Jordan Dennis - Interview & Elon Must (Official Video)
Today [6th November], Australia’s hip-hop wunderkid Jordan Dennis drops new single ‘Elon Must’ alongside his highly awaited genre-defying EP HDMI2. His fourth single of 2020, ‘Elon Must’ sees Jordan team up again with long-time collaborator, the Melbourne based JUJO, pairing infectious beats with fast-flowing vox, poking fun at the unpredictable, eccentric world of Elon Musk. An uplifting offering for uncertain times, ‘Elon Must’ drops with a cartoonish video, and sits alongside nine other incredible tracks on the incredible HDMI2 EP. His first EP of 2020 and the follow up to his 2019 debut HDMI1, HDM12 lands on his eponymous label imprint with The Orchard and The Operatives, Jordan Dennis Records.
Elon Must’ is a trip into Jordan’s world. Much like Jordan himself, this killer track and video doesn’t take itself too seriously, instead offering a deep dive into his animated ideas, creative influences and desire explore new possibilities, however bizarre they might first seem.
We Sat down with Jordan to chat about his music.
So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
I think it was always there for me I just never considered myself good enough at or used to think it was such an unattainable thing until I started getting encouragement from my closest people to pursue it in 2016.
Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
My main influences over the past few years have come from Kendrick, J Cole, 3 stacks, MF DOOM, JID, smino and Mick Jenkins just to name a few. All of whom are artists I would love to collaborate with
Your new EP is about to drop and we here at Wordplay can't wait but what were some of the struggles you have faced, making this during Covid 19?
The main struggles I felt in trying to make this project was coordinating everything outside of the writing and recording. Most of the tracks were complete prior to lockdown but finishing off a few new ones and making sure all other facets were ready for release was a bit of a challenge given the shortened time frame but I'm blessed to have the people around me helping bring it all together.
How would you describe the sound of HDMI2?
I would describe this project as an amalgamation of the new wave variety. Each song is meant to stand strong on its own whilst building for the next.
What’s your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
My proudest moment so far would have to be an unreleased project I wrote this year as a collaboration with JUJO beats. Stay ready for our album FLYBOY JACK.
Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
My advice is to just start. If you're thinking about it don't waste time wondering how you're gonna build or how long it's gonna take. Find people you love/share love in any given craft and go forward with your tribe.
Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
Best be sure to check out my family ThatKid Maz, Denzel M, Yung Shogun, JUJO beats, Tentendo, blushko, Emmanuel Cancino.
What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I’ve been listening to all of Brent Faiyaz's stuff lately and checked out reasons new project but honestly just been keeping quiet in my own space. Not absorbing too much music at the moment.
What do you like to do when your not making music?
When I'm not making music I'm mostly just kicking back with my friends and trying to find other ways to create. I love sketching/designing shoes, clothes, characters, sculpting or painting and playing basketball.
Name three things you can't live without when you're in the studio?
I don't really need much haha. Just give me my brothers to work with, a mic and some speakers. I promise we'll make something out of nothing.
Words - Ed Lindsay