Meet Jordan Whitlock | Artist, Songwriter, and Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jordan Whitlock and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jordan, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
In short, I chose to pursue music because there really is no other way for me. I grew up in a musical family in the church, my dad was a music director whether it was in college or church, and my mom also sang in the band. For as long as I can remember, we were singing. My parents swear I was singing before I could talk, so with that upbringing, I started writing music when I was about 10; performing in musicals and eventually recording and releasing my own work. After high school, I I tried going the college route because it was normal and what I had always imagined, but as I was juggling school, friends, and driving to LA consistently to record and write with people, being in college just didn’t feel like MY decision. I eventually ended up realizing that I really wanted to pursue a career in music. I always had this crazy belief that I truly can make it work if I set my mind to it. I remember one day, just sitting in my living room writing a song on the keyboard, fully in tears as I realized how much I truly did want this. That was the final moment that helped me decide to dive in and start actually trying to make it happen. I want to pursue this career because I believe I can. I don’t see myself being content any other way at this point in time, and I don’t want to look back at my life wishing I had just given it a fair shot. So that’s what I’m doing now – giving it my fair shot.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love the writing and recording process the most, especially arranging and layering intricate vocal harmonies. I think what sets me apart in some way is the fact that I typically produce, write, record, engineer, do the artwork, and market most of my work on my own. The music industry doesn’t have as much female representation for producers and engineers, so I find that people are typically surprised when they hear that I produce for myself. It was a journey getting to this point though, and there is still SO much to learn. When I first started, I produced with friends and spent a lot of time looking for the right producer to work with because I had just assumed that I was supposed to have someone else come in and ‘save’ my songs, probably a man because of what I had previously seen in the industry. After a while of feeling like I couldn’t find someone that could fully create the vision I was looking for, I decided I’d trust myself and believe that I had the skills to do this just the same as other producers.

It’s been difficult along the way. After my first offer for a record deal fell through as covid began, I was worried I had lost my one chance – my one big break into the industry. Soon after, I came to terms with the fact that I was truly on my own and that I was going to have to work from the ground up to fight my way into the industry. In the years to follow, I would find myself slowly making connections with other great producers and writers in the industry, which encouraged me to keep going.

It’s been a very slow process for me – sometimes if happens overnight for people, but it’s been a slow and steady growth over the past few years. Slowly gaining experience, skills, and connections. I’ve learned to just keep going and to not stress as much about not being where you thought you would be. I always hear people advising musicians to “enjoy the journey” rather than expecting to finally be happy when you “make it” and I agree. If you can get to a point where you are doing that and trusting that the work you are putting in now will eventually get you a step further, or bring you a new connection or a new skill, then you’ll be more at peace.

If you are an artist and you feel it in your bones that you are meant to go after this crazy lifestyle, it’s worth it to try. You will absolutely feel insane believing that you can do it, but if you truly feel it and are okay with seeming insane – being in a different place in life than your peers, and struggling through it, then its worth it.
(but we’ll see what I say in 15 years)

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If they’re visiting in the summer, we’re definitely spending a good amount of time at sunset cliffs or Windansea in La Jolla. I grew up in Ocean Beach, so I love those small cliffy beach spots. We’d probably go to OB Brewery or Wonderland at some point to sit up on the roof and overlook the ocean. I’d take them to walk around in Hillcrest and North Park – we’d stop at Kindred for vegan dinner and drinks one night… Maybe we’d walk along the harbor and eat at Catch. I feel like people visiting always want to see the ocean, so I’m thinking of all the scenic spots where you can sit right on the water. I love camping and hiking and can be a pretty independent and private person, so I often drive out east to get out of the city to clear my head and write. So maybe we’d drive to the mountains in Julian for a day – take them on a hike and grab a pizza in town at Julian Beer co.
Overall, I’d probably just show them around all the little spots that have become my usuals over the years, but I grew up here and owe my allegiance to this place and must maintain some secrecy, so I can’t give away too much more 🙂

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Thanks to my family for believing in me and encouraging me to follow my dreams. They have always been my biggest fans, and that has truly helped me to dream big and believe in myself.

Website: https://www.jordanwhitlock.net/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jordanwww/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jordanwhitlockmusic

Youtube: https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCsKgHV4SZrqcL55Lep9jzPg

Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2hfjbY3nRSsfIVyOG5j3Eg Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jordan-whitlock/1549143429