I want to make it. As
for the sound itself, I can only say that is the most honest music I’ve
written—because there are no hidden agendas or styles I’m trying to
satisfy.
What/Who are your influences?
Biggest influences are Michael Jackson, Bryan Adams, Silverchair, the Beatles, and Nirvana.
You are traveling to LA in September to record with the
producer Jim Wirt who is famous for recording Incubus, Live, Jack’s
Mannequin, and scores of others. Of all of the top producers that you
could have gone with, what made you chose Wirt over the others?
There are a lot of elements that led me to Jim. To start, they are
providing me with a condo on the beach in Santa Monica while I’m
recording. I am a little bit of a party animal, and I love meeting new
people. I’m pretty excited about making this whole thing an
“experience.”
In all seriousness, though, Jim has worked with some of my favorite
artists over the years—from Incubus to Jack’s Mannequin, and it just
feels like he has what it takes to make me realize the potential of
these songs. I’ve talked to many people that have worked with him—and
he has a fab reputation as a great and talented guy to work with. The
additional of Patrick Warren on arrangements is also a factor.
Right now, you comprise the entirety of Striking Back. Which instruments will you be playing on the album?
I’ll be singing, playing guitar, and playing piano on this record. I might try my hand at a little bit of Jew’s harp, as well.
How are you choosing other musicians to record on the new
album, and what qualifications do these artist have that made you
confident that they would give you the sound that you are looking for?
Honestly, I’m letting Jim and Patrick handle that part—I trust them completely.
What are the advantages of being a solo artist over being one part of a band?
Haha, less drama! I’ve always tried to act like I’m “all business”
about my music, but my love for my bandmates/friends always took over.
Every project I’ve been in has ended in a little bit of drama where
I’ve either kicked everyone out or everyone quit because I wasn’t
satisfied with the level of dedication or talent that was being brought
to the table. It gets dicey when these people are your friends. I’m
still good friends with most of the musicians I’ve worked with, but
there is an underlying bitterness that takes a long time to go away.
Plus, there’s only room for one ridiculously giant ego in my band—and I
reserve that spot for myself.
When the new album is complete you will be touring to
promote it? Will Striking Back then become a full band, or do you
intend to simply hire musicians to play shows with you?
Yes. (To the touring question.) My fantastic management agency is
working on touring elements as we speak. I’ll start by hiring
musicians, but the hope is to settle on a permanent band ASAP. Nothing
is better than jamming with musicians you are clicking with.
How will you go about choosing the musicians that will
accompany you when you do tour? Will you be holding auditions, or do
you already have specific artists in mind?
It will be a combination of things. I will hold auditions and put my
feelers out to see who is available and interested, but definitely have
friends and musicians that are available to play if I need them.
What is the new music about, the theme of the album?
The assortment of songs is written over a 10-year span—many of them
pop/rock songs that didn’t fit into previous projects (where we were
going for a certain sound). It’s kind of fun, because I wrote
“Hypnotized” when I was 14, “Restless” when I was 20, and “Dark Day
Afternoon” recently (and I’m 26). This first record is going to reveal
a lot about who I am and who I’ve been.
My songs are usually about one of these things:
1. A lingering feeling that I need music to express.
For example, “Restless” is all about my constant restlessness with life
and my constant need to be stimulated—and also a nagging
dissatisfaction with life.
2. A complicated life situation.
For example, “Dark Day Afternoon” is about the fact that I always try
so hard to be a “good person” and do the right thing, but sometimes I
feel like I’m just on a destructive path and I bring the people that I
love down with me.
3. Small experiences that define me.
For example, “Hypnotized” is about initial infatuations. When you meet
someone new who sweeps you off your feet a little bit (and I think
that’s possible to happen within seconds of meeting someone), it can be
one of the most elating feelings in life. Sadly, it usually doesn’t
last very long.
~Alexis Paige~