Jiordy's new single Vigor is out now! We chat to the musician about the release and more.
Image: Jerome Williams.
Melbourne musician Jiordy is back for 2021, with the release of her new single, Vigor. Co-written and produced by Jahn Rae, the bass player for Client Liaison, the track follows a string of single releases from the singer throughout 2020.
Inspired by a poem Jiordy wrote in 2020, is about the act of responding to another person's vitality and life force. Continuing her exploration within the pop realm, the song showcases the singers ethereal vocals, whilst weaving together themes of energy, movement and growth, elements that are visually showcased through both the musical composition and aesthetic intricacies of the accompanying. Set atop an atmospheric soundscape, Vigor is made complete with glistening synths and a robust drum loop. As the song builds to a crescendo, layered synths usher the track to its climactic conclusion.
Busting onto the scene in early 2020, Jiordy's debut single 'UR Dumb' garnered her praise praise from fans and publications nationwide. Characterised by floaty, feel-good melodies, smoky vocals, gritty synths and nostalgic beats, Jiordy's mesmerising brand of music and lyricism offers a piercing insight into her introspective mind. Laying herself bare through storytelling and sound that is evocative, candid, playful and universally relatable, Jiordy is set to continue releasing her signature style of ethereal sound through 2021.
Vigor is out now! Read our interview with Jiordy below.
Tell us a bit about how you began your musical journey...
I fell in love with music at a really young age. My mum was a total rock chick back in the day and played right across Melbourne. She had a lot of rehearsals at home, the band were a big part of my childhood. I loved watching her up on stage, seeing my mum up there was very cool. She was and absolutely still is my muse.
Congratulations on the release of your new single, Vigor! The track is about feeding off someone else’s life-force, what prompted you to explore this theme?
Thank you so much. The song, down to its core, is about being around someone who has an intense life force and energy, the kind that takes you to another level. It’s also about finding that within yourself and feeding off it. When I’m really in my flow and in this state, that’s when I do my best work. I also love surrounding myself with people who just innately have this quality, it’s so uplifting.
The song takes its inspiration from a poem you penned late last year. How does the song continue and amplify what you explored within the poem?
I wrote a poem at the end of 2020 with the same name, it was about the year that had been. It was very slow and a particularly grounding period for me, which facilitated a new sense of growth and evolution for both myself as an artist and as a human being. When I caught up with my producer, he had put down these really spacey beautiful chords and we started playing around with different sounds anchored by a drum beat that was slowed down to a point where it almost flickered, like energy itself. I realised then how seamlessly the poem Vigor slotted into the instrumental track we had created. It was a magical match. I recorded the vocals straight away and we ended up using the very first takes in what you’re hearing today.
Vigor was co-written and produced by Jahn Rae (bass player for Client Liaison). How did that collaboration come about and what do you think he brought to the track to
Jahn Rae is such a good buddy of mine. We actually met when we were doing a cover gig together about 2 years ago. We were chatting all things music and decided to get into his studio to see what we could create together. It just felt right. We have lots of fun and bounce off each other big time. Every track so far has been a giant collaboration, we have so much studio time just hanging out and trying different things. It’s probably my favourite part of the process.
The song continues your exploration of ethereal and atmospheric soundscapes. How did you arrive at the sound present on the release?
I just really love ambient sounds and feeling like you’re in a bubble when you listen to music. It takes me to another planet when I hear a song that does that so for me I guess I’m always trying to give that feeling to other people. I also love meditation so maybe subconsciously I’m aiming for the track to be that tiny bit meditative whilst also encompassing passion and drive. For Vigor, it was all about encapsulating what energy is while also having space to breathe. And I can’t help but love layered vocals and sounds.
You’re also set to share some visuals alongside the release. How important are the visuals to you when it comes to conveying the story and meaning present on the track and how involved are you in the creative process?
Visuals are SO important to me. When I was in the writing phase a couple of years ago before I had released anything, I had vision boards of what I wanted to sound like and what I wanted Jiordy to look like. It’s all just art after all so being creative was and always is integral. I am a creative soul and it also just gives me more opportunities so work with some incredible people and make some cool shit happen. Jerome Williams who has created the videos for Hmmm, Weight in Water and now Vigor is such a talented guy. We have lots of fun turning what is in our heads into an actual moving piece of art. I’m so heavily involved in every aspect of ANYTHING I do, heavily. I think, plan and dream up every piece of the puzzle and then am so lucky to have such wonderful creatives around me to bring it to life.
If Vigor was a piece of visual art, which artwork would it be?
Probably something from Lara Merrett.
What messages do you hope listeners take away from the track?
I hope people are swept up into this track and feel invigorated. I hope it inspires some sort of self worth and confidence and just unlocks that part of the brain when you listen to music that makes everything feel heightened.
Could you kind of talk us through your creative process when writing and recording songs?
The process changes a little every time but mostly I have a melody in my head and then I write lyrics. Other times, I write a poem or random thoughts and words that I write down. I have so many nonsense voice recordings on my phone. If I’m really vibing something, I reach out to Jahn Rae and we get into the studio as soon as possible to put it down.
Australia has a diverse and vibrant music scene, who are some of your favourite Aussie acts and why?
I enjoy listening to artists like Julia Jacklin, Flight Facilities and Vera Blue and artists like Tora and Albrecht La'Brooy. I have forever loved Augie March, Crowded House, Tame Impala The Middle East and of course - Missy Higgins.
The current pandemic has obviously put a halt to touring and performing live, what are your touring plans post pandemic? If any, what can people expect from one of your live shows?
I have lots of plans for this year! Obviously it’s hard to forward plan too much with the pandemic but I am really excited to kick off live shows. People can expect some really intimate shows where it’s just Jahn Rae and I playing and layering all the sounds that go into making my music. I would also love to play some high energy shows. Connecting to my audience is really important to me so no matter what - expect to find out a lot about me in a very short amount of time.
RAPID FIRE
Biggest influences?
Four Tet, Rhye
Dream collaboration?
Fatima Yamaha
Album that has had the most impact on you?
Bon Iver, Bon Iver
How do you define your musical style in 3 words?
Nostalgic, smoky, ambient
A musical release you are most looking forward to in 2021?
Something I’m releasing mid yearish ;)
If you could create the soundtrack for any film, which one would it be?
The French movie The Intouchables has always been one of my favourites so I’d love to soundtrack that.
Hannah Montana or Miley Cyrus?
Miley!
Album you would listen to on repeat on a road trip?
Jamie T, Carry On The Grudge
Best concert you have been to?
I saw Chic (Nile Rogers) in an intimate show of about 100 people years ago and he shook my hand and it was life changing.
Last concert you went to?
I can’t even remember thanks to the pandemic.
If you were a Spice Girl, what would your spice nickname be?
Ginger
Guilty music pleasure?
Dua Lipa - I love her
If you could support any artist on tour, who would it be?
Same as above
An artist you think has had the most influence on the music industry.
Miles Davis
What advice would your current self, give your future self, for a year from now?
TRUST
The moment you knew you wanted to be a musician?
When I saw my Mum put on eyeliner and tease her hair before going on stage.