GROOVE OUT
TikTok Star on the Rise Out singer-songwriter JORDY on being a new music sensation. By GREGG SHAPIRO Photo by DANTE VELASQUEZ
J
ORDY, the latest in the long tradition of mono-monikered performers in the music world— from Cher to Madonna and Beyoncé—gets up close and personal with listeners on his viral TikTok hit single “Long Distance.” The song, which tells a story about the challenges of falling for a guy who lives far away, is the runaway song of the season. JORDY has made the most of various viral-video platforms throughout his career, and is poised for stardom. A proud Pisces and out singer-songwriter, JORDY’s infectious enthusiasm and expressive vocals are a winning combination. The young performer was kind enough to take time out of an incredibly busy week in April to answer a few questions for OutSmart. Gregg Shapiro: JORDY, I’d like to begin by congratulating you on your thrilling week, beginning with signing your first record deal with 300 Entertainment. What does such an accomplishment mean to you? JORDY: Oh, my gosh! Thank you so much, I really appreciate the kind words. To me, it means that we’re just going to keep working harder than ever. I’m gonna keep grinding harder than ever, and the hard work doesn’t stop. It also means that we have more people in my corner and we’re expanding the family. There’s going to be more hands on deck getting the music to more ears around the world. For that, I’m very, very excited.
In addition to your record deal, you also performed on The Today Show. What was that experience like for you? Completely surreal. I grew up with The Today Show. It was one of those moments where my mother is like crying herself crazy. Very exciting for me and my family. It’s really cool to be able to see this little song I wrote on national TV. It’s pretty cool. Earlier this year, you competed in the Battle of the Instant Songwriters on The
Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, where you won $1,000 and a Tonight Show notebook for the song you wrote, “Wedgie in My Ski Pants.” [ Laughs] I loved when you picked up your guitar to sing the song and there were rainbow stickers visible on the back. Oh, my God! The best part is that the guitar is one of my really good friend Dom’s guitars. She’s also queer, like me. I needed a guitar, and she was like, “Oh, I got you!” She provided! It was perfect—everything I stand for, obviously. ➝ OutSmartMagazine.com | MAY 2021 83
