Evolution of Media August 2008 Review and Interview
“Jordan Carp’s third release ‘Spaceman’ is a confirmation as to why I continue to work within the music industry. He displays all the right ingredients that I remember studying as a child that made certain musicians great musicians. He’s a keen songwriter, and an imaginative musician and a strong inviting vocalist who will floor you throughout ‘Spaceman’.
It’s pretty obvious that Jordan is a student of legendary artists like The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Peter Gabriel. What sets him apart from the rest of the bands that use these same people as examples is that Jordan doesn’t mimic, he utilizes the essence of these artist and then elevates it to another level of musical excellence. Jordan has definitely done his homework.
The title track ‘Spaceman’ which is one of my favorite tracks – combines a dark melody that creates a dreamy landscape, with thought provoking lyrics and the perfect use of tone in his strong voice that completely pulls the song together in classic Floyd fashion. Once I got past listening to the title track over and over I began to discover other musical nuggets like ‘Lighting and Thunder’, ‘The Poet’ and ‘Walking at Night’. You will never get bored because every song is a completely different dish, which tastes delicious together.
What really impressed me most of all was how well ‘Spaceman’ was recorded and synchronized together. If you never saw any credits you would think that Jordan was affiliated with one of the 4 big majors. The recording is professionally executed, very clean sound, Kudos. I’m actually curious now to backtrack and listen to his previous two recordings to examine his musical and technical growth.
‘Spaceman’ will please music lovers who appreciate conceptual recordings that are interlaced with strong thought provoking lyrical content. “Spaceman” is indeed one of the most inspiring indie recordings of 2008. “
Written By: Maurice Edwards, Evolution of Media
Interview:
1) Weeks away from joining the army, you decided to take a different path and pursue music. What ultimately inspired you to follow your heart and take a chance in life?
I broke my foot and started playing guitar for 8 hours a day. Things started taking it’s course from there. I had been playing for a few years already but it was then that I really dove into it. I’d say I was in New Orleans at the right time
2) Your influences as a musician range from The Beatles to Cat Stevens, what one song or album do you wish you had written and why?
“Deacon Blues” by Stealy Dan. It ends “This is the night of the expanding man. I take one last drag as I approach the stand. I cried when I wrote this song, sue me if I play too long. This brother is free, I’ll be who I want to be.”
3) While living in New Orleans for four years, was there any particular experience or encounter which shaped your life and music?
I jumped out of an airplane at 14,000 feet and the next day decided I was going to do this. I started writing songs about the experience.
4) From your humble beginnings of performing in subway stations and coffeehouses, what words of advice can you offer to independent musicians trying to get their foot through the door?
I’d say to keep telling the truth with your songs no matter how awkward it feels. It’s that feeling of when something honest and great happens that keeps me going.
5) What can you tell us about your latest EP “Spaceman.” How would you describe your sound? Is there any track that has particular meaning to you?
“Far Superior Nose” is a very significant song for me. It’s about wine snobbery. I’ve never heard a song about wine snobbery, nor do I hear people talking about wine snobbery, but it sure is funny to think about. Thinking back to when I wrote it, I sent it to Josh (the producer of “spaceman”) as a joke. He thought it should go on the record and Josh said he’d do this on the condition that I don’t disagree with his production methods. I’ve been influenced by Josh in many ways since getting to know him, in particular, the way he sticks with his gut feeling and moves with it. From being around Josh I’ve learned invaluable music making lessons. People sometimes ask “how do you write a song?” (which I’m glad you didn’t). The question should be “when do you write a song?” because when you know it’s there, the song is going to produce itself and it’s different every time. I’m not saying I don’t work hard on my songs because I do. When the idea is there I live with it for however long it takes to come out in a way that I’m going to want to hear this over and over. It was a very special songwriter/producer collaboration and I had one of the best times in my life making this record. Unorthodox songs produced by someone who had a vision to bring out the quirkiness of them. That’s how I would describe the sound.
6) Although success can be years in the making, it often seems as though bands literally rise to fame over-night thanks to Myspace pages, Internet fan-clubs and downloadable music. What actually happens behind the scenes and what do you think is an aspiring musician’s most useful tool?
You know, I really don’t pay much attention to this stuff. I used to be the guy walking around at gigs or parties with a backpack full of sampler CD’s and fliers, but, who cares? Not caring is the most valuable tool. I’m not joking. You’re going to hear it in the music.
7) In 2005 you were commissioned to compose music for the documentary “Working Title” which received rave reviews. Since then, your tunes have been featured on “The Young and the Restless” and “The Dialogue Project.” What is the biggest difference, if any, between writing a song for a TV show versus a Jordan Carp album.
Actually my songs were licensed by the later two, but I composed music for “Working Title”. The biggest difference is you have another platform for the music – film. Also it can be liberating to make music without obsessing over what my song is about.
8) The music industry is constantly evolving; Ticket and record sales have been steadily declining, downloading music is becoming more popular and new genres are continuously surfacing. What are your thoughts on the current state of the industry and how it is affecting independent musicians?
It would make me very happy if I were offered a publishing deal that would allow me to focus 100% on my songs. It’s the goal that I set out for myself when I decided to do this but I’m not there. I teach guitar lessons and most of my teenage students wouldn’t have heard of any cool bands which made music before 2008 if it weren’t for guitar hero and rock band. But they don’t go back and listen to the original recordings. So they are close to getting it, but not quite. Even when the music is FREE they don’t go listen to it. What do you think about THAT? I know two people that don’t have to work day jobs and can focus on music. I’m on the Bob Lefsetz email list and read them on days when I feel like hearing about what’s going on. I had an industry veteran representing me for a year but he gave up upon completion of “spaceman”. It sure isn’t for everyone.
9) What is your mantra as an artist? Are there any particular words you live by?
I just read “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand and like to think of myself as a Howard Roark type. But I’m probably not. Sorry I’m suggesting you read an 800 page book to know what I’m talking about. It’s worth it.
10) What does the future have in store for Jordan Carp?
HA. I’m going to keep writing songs, playing them live with and sometimes without my band, and make another record. That’s what makes me happy… and miserable… but it makes me.
Link to original: evolution of media
