For our seventh CMB-ite Spotlight, we introduce to you singer/songwriter, Jordan Connell.
I (Nate) had the privilege of playing with Jordan at a Christmas gig a few years ago when we first met. Not only does he have quite the voice along with some amazing piano skills to go along with it, he’s also a great songwriter.
In this interview, Jordan talked about his story, his creative process, his upcoming album The Need & The Wanting, and a lot more.
Here we go!
CMB: How did you get started in music?
Jordan Connell: Music has been a big part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was given my first drum set when I was 3, and on my 16th birthday “instead of a car” I was given a piano. Getting that piano is what I consider the turning point for me, that was when I started writing. To this day, I’m blessed to still be writing on that piano.
CMB: What would be your top three musical influences?
Jordan Connell: Oh man, this is tough to narrow down… I would have to say Matt Thiessen from Relient K has influenced me lyrically, John Legend from a piano phrasing standpoint & Evan Wickham from a songwriting perspective.
CMB: What would be your general process for writing a song from start to finish?
Jordan Connell: For me, it usually begins with a melody or chord progression, the lyrics typically come afterwards. Once I have a solid melody, chord progression & lyrics, I move into the arranging process. This is the tricky part to me, I always find myself taking more time on the arrangement that it took me to actually write the song haha. After I find that “just right” arrangement, I record a demo & shoot it to my band.
CMB: Let’s talk about your new album, The Need & The Wanting. Where did it all start? And when is it expected to release?
Jordan Connell: Well this will be my sophomore album, it’s a concept record inspired by the 4th chapter of Philippians. To sum up the chapter, it pretty much says this: “Rejoice, be anxious for nothing, I know what it’s like to need & I know what it’s like to want for nothing, With Christ ALL things are possible.”
I love this! To me this is saying that whatever my circumstance, His worthiness hasn’t changed. So I will worship & bless Him in everything, because He is my everything! All of the songs are tied into this theme.
I’m hoping for a Late 2014/Early 2015 release.
CMB: What would be your biggest piece of advice to us as a believer when writing and creating original music?
Jordan Connell: This is advice that I was given by a good friend of mine, who has been in the industry for long time. He told me: Message first, everything else will fall into place. Boy was he right. If we know why we want to say & why we believe it, our songs will become genuine. People can tell if you’re being real with them, they can tell if you’re just singing a pretty or if you’re showing your heart to them through song. So with all that said, put your message first.
CMB: Can you tell us a little about your local church community where you worship?
Jordan Connell: Absolutely! I lead worship at Vizion Church in Uptown Charlotte, NC. I was blessed to be on the team of people who planted the church in the fall of 2012, and I’ve been humbled to see God grow our church! We’re still very young, but The Lord is moving there.
CMB: Thanks again for sharing your music with your fellow CMB-ites. Where should people go to find out more about you online?
Jordan Connell: Thanks for the opportunity! I would say my website: http://thejordanconnell.com