Interview with Kyle Jordan

Q: What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

Kyle: I got into music because it was everywhere around me from a young age. My mom was a Christian recording artist, and she even had a few #1 hits on Christian radio, so I grew up immersed in that environment. I started by playing in church, often for mission’s work, and those early experiences gave me a foundation in music. Eventually, I transitioned those skills into different settings, even playing in bars.

Music has always felt like the truest form of expression for me. If I hadn’t pursued music, I think I’d still be looking for a way to tell stories and connect with people in a meaningful way. Maybe I’d be involved in a creative field like film or writing, something where I could explore human emotions and experiences. But music, with its ability to resonate so deeply, feels like it was always meant to be my path.

Q: What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

Kyle: When I’m not playing music, I like to immerse myself in experiences that help me connect with people and the world around me. I’ve got this deep love for storytelling, so I often find myself in places where I can soak up new perspectives—whether it’s by traveling, getting lost in nature, or even just having a beer with friends and listening to their stories. Those moments of connection fuel my creativity because they remind me of the raw, real emotions that I try to capture in my music.

I’m also a bit of an eccentric, which I embrace. I think the way I see the world and the quirks I pick up along the way add color to my songwriting and performances. It’s those little details and offbeat observations that sometimes find their way into my lyrics or inspire a riff that feels a little out of left field but honest. For me, everything outside of music becomes fuel for the stories and themes I want to explore when I pick up my guitar or start writing a new song.

Q: How long has your band been around?

Kyle: The band actually started about 2.5 years ago, just me on my own, before it became The Kyle Jordan Project as it is today. I’d been through some pretty intense stuff, especially with my health. Dealing with a brain tumor shook me to my core and put everything in perspective. I spent a lot of time just trying to get back on my feet and find a way forward, and music was my anchor through all of it.

At first, it was just me, working through the emotional and physical recovery, trying to channel everything I was feeling into the music. Then, as I began working more closely with Greg, his support and friendship became a huge part of my healing process. He helped bring this whole thing to life, and that connection kept me going. In addition, there were days I’d watch a specific Kenny Wayne Shepherd live video over and over on YouTube—something about seeing him pour his heart into that performance reminded me that there was still so much left I wanted to do.

Starting the group was like giving myself permission to heal and keep pushing forward, and it’s incredible to see where we’ve come since then.

Q: Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

Kyle: I’m based out of Victoria, B.C., and this place has had a huge impact on my music. Moving here from a small farming community in Alberta brought a mix of resilience and a fresh perspective to my work. Victoria has this unique blend of laid-back, coastal energy and a strong creative scene, which has really given me the space to explore and evolve my sound.

There’s a lot of Americana and folk influence here, mixed with a west coast edge that feels both grounded and open. That blend shows up in my music, especially in the way I try to keep it honest, reflective, and sometimes gritty. Being in Victoria has connected me with a community that values rootsy, authentic storytelling, but it’s also a place where I can push boundaries and try things I might not have attempted if I were somewhere else.

The rest of the band is spread out across different locations, which brings even more diversity to our sound. We communicate every day—whether it’s working on recordings, writing new material, or handling interviews—and it’s been a really effective setup. When it’s time to tour or play live, we all come together and bring these influences from wherever we’re based. That mix of independence and teamwork keeps our sound fresh and dynamic, and it’s shaped The Kyle Jordan Project into something truly unique.

Q: How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

Kyle: The name The Kyle Jordan Project is all about embracing what makes us unique and, frankly, creating some kick-ass music. It’s a way of capturing the collaborative and evolving nature of what we do. I see myself as the executive producer on this journey, kind of like how DJ Khaled or Mark Ronson approach their projects, but with my own twist. I’m deeply hands-on, not just guiding the sound but also writing, playing, and sometimes even singing. I’m on drums, guitar, and always close to the creative process, making it a personal experience.

At the core, it’s me, Greg, and Erick—we’re the backbone, creating a solid foundation. But collaboration is essential, and we love bringing in other musicians to add their unique touches, keeping our sound fresh and exciting. That’s why we went with “Project”—it reflects the spirit of collaboration, growth, and the creativity that drives us. It’s more than just a band; it’s a journey we’re all on together.

Q: What should we expect from a Live show?

Kyle: A live show from The Kyle Jordan Project is an immersive experience, filled with high energy, raw emotion, and a heavy guitar-driven sound that gets right under your skin. Expect us to play songs that touch on real-life themes, like overcoming struggles, partying, and celebrating human connection. We love interacting with the crowd, creating a sense of unity that goes beyond just the music.

