Singer-songwriter and dancer Jordi might just be releasing her debut – “Hate You,” out on November 18th – but listeners and social media users have already been introduced to her.
Jordi has gradually been seeing her profile rise through TikTok, where she now has 9.8 million followers. Her visibility on YouTube and Instagram aren’t too shabby, either, with 1.5 million and 812,000, respectively, watching the content she puts out.
From Myrtle Beach, the now 19-year-old singer started writing songs during her youth as she honed her skills as a dancer. She translated these two interests into a steady stream of online content that has since garnered a sizeable amount of attention.
“Hate You” exposes her vulnerabilities while highlighting her admiration of Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Rodrigo.
To flesh out the track, Jordi collaborated with songwriter Riley Biederer (Nessa Barrett, Echosmith) and Nate Cyphert (Carly Rae Jepson, Hayley Kiyoko, Keith Urban), while producers Rob Grimaldi (BTS, Noah Cyrus, BLACKPINK) and Leo Mellace (jxdn, Nessa Barrett) gave it a distinct yet understated pop vibe to frame themes of heartbreak.
With Jordi entering a new stage of her career, we had a chance to speak with her about this release:
You’re both a singer and dancer. Which did you get started with first?
I started dancing at the age of 5, and I basically grew up in the dance studio. I started doing dance competitions and performing constantly, and I instantly realized how much I loved being on stage.
I’ve always had a passion for anything creative and artistic, so as I got a little bit older and started singing all of the time, I got more serious about pursuing music!
I will definitely incorporate my love for both dance and music in future performances and videos
TikTok and social media in general have helped grow your fanbase. What has been your approach to creating content and connecting with fans?
I’m a pretty big goofball, so I definitely leaned into that side of me while making comedy content over the years.
I think I’ve been able to build such a special relationship with my fans by just being myself, and now that I’m sharing my music with them, I’ve received such an overwhelming amount of love and support!
You also started writing songs in your youth. What inspired you to start creating your own music?
When I started writing songs in middle school, it more so was just for fun — I mean, I was 12 trying to write about heartbreak that I had never felt, so they weren’t exactly the best songs in the world, but I did not let that stop me (although the videos on my iPad of me singing them will definitely haunt me forever).
As I got older, songwriting became a creative way to get my feelings out. And, there’s something so rewarding about finishing a song and knowing it fully represents my heart.
Right now, romance, heartbreak, and adventure are common themes in your music. What draws you to these themes?
Well, I’m a 19-year-old girl so I dramatize quite literally every aspect of my life! When I get my heart broken, it feels like the end of the world, and when I go to Taco Bell at 2AM, I turn it into a whole main character moment, so I like to do the same thing with my music!
I want people to feel something, whether that’s feeling that they aren’t the only one who has cried themselves to sleep or danced in front of the mirror in their room. I just want there to be a feeling that goes along with the lyrics and music.
Who inspires you, as a songwriter, singer, and content creator?
Adele’s raw emotion in her vocals is something that has always been so magical to me. I also adore Sabrina Carpenter’s playful lyrics.
Tell us about “Hate You”: What influenced you in writing this song?
I wrote “Hate You” about a really difficult heartbreak I went through. The song is about hating how even though someone you love hurt you, you still can’t bring yourself to hate them.
It’s such a frustrating feeling to have, because it’s always easier to move on when you can just say you hate the person. I hope that people can relate and scream it in their cars!
The song includes production from Rob Grimaldi and Leo Mellace. What ideas or vision did they bring to the track?
I think Rob and Leo did an amazing job at bringing my vision to life. The buildup throughout the song is something so special and so beautifully done.
With your career rapidly rising, what are your plans for the future? Are you thinking about a debut album yet?
I’ve been constantly writing and working on new music. I’m continuing to grow as an artist and the release of “Hate You” is a huge first step. More new music is not far away!!
Ivan Yaskey is a Philly-born EDM and synthpop enthusiast and interviewer who recently relocated to beautiful Boston, MA.