We Talk Current Events and New Music with Jordan Occasionally
Cover photo from Shoutout Atlanta
Name: Jordan
Pronouns: she/her
Age: 21
Zodiac: Libra
OFF THE RECORD: First, how are you? How has self-isolation been treating you thus far?
JORDAN OCCASIONALLY: I’ve enjoyed self-isolation. I’ve made a cute little routine that works for me. In the morning I drink a latte, then I start doing some stuff around my apartment. At night I’ll make myself enough dinner to feed a family. I haven’t been able to leave the kitchen or the couch for that matter unless I’m walking around in a park and effectively socially distancing near some plants.
OTR: Let’s talk about your first project, 1998. What was it like making it and having it out in the world? Were you nervous to finally have a full project out?
JO: I was so nervous to finally release something on Spotify and Apple Music. It felt surreal to have music out on the same platforms as artists that inspire me. Making 1998 taught me a lot about myself and my city. I shed a light on what police brutality is like through the lens of a black queer woman, and I got to speak on gentrification happening in the city. As a black, bisexual woman, who doesn’t see herself much in music, I felt that I had to create a narrative that fit my story. That is why I never used pronouns in my music when I had songs about love.
OTR: One song that we think is really relevant right now is “Don’t Shoot”, and with everything that is happening in Minneapolis right now, do you have anything you want to tell readers regarding this song and it’s message?
JO: Certainly. I’ve gotten a few messages throughout the day from people who have used my music to empathize with protesters on the street. When I made “Don’t Shoot” at 17 years old, I was anxious every single day. I’ve seen black people die since I was 14 years old. I have been in the backseat of my father’s car while he has been pulled over, watching him be questioned out of fear that he would have said his last sentence since I was 9 years old. My single father had to teach me what it meant to be black while also trying his best to raise a knuckleheaded black-girl on his own in the South. “How to deal with police brutality” has become an unspoken rule in the black community. It should not be easier to arrest protesters than it is to arrest cops. Our system needs reform. And “Don’t Shoot” is one of those songs that will tell you why.
OTR: Moving on to your new music! What can you tell us about your new song coming out on June fifth? Is it different from the music you’ve made previously?
JO: I hope my new song, “Hate 2 Admit It” will show my growth as an artist. I love 1998, but there are some things I wish I did better musically. I want people that listen to me to feel like they hear something new from me every time, and “Hate 2 Admit It” will be that. It’s a neo-soul song with a funky bassline, which is all I really listen to these days.
OTR: What has it been like filming the video for your song? Where did you get inspiration from?
JO: Filming the music video was so much fun. I invited my best friends that grew up with me in Memphis to be extras in the music video, so I’m actually shocked that we got anything done! My partner and producer behind the track, @inoahcreation, is also playing my co-lead. He helped me film the entire thing while I directed everyone on what to do and where to go. I watch Netflix shows all the time, and I like my music videos to feel like one! I was super inspired by the TV Show Insecure when I created the lyrics and music video!
OTR: If you had three words to describe the Jordan Occasionally sound, what would they be?
JO: Neo-soul, mellow, passionate.
OTR: Has Memphis impacted your sound as an artist? If so, how?
JO: Memphis has my heart, and it has always inspired my sound and language in my music. Memphis is very close to the bible belt. Growing up here, I knew I was bisexual at a young age, but my surroundings often made me afraid to express that. Moreover, I’ve experienced racism early on in my life until now. I’ve often only been able to express my emotions with my close friends and with music. I create music through that lens so that other queer folks, especially black queer folks, in Memphis and all over the world will feel empowered to love themselves and be true to who they are.
OTR: What can we expect from Jordan Occasionally in the future?
JO: OMG! AN ALBUM! A visual album! Expect it because it’s coming.
OTR: Moving on to some non-music related questions. What would you say your favorite color is?
JO: A year ago I would have told you mustard yellow. But IDK.. all the colors are so beautiful. Lately I’ve been leaning towards green (in all its shades).
OTR: What are you looking forward to most after the self-isolation period is over?
JO: I’m ready to get in the studio and record the rest of this album. Everyday I’m reminded that I can’t stop creating. The pressures of this world are written into the music.
OTR: What are your thoughts on the TV show Friends?
JO: Friends? I don’t know her. Living Single is my jam though.
OTR: If you had a TV show, what would it be called, and what would the theme song be?
JO: Probably Jordan Occasionally Lives Life, and it would be a reality show that follows my friends and I around. Kind of like Real Housewives of Atlanta but with me as the star because I’m extra on my own.
OTR: Lastly, anything you want to let the Off the Record readers know?
JO: I want to let you all know that you’re never too young or old to be an ally and to challenge yourself on the biases you may have learned. It’s okay to ask questions. It’s okay to do your own research. And it is okay to apologize. We have to normalize making mistakes and being forgiven for them. Love the person next to you, no matter what. The world is bigger than you.
Thanks again, Jordan Occasionally, for chatting with us! Make sure to check out her Spotify below!