We’re not just about playing the songs; we want to take everyone on a journey – through intense anthems that make you want to move, to heartfelt ballads that speak to those personal, reflective moments. Plus, you might see us try out a few experimental touches, blending our influences from Americana and Canadiana to hard rock, blues, and alt-country, so it feels like a little bit of everything but stays true to our modern anthemic rock roots.

If you're coming to see us, be ready for a powerful and dynamic experience – we want everyone leaving the show feeling connected, inspired, and, honestly, a little bit worn out from the energy!

Q: What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

Kyle: I don't have a single favorite venue, but playing at places like the Cook County Saloon in Edmonton or on different college campuses has always been a blast – there's something special about those settings that just bring out great energy in a crowd.

One spot that’s high on my list to play is the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. The vibe there and the history behind it make it one of those iconic places that I'd love to experience from the stage. I fell in love with the place a long time ago after listening to the Zac Brown album: Pass the Jar. Even more coincidentally, years later, I bought a guitar from the boutique guitar company: Kirby & Grimm Guitars. Amazing instruments. I became friends with them and found out - in one of our later conversations - that John Grimm was who taught Zac Brown how to play the guitar. I love it when things come around full circle.

Q: If you could play a show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

Kyle: If I could put together a dream lineup, it would be an epic mix of legends and some fresh talent that I really connect with. I’d love to share the stage with bands like Spirit of The West, Led Zeppelin, Zac Brown, Alanis Morissette and Janis Joplin – there's such a raw, timeless energy in their music that aligns with my own passion for high-energy, guitar-driven rock.

On the modern side, I'd bring in Noah Kahan or Zach Bryan for that singer-songwriter storytelling aspect and Greta Van Fleet for their heavy, bluesy rock vibe. Maybe even Imagine Dragons for a touch of the contemporary anthemic sound – their shows bring so much atmosphere and spectacle.

There are others too: Katie Burke, Lady Gaga, Sabrina Carpenter, Leeroy Stagger, Trevor Kidd, Kirby Sewell, Paramore, The Pretty Reckless, AC/DC, George Strait, The Glorious Sons, Scarlet Tantrum, Rival Sons, Shanin Blake, The Tragically Hip, etc. I have a lot of musical heroes.

It’d be an incredible blend of influences, from classic rock and blues to roots and modern rock, capturing everything I love about music. That’s a show I’d want to be in, and one I think the audience would never forget!

Q: What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

Kyle: For someone just starting out in a band, I'd say: focus on connection. Build a strong bond with your bandmates because it’s that chemistry that creates something special on stage and in the studio. You have to communicate openly, support each other's growth, and remember that you’re working towards a shared vision. Also, keep practicing and don’t be afraid to experiment – every moment you spend with your instrument and your bandmates is building your own unique sound.

As for advice to my younger self, I’d say: stay true to yourself and trust the process. I used to worry a lot about whether I was good enough or if I was measuring up to what others expected of me. But the truth is, your experiences – the highs, the lows, and everything in between – shape your music. Embrace your journey, mistakes and all, and don’t get too hung up on chasing perfection. Just focus on making music that’s real and that resonates with you because that’s what will resonate with others in the end.

And finally, don’t be afraid to ask for help or seek collaboration. Music isn’t a solo endeavor; the best stuff comes when people come together with a shared love for the craft.

Q: If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

Kyle: “Dude, that girl is cool and hot, but she’s not the one for you.” Haha

I had this girlfriend back in high school, and honestly, I fell hard for her. I never told anyone just how hard, but she, or the idea of her, meant a lot to me. I don’t even think she knew. We hadn’t been together long, but I knew that she was the kind of girl I wanted to end up with.

Then, one night, things went a little off the rails. We snuck out of our parents’ homes, and being young and reckless, we drank way too much. We messed around… making out, doing other things, etc, just being teenagers, y’know? caught up in the moment, and probably not thinking too much about the consequences. It wasn’t necessarily a new experience for me, but it was for her. It was fun and exciting, but the next day, things changed.

She called me up, and I knew something was different from the tone in her voice. She was also from a religious background, and the guilt hit her hard after that night. She felt like we’d crossed a line, and it just didn’t sit right with her. So, she dumped me. She said we couldn’t keep going after that, and just like that, it was over. It felt sudden and brutal, and I didn’t know what to do with myself.

I already suffered from serious self-esteem issues brought on from religious trauma. So, the way I felt wasn’t really all about her, it was about feeling rejected, unwanted, and not good enough. I ended up spending way too much time trying to get her back. Looking back, I can see that I made a fucking idiot out of myself. I wasted a lot of time trying to fix something that was never going to work out. I was so focused on my heartbreak that I couldn’t see anything else.

