In 2015, Jordyn Stoddard released her single “Like Me ’Til You Love Me” off her critically-acclaimed debut album Southern Tide, leaving quite the impression on fans and the industry. Now, four years later the country-pop artist is back with new inspirations and a new single “Bad Baby.”
We caught up with Jordyn to talk about her musical influences, her personal musical growth and more.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
JS: I am originally from Florida and moved to Nashville when I turned 18. I come from a family of 5 being right in the middle. Most of my family are into sports while I am the only musician.
CN: Born and raised in Jacksonville, FL, do you remember the moment you discovered music?
JS: My parents had most of my sibling and I involved in either sports or music. We got to choose the things we wanted to stick with. I happened to start in piano and eventually got into voice lessons. I had a a passion for music at a very young age.
CN: At six years old, you shared a moment on stage with Kenny Chesney that any fan of any age would be lucky to experience. Can you share with us what happened that day?
JS: Growing up I always went to concerts and Kenny Chesney happened to be one of my first concerts. I was lucky enough to get pulled up on stage with him. I remember being terrified but also being completely amazed by how many people were singing along. I knew in that moment I wanted to do just that.
CN: How did those few minutes inspire you to become a musician?
JS: It was so incredible to witness the excitement on the fans faces. Watching that many people sing along to Kenny’s song made me want to do that as a career. There’s nothing more surreal.
CN: You also attended a Cher concert when you were younger, and anyone who has seen her shows knows she is the queen of costume and entertainment (Bob Mackie anyone?). What did you take from that concert that you’ve applied to your own career?
JS: Cher is such an incredible performer. All the concerts I have gone to growing up I have taken so much from, each show is so different. Cher stage design is so incredible and really adds to the
show. It’s inspired me to work on my live shows and create a unique environment.
CN: In addition to Kenny and Cher, which musicians, country or not, have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
JS: I used to be afraid to share my real answer because I got compared to this artist a lot but looking back now this artist has really inspired me and has allowed me to find my lane. I have always been a huge fan of Taylor Swift as a songwriter and performer. There is so much that she has taught me as a writer and artist that has been so beneficial in my career. She is definitely at the top for me as one of my biggest inspirations.
CN: Currently you are enrolled at MTSU, majoring in Music Business. How has studying the ins-and-outs of the industry on an academic level, as well as attending a University near Nashville, helped lay further groundwork for your career?
JS: The fact that I can apply the knowledge I am learning to my day to day life has been so helpful. I don’t think i would have retained this much information if I wasn’t applying it to my career. It has taught me to carefully think about decision I make everyday.
CN: This past June you released “Bad Baby,” your first single since your debut album Southern Tide (2015) which received high praise and did well on the Billboard’s Heatseeker chart and Apple Music’s Country Music Daily chart. Can you fill us in what was happening during the absence?
JS: The last three years I have focused on becoming a better songwriter. Most of the songs on Southern Tide I cut from other writers in Nashville. As much as I still love to do that, I felt I had something important to say in my writing. My music beat expressed who I am and I felt that was the best way for fans to know me personally. The last three years I have really enjoyed life and have been writing about that experience.
CN: You were only 17 when Southern Tide was released. Through your experience – professionally, personal and college – have you changed as an artist since?
JS: Absolutely! I think every year I learn more about who I am. That reflects differently in every song I write. My life when I was 17 was so much different than my life now. I was still in high school living at home. I now live on my own and am 700 miles from my family. All of those things taught me a lot about who I want to be and what I want to say as an artist.
CN: Tell us about “Bad Baby,” which you co-wrote with Peyton Porter. How did the song come about?
JS: That was the first song I wrote with Peyton. We had met during a writer’s round but had never co written. We immediately clicked and new we had to write together. I had the idea in my phone for awhile. The song to me is about the the emotions you experience when you really fall in love with someone. You constantly think about them and wonder if they think the same. We sat on the outside patio at a publishing house and shared all the feelings we had ever experienced when we’ve fallen in love. It came so easy to us. I knew as soon as we wrote the song that it was the first song I wanted to release!
CN: The track was featured as a Song Suffragettes Radio Disney song of the week. Given the work that Song Suffragettes has done to help bring women in country music into the spotlight where they belong, what did it mean to you for one of your songs to be connected to SS?
JS: That was a very special moment for met. I have been playing Song Suffragettes since I was 16. I have played a handful of there shows the last 6 years. They have always supported my dream and music. It’s so incredible to have a community like that and how supportive every single person is.
CN: We hear that there is a music video in the works? Can you give our readers some sneak-peek details about it?
JS: I am so happy excited for everyone to see the music video! This song and video was a statement I wanted to share with my audience. There is a edginess yet an innocent perspective on the song. It’s meant to feel like you are inside one of my daydreams which makes it more personal.
CN: Is there a possibly for a new album in the near future?
JS: Right now I am focused on releasing a handful of singles. Eventually I would like to release a full length album.
CN: Do you have a dream collaboration in mind?
JS: I am a huge fan of the Counting Crows and have always wanted to collaborate with them.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
JS: Passionate. I put passion into everything I do especially music. I always want to give 100% at anything I pursue.
CN: What’s next on the horizon in 2019?
JS: Releasing new Music and playing more shows!
For more information Jordyn Stoddard, visit her website at http://jordynstoddard.com and follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
“Bad Baby” is available on all digital platforms here.