Geo Jordan - 10 Questions + Better (Official Video)
Geo Jordan’s talents are as expansive as they are impressive. Once producer and guitarist in acclaimed UK band The Hics, he recently played keys for Rina Sawayama’s NPR Tiny Desk, has produced for and played with BRIT winner Lianne La Havas, has been MD of live shows for Jorja Smith and JGrrey, as well as working with the likes of Ego Ella May, Sasha Keable and Oscar Jerome.
He is now gearing towards the release of his brilliant EP ’Technicolour’ later this year, a self-produced project that explores his quest for self and his journey as a Trans artist.
Geo sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:
1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?
It all started when I was tiny really. I grew up with a very musical family who started taking me to Piano lessons when I was five years old. I’d play keys along to Surf's cover tapes, and tag along to rehearsals and studios with my parents. I got the bug from then really, I absolutely loved it! Music became a priority focus for my education too, I was an attendee of Pimlico School, which at the time had a Music Course that birthed some other great artists like Cosima, Nilufer Yanya & Kadiata. We we’re all there around the same time. I did summer camps like Kinetic bloco, and then went on to study a Jazz Degree in Drums, having music education played a big role for me for sure. It allowed me to explore the social aspects of music making and really hone my skills across multiple instruments.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
I’ve been really into some very electronic music recently. Artists like Little Dragon, Machinedrum, Jimmy Edgar and Geotheory have been on heavy rotation. I have a soft spot for psychedelic, and guitar driven music too. I would love to work with Nick Hakim, Tame Impala or Khruangbin who I think are kind of in that world. To be totally honest though, I pretty much listen to all genres, so would be up for a Queens Of The Stone Age collab if the opportunity came to haha.
3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the coronavirus pandemic?
The main difficulty has been arranging collaboration, as we’ve all been subjected to some form of quarantine or isolation. I’ve been trying to put together a bunch of collaborations to follow up from my new EP, as well as finishing a lot of productions and writing for other artists. It's been a lot of Zoom sessions, Facetimes and WeTransfer links… But none of that will ever be as good as just getting in the room with someone. I’m happy things are opening up a bit.
4. How would you describe your sound?
Soulful, Alternative, Electronic music with Influences of Indie, Pop and a salt bae pinch of Wobble. (Lol)
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I have to say, it was probably my first ever release as a solo artist. It was a song called “You Should Know”. The song was unexpectedly well received for my first indie release. I went solo after leaving a band I was in for years. It was very refreshing but also super scary to be out there on my own doing the damn thing. It’s been a very long and interesting journey of self-discovery since then, but I'm glad I took the step out and kept creating.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
I have a few tips haha. Don’t give up, ever… Even when you're facing a lot of "no's", rejection and the odds seem against you. Try and surround yourself with positive, driven people who inspire you, but you can also be open with. Don’t beat yourself up for taking time out or having a break. And lastly, be communicative! Most situations positive or negative can be resolved very easily with good coms, let people know how you feel and where things are at.
7. Are there any artists on your radar at the moment that we should check out?
I’m pretty blessed that most of my friends are all incredible artists and musicians. Keep your ears out for Laura Roy, Ruby Francis, Talulah Ruby, Piers James… I’ve also been really enjoying the music of VC Pines, Oscar Jerome, Farr, Monopalyss (Alyss & Monopoly) and anything live/content wise from the Rcrdshop collective.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
I’ve been listening to Theory Voyages by Geotheory, Heaux Tales by Jazmine Sulivan, Oncle Jazz by Men I trust, Zoospa by J-E-T-S (Jimmy Edgar & Machinedrum), Fetch the Bolt Cutters by Fiona Apple & The Slow Rush by Tame Impala a LOT! haha
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I like to go Cycling, skateboarding and Bouldering (Rock Climbing) a lot. I went for a climb a few weeks ago after not climbing for ages because of the pandemic and I wasn't anywhere near as good… back to square one again haha. I also tried some watercolour painting, but I quickly realised that wasn’t my calling…
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
My Teenage Engineering OP-1, It's just so good and so versatile, I can get inspiration in a matter of minutes with the device.
Guitars… Bass or six string, my music uses a lot of guitar riffs, chords and melodies, hard to replicate without the real thing, VST guitars just don’t cut it.
Slippers, when in the studio, you need to be comfortable, I practically live in my slippers as it would seem I don’t leave the studio now-a-days