Jordan Michelle – It’s My Birthday (RIP To Me)

By starrymag | August 19, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Usually when asked this I go “hmm pop punk.” That could be an oversimplification, but I don’t know how else to respond to that. [laughs]

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Wow, so many. Definitely Paramore, Green Day, Gwen Stefani and Yellowcard are the first to come to mind. I was raised on the first wave of emo kids so that’s definitely where my heart is!

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “It’s My Birthday (RIP To Me).”

 

A) The idea started when I was like “what do I want to do for my 30th birthday?” And the answer was like, “Oh! Duh! Let’s have the most emo party ever for all my emo friends!” So, I decided to have a funeral for my twenties. With that, I always felt a birthday song was something I’d want to write, and I loved this concept of saying goodbye to who you used to be. So, I connected with Michael Bono, and he loved the concept and we ran with it.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) There are a few things. First – Michael Bono is a BRILLIANT producer. So, even if there were no lyrics, the production I think is so fun and really triggers a feeling. I think the lyrics are just relatable. I don’t know anyone who didn’t think their first heart break was the end of the world etc.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) I had a funeral for my twenties, like that was my actual birthday party. So, it tied in pretty perfectly. [smiles]

 

Q) What makes “It’s My Birthday (RIP To Me)” the perfect summer single?

 

A) Well, first, it’s a birthday song and birthdays are always a good excuse to turn up. Second, the message of the song is just like forget the past, fuck everything that we worried about that wasn’t worth it and let’s just get drunk and move it along! Summer is all about letting loose and enjoying life, so I hope people get to enjoy it.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I don’t necessarily. Typically, I will start with music and then do melodies and lyrics based off how the music feels. But sometimes lyrics will come to me out of the blue and I’ll write them down and bring them to life later.

 

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) All hands on deck! I am very hands on with my production.

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Definitely! How soon? Not sure, but soon!

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I have not done nearly enough shows! I performed recently at a really cool bar on the Jersey Shore, and it was so crowded and fun! I definitely like to bring the energy.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Modsun, Upsahl, Machine Gun Kelly, Miley Cyrus, Andrew Watt, Girlfriends, John Feldmann, Billie Joe Armstrong…Like, I could really go on and on and on.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) The last album I threw on was Mainstream Sellout. I definitely preferred Tickets to My Downfall, but I’m really inspired by MGK’s lyrics and I just think he kills it. Big fan!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) I think it’s cool to be able to interact. When I get messages that they dig my stuff or that it made them feel something, it drives me so much!  On the other side of the coin, it makes your favorite artists accessible and human. I think humanness is a really important part of it. Mostly, social media has been and incredible way to self-promote.

 

Q) We love your beauty line by Jordan Michelle. What are some trends in makeup you’re really into at the moment?

 

A) Thank you!! I’m pretty classic with my makeup and honestly don’t keep up with trends very well. [laughs] But I do love “Euphoria” style makeup. I love that the trends seem to be very self-expressive lately.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU. Every single stream means so much to me. I work so hard and put my entire heart and soul into this, so the fact that it resonates means everything to me!