Today we’d like to introduce you to Jordan Sherman.
Hi Jordan, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
It’s a long story, but I’m a jazz-trained pianist who started making money singing in bars in DC before moving to LA to pursue a career as an artist.
My first band in LA was called Yeti Tactics; we released two full-length albums, several EPs, and singles and toured several regions of North America before dissolving during the pandemic.
I always made my own music but didn’t think of myself as a producer until other artists started coming to me to help make their records. I’ve pretty much fully transitioned into being a producer while making stuff for myself on days I get cancelled.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Smooth wouldn’t be the word I’d use, but it hasn’t been particularly difficult either. I’ve always performed full-time for my living while making records and pursuing something greater, but I’ve never had to hold a “real job” or deal with financial struggles the way so many creatives do. I’m very lucky in that department.
That said, my career has shifted many times, and I think I’m good at changing course and not letting fear keep me from the successes right in front of me.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m currently a full-time producer and songwriter, hosting sessions at my studio nearly every day of the week. I still perform corporate gigs with a band under my name, but my focus is in the studio.
As a producer, I pride myself on not over-cooking songs. I try to work with the most talented singers and artists so that way the songs and their characteristics are the part listeners latch on to. I can make something sonically crazy when called for, but I think my discernment really sets me apart from others.
The fact that I’ve been performing my whole life allows me to help coach vocalists while we’re recording and be a bit more relatable than someone who’s been behind the desk their whole career.
The crisis has affected us all in different ways. How has it affected you and any important lessons or epiphanies you can share with us?
There are a few spiritual lessons that I think we all picked up during that time. But the biggest thing it taught me was to worry about yourself. I was performing full-time when everything happened, and I watched a lot of musicians and artists who lost work completely implode (understandably). I’ve always looked at everything as an opportunity, and I don’t think I’d be the full-time producer/songwriter I am today had the pandemic not happened. That’s not to say that it wasn’t scary, or for anyone who actually lost someone, how devastating that time was. But for me, it allowed me to step into who I wanted to be rather than who I was at the time.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jordanjsherman.com
- Instagram: @iamjordansherman
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/3hUFstSCOKS5z5gyXk9vtg?si=cc5b0c71d1594bbd
Image Credits
Maxine Bowen and Michael Harrison