Now, if I could talk to my younger self, I’d tell him, “It’s going to be okay. She’s not the one for you. There’s going to be more pain in the future, but that pain is going to shape you, strengthen you, and mold you in ways you can’t even imagine yet. Let it. Take in the experience, grow from it, and move on. Because your life is going to turn out better than you can fucking imagine!”

I have no clue where she is or what she’s doing today, but I genuinely wish her well. I wonder about her every once in a while, and I hope that she is happy. But if I could go back, I’d try and let go of that perceived rejection sooner and focus on where life was taking me.

Q: Which song means the most to you and why?

Kyle: The song that means the most to me is Demons. This one really digs into some of the heaviest moments and battles I’ve faced in life. Demons is about facing down your inner struggles, the parts of yourself that you might want to hide or deny but ultimately have to confront to move forward. Writing it, I was thinking about all the times I’ve been knocked down, whether it was dealing with my own issues, going through personal loss, or even facing literal life-or-death situations… like a brain tumor.

There’s something about this song that feels deeply personal but also universal. I know that it holds deep meaning for Erick and Greg as well. We all have those moments where our past or our mistakes seem to haunt us, but at some point, we have to decide whether we’re going to let those things control us or if we’re going to stand up and confront them. Demons is a song for those moments, and it’s my way of putting that experience into something others can hopefully connect to as well.

It’s a reminder to myself and to everyone who listens: those demons don’t have to define you. The process of creating it was almost like therapy, letting me release some of that weight and put it out into the world.

Q: Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

Kyle: Loved By You is definitely a fan favorite and our most listened-to track, so it gets requested the most. It’s an amazing feeling to know people connect with it and want to hear it live.

As for my personal favorites to play, it’s a toss-up! But Tall Blonde Honey is a Banger! It’s coming out on January 21st, 2025, and has a pile of raw energy. It’s a lot of fun to play.

Q: What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

Kyle: Our creative process is all about collaboration and honesty. I usually start with an idea – maybe a riff, a melody, or even a lyric that captures a feeling I can’t shake. From there, I’ll bring it to the band, and we’ll start building it out together.

Our songs are inspired by human connection, relationships, or even the thrill of a wild night out.

We also find a lot of inspiration in the people around us – their stories, their pain, their triumphs. There’s something powerful about taking these shared human experiences and putting them into words and music that others can connect with. It’s like telling a story that people can relate to and feel a part of, which is what I think music is all about.

Q: What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

Kyle: In our music, we like to convey a few core messages: resilience, human connection, and the importance of embracing life’s messiness. Life throws a lot at us, and sometimes it can feel like you’re constantly fighting uphill battles. Songs like Demons tap into that struggle, showing that we all have our personal battles, but we can face them head-on. We want people to know that it’s okay to struggle, to make mistakes, and to have setbacks, but it’s how we learn and grow that really defines us.

Connection is another big theme for us. We’re all out here trying to navigate this crazy world, and music is such a powerful way to connect with one another. Songs like Loved By You are about the beauty and vulnerability of love, while others might touch on friendship, loss, or even just a wild night out where you feel completely alive. We want listeners to feel like they’re part of something bigger, a shared human experience where they’re seen and understood.

Finally, we love the message of embracing life in all its chaos and contradictions. We all make mistakes, and sometimes we go against the grain or act a little recklessly – but those are the moments that make us who we are. We want our music to be a reminder that life isn’t about perfection; it’s about growth, connection, and savoring every moment, even the messy ones.

Q: Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

Kyle: Complete transparency: We haven’t had a disagreement yet.

Q: What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

Kyle: Looking ahead, I’m excited to keep growing The Kyle Jordan Project and sharing our music with as many people as possible. Things have really come together for us, recently, and I believe they will continue to.

We recently got endorsed by Godin Guitars, which is just incredible. Godin is known for high-quality guitars, and it’s an honor to be in the company of legends they’ve endorsed, like Metallica and Randy Bachman. Their commitment to quality and innovation really resonates with what we’re aiming to achieve in our sound, so teaming up with them feels like the perfect fit.

We’re also venturing into something new—offering recording services for other artists. Soon, people will be able to find these services on our website, where they can choose anything from songwriting, drums, guitar, background vocals, and bass, or have us do the whole project! It feels great to support and collaborate with other musicians, and we’re excited to bring some unique projects to life.

And, of course, there’s our signing with SODEH Records. They’ve been a solid support for us, and being part of their label feels like the right move to help us grow and reach more people. With all these exciting developments, we’re more driven than ever to keep pushing, keep creating, and see just how far we can take this journey.

Thank you for your interview and thank you to your readers for giving us an opportunity to share! Come and find The Kyle Jordan Project wherever you get your music!