PREMIERE: Jords - Swings & Roundabouts (EP) + 10 Questions
Photo Credit: Emily Jemal
Jords has today released his first new material of 2022, the ‘Swings and Roundabouts’ EP via Motown Records UK. The lead track from the EP is ‘Childish’, a boisterous slice of hip-hop bravado which finds Jords celebrating his art form.
“Childish is just me getting back into my rap bag and finding the fun in being real” Jords explains.
The playful display of ego on ‘Childish’ actually feeds into the overall theme of the ‘Swing and Roundabouts’ EP, 4 tracks which come together to form an exploration of the ying/yang of the human personality. “[The EP] is the ongoing battle we have with our ego vs our spirit, sometimes we operate from a place of ego without the foundation of spirit.”
2021 was a fantastic year for Jords. He recorded an epic freestyle which aired on BBC3’s Tonight With Target, as well as teaming up with Izzy Bizu and notorious grime legend D Double E for his single ‘Old School Flex’, which transported listeners back to the early 2000s with its powerful garage beat. He was included in the ‘BBC 1Xtra Hot for 2022’ list and the list of the most sought-after producers to work with this year. Plus, in a first for tastemaker platform COLORS, he recorded a unique medley of tracks from his acclaimed ‘Almost An Adult’ mixtape as part of their Encore series.
His ability to captivate an audience with his impressive wordplay has seen Jords collaborate with many acclaimed artists including Masego, Kadiata and Kida Kudz, both as performer and producer, steadily building a portfolio of compelling music with a deeper message. He’s gained support from Annie Mac, DJ Target, Mistajam, Dotty, as well as receiving widespread praise from many more.
Jords also launched Pickni Uniforms alongside his childhood friend Jamahl Rowl, an initiative which offers hundreds of secondary school children on free school meals a free school blazer – just one example of the many ways Jords recognises and gives back to the city that raised him. He was recently interviewed by GUAP magazine about it where he spoke passionately about the project. “We were shocked by the prices of uniforms, and also the news that parents were queuing for up to 5 hours to buy a blazer. After seeing what Marcus Rashford managed to accomplish with the free school meals campaign, we were compelled to do our bit to help out.”
Jords 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?
You know what, I couldn’t tell you that. Music existed in me before I knew I existed. I feel like it’s just embedded in me, from my parents, family, environment.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
A big influence has been Wretch. Also the OG’s, Ghetts, Kanye, Lauryn Hill, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson and recently Little Simz as well. Collaborating wise, I just want to keep working with people who expand my mind and make me rethink my perspective.
3. Can you tell us about ‘Swings & Roundabouts EP’ and the story behind it? And what other projects you are working on?
It’s about the constant battle between spirit and ego. I think there’s a balance that can be struck between the two, and this is the soundtrack to it. And I’m deep in album mode man, it’s sounding beautiful. This is more like a taste of what’s to come.
4. How would you describe your sound?
I wouldn’t.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I spent a week in the studio out of ends, completely analogue studio, locking in and working on the album, with some of my idols too, especially wretch. That would be my proudest moment.
Photo Credit: Emily Jemal
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Hmmm… I would say.. Find your voice before you speak.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Kota the friend has a song called for troubled boys which has blown my mind. I love listening to Lila Aike, big fan of Moko also. And a dancehall artist called Zerimar.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
The new Kendrick. GOAT album. Blade Brown & K Traps joint project is strong. Masicka’s latest album too. And Tiana Major, back at sixes and sevens.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I play a lot of sports. I listen to a lot of music, and I link the mandem a lot.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
My notepad , coconut peanuts, andddd let’s call it inspirational herbs.