A Quick Chat With Jordan Merrick

For the unacquainted, Brisbane's humble, folk singer-songwriter Jordan Merrick has spent the last 3 or so years releasing a slew of folk, blues and country music and has created a back-catalogue that is a must-check-out. Merrick has just recently added to that massive back-catalogue with the release of his bluesy new single 'Lonelier Than You'. We had a chat with him to find out more about the track, his home-recording process and some advice he has for those just starting out.

Hey Jordan, we are loving your newly released single 'Lonelier Than You', tell us about the meaning and inspiration behind the track.

Hey AMS! glad you love it! Lonelier Than You was written during the early parts of last years big lockdown. Like everybody else, I found myself with a lot of time on my hands which – as millennials do – featured too much social media. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I saw so many people sucked in by fake news and conspiracies – 5G man, watch out! The song was born from the ashes of the fake news and was a way for me to vent as well as chronicle the strangeness that was the year 2020.

What is the process like for you from the initial idea of the song through to recording?

It’s really changed over the years. In my early 20’s, writing consisted of many late nights behind my computer waiting for the right line, chord or emotion to hit me. When it did, I’d demo it and save it for the studio. These days, I am fortunate enough to have a home studio where the likes of Millennial Blues, This Rainy Day and Lonelier Than You were recorded. When I write now, I try and get into the studio and get to work. It can be easier said than done – especially when writing when out of the house – but find bringing ideas together as they come, opposed to much later on has been a big part of my process this past year.

As you record in your own home studio, what are some of the challenges you face doing it on your own and what do you find rewarding?

As I’m able to record everything bar drums here, I’d definitely say recording drums is the hardest part. For the last batch of songs, I’ve worked with two talented drummers remotely – most recently Dan Konopka of OK GO which was a thrill – communicating what you’re hoping to achieve from percussion can only go so far with words, and definitely find you’ve got to have a lot of trust in your players when working like that. The most rewarding thing is finishing a track – as cliché as that sounds. When a track is done – and I’m very much of the if it’s good, it’s good enough school of thought – there is nothing quite like it. The weight of the idea is well and truly lifted.

Your sound shifted throughout folk/ bluest and splashes of country over the years since your first EP, your album and your newest releases. Is this planned or is does this come naturally with your songwriting and the production of the song? 

Honestly, I leave it all to chance. I never write with a genre in mind – it’s always based on the feel and emotion. I just let the song be itself. When it comes to recording, I am fortunate that I have a fairly good idea of how I want the song to sound in my head so then it just comes down to how it translates from heart to head to sound. Come what may!

You've been doing this for some time now, is there some advice you give to others who are just starting out?

• It feels like a lifetime – I can’t believe it’s been a touch over four years since I released my first single under my own name. My advice to new musicians:

• Stay true to yourself and your songs. Don’t change to fit in, let the world shift around you.

• Learn all you can about the business side of music

• Invest in good press photos/videos – and always credit your photographers.

• Surround yourself with better players than you are

• Pay it forward – always be willing to help others.

When not playing or recording music, what can you be found getting up to?  

Spending too much time (or not enough?) with my dog Luna, reading and of course watching the Lions kick a few snags on weekends! Most importantly, being able to go out and watch the incredible Queensland artists perform has been a huge highlight of the last few months – something I’d missed dearly during the lockdown.

Finally, it's already been a busy year for you, is there more planned for 2021?

2021 is shaping up to be the biggest year of my life in more ways than one. Some I need to keep under wraps for the time being, but there are certainly some exciting times ahead – including plenty of new music