Jordan Wilson Totem Interview

Treasured Aussie songwriter Jordan Wilson, of Georgia Fair, has released his debut solo single Totem, a moving piece of music reflective of both a past relationship and the sacred process of writing itself. Totem is accompanied by a sweet, nostalgic video, directed by Odin Umeofia. In between launching his solo project, and working on a new Georgia Fair record, Jordan is also set to release a book entitled Some Short, Some Long, in late 2021.

Produced by Daniel Lee Kendall, Totem is a contemplative track, to say the least. It steps outside of the immediacy of heartbreak to analyse the sanctified act of songwriting as a healing process, as a reason, as a way to understand thoughts, actions, feelings. Evocative of the brilliant songwriting of Aldous Harding and Mark Kozelek, Totem is a layered, masterful piece of music. The gentle, comforting strumming of the acoustic guitar leaves plenty of space for Jordan's understated yet undeniably moving voice to take centrestage – imploring the audience to really listen to the lyrics.

Speaking on the inspiration behind it, Jordan reflects, "This song is about a long relationship that ended pretty abruptly and quickly, and it created a real sense of loss and confusion in my life – but music helped to mitigate the void that it created, in some kind of way. It helped me stay connected to something higher. The idea is that the process of writing, and the song itself, is the Totem – something that you can use to hang on to and worship, so to speak."

The video for Totem is brighter than one might think, after considering the subject matter of the song. Highly saturated colours abound as Jordan dances somehow both with rigidity and serenity in a classically Australian backyard, complete with Hills Hoist clothesline and greyhound companion. Despite its light exterior, though, there is a darkness to the clip too, as Jordan explains, "I came up with the concept with my brother Lavrence. In the clip I am ripping out a bunch of pages from some classic literature – sort of showing the pursuit of self-discovery through the human language. Then there's a beautiful release where I string up all the pages on the Hills Hoist and 'air it out', so to speak…with the leaf blower."

A deep thinker and creative soul to the core, Jordan Wilson is currently juggling his new solo project alongside album sessions with Georgia Fair and the upcoming release of his first book. Some Short, Some Long will be released in late 2021 and includes several short stories, one longer story and poems with illustrations to match.

Interview with Jordan Wilson

Question: How would you describe your music?

Jordan Wilson: It's like stepping into my psyche, on an Autumn's day wearing your favourite sweater with a coffee in your hand and really comfortable shoes that are also stylish. Some people also call it folk, minimalistic, poetic.


Question: Can you tell us about your Totem?

Jordan Wilson: Totem is about the sacred process of writing and how it can be used to manifest and transmute your experience into a productive channel. It's also about a breakup. It's an attempt to communicate the uncommunicable, at least that's what it is for me.


Question: How did your solo project come together?

Jordan Wilson: I write a lot, so naturally I have a bagful of songs that felt like me and that I wanted to put down. I was hanging out with Daniel Lee Kendall a lot, kicking the footy and swimming in the cold and one day he invited me to his studio to lay some songs down.


Question: Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

Jordan Wilson: I hope they can find some comfort or inspiration in it or hope for that matter. Music gives me so much joy, even when it hurts it's joyful.


Question: Do you prefer performing live or recording?

Jordan Wilson: I find them quite different crafts, I'm usually trying to put as much of the performance into the recording as I can. Playing is my favourite thing so probably performing is my favourite part, when the whole show comes together it's quite miraculous.


Question: Can we expect any upcoming shows?

Jordan Wilson: Yeah I'll be playing with Georgia Fair soon & hopefully some of my own shows too.


Question: What motivates you most when writing music?
Jordan Wilson: Self discovery, there's usually something nagging at me from within before I write. Music has a way of making me aware of what's going inside, even if sometimes it's in an abstract way. At the end of the day it makes me feel something, which can be the hardest part when you're numbing out.


Question: Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Jordan Wilson: Jessica Pratt, Cate LeBon, Big Thief, Lomelda.


Question: What moment in your career stands out the most?

Jordan Wilson: Probably making Georgia Fair's first record in North Carolina. It was snowing and we had our own cabin, walking to the studio which was a converted Church every day and just feeling the difference of American culture. The supermarkets, the people, it was a real dream come true.


Question: How does it feel to hear your music played all over the airwaves?

Jordan Wilson: It's a buzz, I probably took it for granted at first or was embarrassed by it, but it is a powerful thing to be able to translate your desires into reality!


Question: You also have a book coming out later this year, what can you tell us about it?

Jordan Wilson: It's 12 short stories/anecdotes, 1 longer story and three poems. It's pretty personal, about weird and wonderful experiences I've had in my life. It's kooky and funny and at times painfully honest. For example there's an awkward story about a conversation with a prospective father in law or another about a slumber party for pre-pubescent boys gone wrong. The longer story is a half fiction recount of my time in Melbourne.

Question: What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

Jordan Wilson: I like having an alternate practice that has come with me throughout my life. Sometimes it feels strange to be a songwriter, but when I'm sitting at my piano on a Sunday afternoon, closing my eyes and evoking some tune or lyric there's no better feeling. It's like going somewhere really deep and private where you can play to your hearts content.


Question: What's a typical day like?

Jordan Wilson: Coffee, walk my beautiful Greyhound Ruby, eat great food, play some piano or guitar, read, see loved ones for more coffee or wine. Some days work, garden or some sort of activity like golf or surfing.


Question: What's next, for you?

Jordan Wilson: More studio time, more writing, more time in nature. More singles and a book too :)


Question: Can you share your socials? (links please)

Jordan Wilson: Instagram 
Facebook 


Interview by Gwen van Montfort