There’s a good chance your algorithm has already introduced you to this up-and-coming artist. But in the slight chance you’ve been stuck on DIY TikTok, allow us to introduce you to JORDY! The self-proclaimed “horny yet too emotional for causal sex” musician has taken the internet and charts by storm with his catchy tunes, relatable lyrics, and heartthrob charm. We were able to chat with the emerging queer artist to learn more about his journey as an openly queer person in the music industry and the importance of LGBTQ+ representation and queer narratives.
JORDY was recently on tour with Lauren Sanderson and Miki Ratsula (two AMAZING queer artists I wish I knew about sooner). They made
their way to Cafe du Nord in San Francisco for the final show of the tour, and they did not disappoint. The place was packed, and the good vibes and bright smiles beamed throughout the room.
“Being on tour has been so great,” said JORDY. “Seeing my queer fans who are coming to the show and using it as a space to feel safe and authentic. It’s truly been a lovely journey from the beginning being a part of this community.”
JORDY came out at the age of 15 and has not been afraid to live his true authentic life ever since. It’s refreshing to hear an artist feel comfortable singing a song and hearing him using the proper pronouns to describe his love interest.
“I’m super grateful because I think that it’s the queer community that has stuck with me since the beginning,” said JORDY. “It’s important to me to make music for everybody. All of us queer people were forced to listen to ‘straight-people music’ when we were younger and we had to relate to the feeling. So I’d like to think anyone can listen to my music and relate to the feeling behind it. I think what’s extra special is those in the community who truly hear themselves in the lyrics.”
His second single and his most streamed song on Spotify, Just Friends, features album artwork with two boys holding hands.
“It was just never really a decision I made that I wanted to be authentic and honest from the beginning of my career,” said JORDY. “It’s just something I did because that is who I am. I wear my heart on my sleeve and I want to speak for those who don’t have the power to speak up yet.”
JORDY has over 500k followers on his combined socials, and those numbers continue to grow rapidly. It wasn’t always this easy though. In the beginning stages of TikTok, he tried to keep up with viral trends, but it just wasn’t working. It wasn’t until he started sharing his old demos on TikTok that he saw his follower count rise.
“I’ve been putting out music years before Tiktok was even a thing,” said JORDY. “It was important to develop myself as a writer and an artist before that era even began. It has really got my music across to hundreds of thousands of people that otherwise would have never heard of me before so I can’t help but be grateful for TikTok for helping me get to this place.”
His fans are for sure listening to what he is saying. The comments he receives on his social media posts are overwhelmingly positive and uplifting. He writes from real-life experiences and that makes his lyrics so relatable to fans around the world.
JORDY proved that to be true in one mini-documentary he posted on his Youtube page. The documentary shows him and three friends collaborating in the songwriting process for my personal favorite song of his, Past Tense.
“I really can’t think of a song that isn’t about something real or a real feeling or experience,” said JORDY. “That’s why it’s important for me to take steps back from writing and just live some life so that I can feel inspired again. So for me, it’s all about taking from real experiences.”
We admire his courage through his music. His message is truly inspiring for so many in the LGBTQ+ community, especially those that have had to overcome adversity and stand up to hate and intolerance. Today’s political climate is not reassuring for many especially queer youth, especially when hate groups have been targeting Pride events across the nation, even activities for children. The queer community needs someone to look up to. Someone who is on their side and able to empower their true self. JORDY continually steps up to the plate to embody that message.
“You can be exactly who you are. Work hard, be yourself, treat people kindly, spread love and good energy and it’ll come back around,” said JORDY. “When we were kids it was not as easy to really believe that we could be everything we wanted to be while being exactly who we are. Whoever is reading this I’m telling you now you can, you can do it. And I’ll be here cheering you on. You got this!”
So what’s next for JORDY? Throughout June he’s performing at Pride and summer music festivals nationwide. “I’m opening for Betty Who in Jersey, ” said JORDY. “In July I’m playing Lollapalooza which is also really exciting because I grew up in Chicago so that is going to be a really special day for me and my family. And just more music. Always more music.”
Web images from JORDY’s Instagram profile. Follow him @jordymusic.
Images from the show courtesy of Jordan Houseworth.
