INTERVIEW - David Jordan
- Posted on October 31, 2007 4:54 PM
- 0 comments
Interview by Katie Spain.
Pop needs to be made cool and David Jordan is the man to do it. This means no more embarrassing dance moves or bland pop melodies. No more cheesy videos fronted by charisma-lacking stars. No more irritating pop tracks that circle your mind for days, lingering like an unwanted smell.
David Jordan is a piece of fine, London talent. He is an elegant and slender dancer. He exudes cutting edge style and most importantly, he is an extraordinary vocalist. This guy knows how to hold the crowd with his undeniably funky sounding pop tracks, some danceable and others simply gloriously unstoppable. David Jordan looks like he has been a star for years. He swans about in an enviably fashion, perfectly manicured and with a desirable grace. He also looks like a bit of a heart breaker and will have the likes of Craig David in a panic – some serious competition has arrived.
We got the chance to settle down on an oversized couch with David Jordan. Comfortable and cosy, we fired over some questions about his new album Set The Mood. So, just how does Mr Jordan set the mood for that special someone?
You are a Londoner aren’t you? Where are you based at the moment?
I'm based in Golders Green in North London.
What is your favourite part of London?
I'm going to be biased and say North West because I have only ever lived in North West and it’s the only place I know.
How did you musical journey start then? Were you banging pots and pans as a child?
No, but I was always dancing on tables and stuff. I was always stealing the show away from my brother and sister. I have always just been a little entertainer, dancing about the place and full of energy. Wanting to be the life and soul of the party has just always been me.
What was the first album that you bought?
I think the first one that I bought was Thriller
I had a feeling you were going to say that, or maybe Prince? Now, you worked at Starbucks didn’t you? I read that don’t drink coffee anymore but do you ever take a trip back there?
I do actually; I go in quite regularly because I am fond of their hot chocolate.
I read that you were quite a wild child in you college days. What was it like balancing music and studying?
Yeah, it was a balancing act that I wasn’t very good at balancing because everything would spill over into everything else. I decided to stop partying and take control of my life. I left college and began to pursue a career in music.
Was your mum cool with it?
Well, my parents’ responsibility towards me was very small so I was kind of like a free spirit. I was someone who could go wherever they wanted and not be harassed my parents. I was near enough a little adult.
So, what is a live David Jordan set like for those who haven’t seen you?
I don’t know really. I guess I always just go in to my own little world. I never try anything – I just do my best. I don’t thing about it too much.
Where did you learn your dance moves?
Well, I spent a lot of time as a kid using the slow motion button on the video. I would watch the way Michael Jackson did his spins or the way Prince would hold himself. I also watched a lot of big singers like Shirley Bassey and saw the way they held them selves elegantly.
Did you go and see Prince on his recent tour?
I saw him at the O2 but I didn’t get to pay much attention to him because there was a lot going on. We were so far at the top that you could touch the scaffolding. He looked very, very small. The music was really quiet as well.
Most artists I have spoken to said he was amazing.
He was amazing – sorry, don’t get me wrong! He was absolutely amazing.
You are touring with Beverly Knight. Are we going to have any duets on stage?
Maybe…
Do you like touring?
What I enjoy more so than promoting is gigs and shows. I am looking forward to doing Beverly. There is a lot of dates in there. I have toured before, but not so many simultaneously.
You are doing the Royal Albert Hall too.
Yeah, that’s right.
Have you played there before?
No, I haven’t. That is going to be an experience.
It says in your press release that you think in three dimensions. Can you explain what that means?
They are not my exact words, but I guess what is meant by that is…well, when I write a song, you only get half of it. You need the visuals to give us the full effect or to complete the story. It is a bit like when you read a book, you use your own imagination and then when you see the film it kind of finishes it off for you. Somebody made the point that putting visuals could ruin it because you use your imagination for all this time and then when you are forced to watch the visuals, it changes your perception of it. That is a good point, but that is not the idea. It is so the video finishes it off so you can get the full story.
Did you get a lot of input for the Place In My Heart video?
Somebody came to me with that idea and said that it is in a box. I was like, cool, that’s a good idea. I left it up to them. I mean, people made a big fuss over this box! It is mostly based around my performance in a huge box. It wasn’t my idea – but it works.
I watched the making of it. It looked like you were having a ball.
Yeah, we have fun!
I read that you played a lead role in Grease?
I played Danny. "Hey Sandi…"
Do you think one day in the future we will see you in the West End theatres?
No, no. I will probably be producing and directing my own movies and stuff but not the West End.
You have a great sense of style. Were you naturally born with that or is it something that you have got inspiration from?
I don’t know. I guess I just do the best I can. People put on their clothes and look as decent as they can; it is the same for me. If I am going on stage I try to look appropriate.
Let’s talk music. Your album, Set The Mood is out soon and so is your single Place In My Heart. Tell me a bit about it the single.
We wrote it many years ago and it was one of the ones that stood out. I wrote it about politics and our government and the way we are led as a society to believe certain things. It’s not as heavy as that though – I mean, I don’t really care at the end of the day.
How do you set the mood with that special someone?
Someone asked me that the other day too! I said I would take them out for some pizza, then take them to the cinema and then get drunk at the bar; something easy like that. I am not good at being a Casanova.
Was the album creation process a long time in the making?
Yes, it was.
Was it enjoyable?
Absolutely, it was a journey in itself. It held many experiences, but the journey is not over yet.
Place In My Heart on Mercury Records is out on October 22nd, followed by the album, Set The Mood, on October 29th.
You can check out our single review here.
For more info on David Jordan check out his MySpace.
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