Welcome to BuzzMusic Jordan Smith! You have a major in Music Business with a Production Emphasis from Belmont University. With everything you’ve experienced and have learned, what advice would you give someone just starting out in the music business?
Thank you so much! I am so happy I get to talk with you all again! A piece of advice I would give to someone just starting out in the music business would be to try everything! The music industry, as a whole, requires teamwork to be successful; each aspect of the industry requires professionals with different skillsets. Don’t be afraid to dip your toes in the water!
Nashville has a massive country music scene! In which ways have you been inspired by your environment and culture? What has been the most monumental moment of your growth as an artist since moving to Nashville in 2016?
I can’t even begin to express how cool it is to live in a city that revolves around music. It’s an experience like no other! What I’m inspired by most about this environment is that people don’t seem to be afraid of self-expression. I’m an aspiring artist/businessperson surrounded by others who have similar aspirations, which would make someone think there’s lots of competition in the music scene. Although that may be true, there is also a huge amount of collaboration and support amongst those in the industry, and that kind of culture
Let’s talk about your new single “If Only”. What does this song mean to you?
This song really feels like a pivotal one when it comes to my music style. It has quite a few meanings actually; I have always been really insecure about my outward appearance, so “If Only” is partially about how I wish to see myself in the ways that the guy I wrote the song about sees me. At the same time, though, the tables turn a bit in the middle of the song, and I express how I love what he may be insecure about and how I appreciate the way he reminds me of my true worth.
You have been leading worship for four years now at Rolling Hills Community Church in Nashville. What’s that like? Do you take any influence from this aspect of your life and apply it to your creative approach when writing music?
Oh, I LOVE it! I’ve been leading worship at my hometown church (in Pittsburgh, PA) and in Nashville collectively for eight years, and I absolutely love it. I am so blessed to have two outlets where I can not only share my passion for music, but I can simultaneously bring people closer to God through the gift of music. There is NOTHING like seeing a room filled with people just singing with no boundaries. They’re just simply worshipping together. It’s absolutely beautiful. I love the worship teams too, of course! The worship team is like family to me, and I love worshipping alongside them each Sunday morning. Regarding the “influence” part of these questions... OH yeah. Definitely. I’m not afraid to live out my faith in my day to day life, and I often just let it breathe through my music. There are quite a few songs that I’ve released in the past where there clearly lyrics that hint at my faith, and I feel like it’s super important for artists, no matter what they believe or value, to stand their grounds and to be unapologetically themselves.
What can we expect to see next from you throughout 2020?
New things are coming! I’m so excited! I just recently announced that I’m coming out with a new single called “Crazy,” and it will be available everywhere on March 20th! This is one of the most personal songs I’ve ever written, and I can’t wait for everyone to listen! An EP may or may not be in the works as well... stay tuned!
Listen to "If Only" here.