What is your name?
Jordan Barone, @JordanBarone_ on Instagram
What is your genre of music?
I have coined the term “The Staten Island sound”, which I describe as a singer/songwriter approach to lyrics over Hip-Hop and R&B production.
Give us a little bio about you.
I am a classically trained pianist and recorded on my first song at 9 years old. I dropped out of college to pursue music, and started interning at recording studios in Times Square, New York, including Premier and BlastOff Productions. I enrolled in the School of Audio Engineering of New York, and was awarded a Mix With The Masters Fellowship to study with Young Guru (Jay-Z and Beyonce’s engineer) in Avignon, France. After graduating, I worked as the Community Relations Manager for Guru, and was granted a full time position at BlastOff Productions. There, it was awesome getting to work with artists like A Boogie, PnB Rock, Tory Lanez, Kehlani, and Rico Nasty, but I did not have a lot of time to work on my own music. So, in 2017, I decided to leave, and focus on my own material. With time to focus, I was awarded a NYC Department of Cultural Affairs Premier Grant for my debut EP. I have two singles out, “Same Thing”, and “Up Tonight”, and have more songs on the way. Although I do work with others, I make most of the music and lyrics myself. My debut EP is set to release by the end of 2019.
What made you go in to music?
My brother constructed our first home recording studio in our parent’s garage when he was 12 years old. Throughout his teens, he and his friends would record songs, sell mixtapes, and rent clubs to perform in. I was a kid around all of it, and he got me on my first song at 9 years old. At the same time, I was being trained as a classical pianist. In my short time in college, I met some friends who were more into music, and my focus was instantly shifted to music as life. A good friend of mine helped me land my first internship at a recording studio which lead me to where I am today.
Are you a signed?
Technically, yes. I co-founded Red Planet Records, an independent label, along with my brother and close collaborator, Stefan Barone. So, I signed myself. We have a very DIY approach to everything we do and handle mostly all the tasks ourselves. In the future, we may partner with a larger label, but it would have to be the right kind of deal.
You released your new single “Up Tonight” tell us more about that.
“Up Tonight” was written after nights in the party scene, and longing for something more out of the ordinary. I was done with “basic” nights, and with a city like NYC, I wanted to experience something uplifting. It was not one particular event, but more of how I imagine an extraordinary evening with someone could be.
Describe the track in two words.
1) Uplifting 2) Trap-Ballad (I know I cheated)
What was the writing process like?
After I had the core elements of the beat done, VR got on the microphone real quick to record some ideas. What he wound up recording became the chorus for the song. That was back in 2014, and it wasn’t until 2017 when I revisited the song and started work on the verses. My brother, Stefan, and I put the finishing touches on it, and we have what I hope will be seen as a break away from an ordinary evening.
What was the recording process like?
It was fairly simple, just me in my studio by myself hitting record and going back and forth between the computer and the microphone. Getting up and down a lot is a workout lol
What is the message you want listeners to take from the single?
That you don’t have to have all the right words to say when you approach someone of interest. I definitely don’t. But if you have confidence, that goes a long way and it puts more emphasis to whatever you’re saying.
Who did you work with on the single with?
VR, another Staten Island rapper, and my brother, Stefan Barone.
Where can we buy the single from?
On all major platforms. I suggest going to song.link/JordanBaroneUpTonight and choosing whichever one works best for you!
Will we see an EP or Album this year and if so what can we expect from it?
I have an EP in the works right now! We are releasing a few more singles, and the EP will be out by the end of 2019. And, it will be more than an EP, coming complete with visuals, merchandise, interactive pop-up events, and more accompanying the release.
Do you have any shows coming up or a tour in the works?
A tour will be scheduled after the release of the EP, and for now I have some local shows coming up. You can check JordanBarone.com/Events for a complete listing.
If so where will you be heading?
As of right now, just local shows in Staten Island, New York City and the tri-state area. Checkout jordanbarone.com/events for the latest updates.
What else can we expect in 2019?
An EP, more songs, more visuals, collaborations, merchandise, a U.S. tour, pop-up events, and more!
Next up, we have some shows in Staten Island, New York City, and the tri-state area. For a complete listing, see JordanBarone.com/Events.
We are taking a trip back out to Los Angeles, probably some time in April for some shows out there and to work with a few producers.
And, the next thing to look out for is the “Lay You Down” cover challenge. We are asking people to cover my next single, “Lay You Down”, and the best one will win a ticket to and studio time in New York CIty.
And finally, my EP by the end of 2019!
Do you have any collaborations coming up?
I do! I’ve been performing a lot with a local artist here in Staten Island named Eddy I, so we decided to get in the studio together and create some songs to perform at our shows.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? If so, who would they have to contact?
Of course! I’d have to first listen to their music and see if it’s something I enjoy and want to be a part of, if so then collaborations are always great. The best way to contact me is info@redplanetrecords.com
Do you play any instruments?
I started playing piano when I was around 8. That’s my main instrument and where pretty much all my creations stem from. I got a drumset when I was in high school so I could keep a beat on that and lately I’ve been dabbling with guitars. I know my way around the instrument but I definitely still have a lot to learn.
Who are your influences?
I love classic songwriters like Billy Joel, and how his lyrics can make you feel like you know the people he is describing. My parents were typical “Saturday Night Fever” disco dancers, so I have a lot of that and funk in me, especially in my upcoming production. As far as the new inspiration, Tyler the Creator and his production, Pharrell, Charlie Puth, Sza, and Max Martin.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
As simple as it is, it’s mostly through life experience. Sometimes I’ll feel certain emotions that make me just want to create. Other times I’ll create something that brings me back to certain emotions I’ve had in the past. And then there’s always the feelings you desire but don’t have just yet. I use my experiences from the past, present, and future as a tool when I write.
Where do you see yourself in 5 Years?
In a penthouse somewhere in New York City, making a living solely from my music, and in a position to empower the next wave of artists on the label.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I love to watch films. I get a lot of inspiration from them as well because they could take you to places you may not have thought of. I love to dive deeper and analyze the films to learn what emotions the director was trying to convey and how he achieved that visually. For the music video for my first single “Same Thing” my approach was to have it look more like a film than a traditional music video. Because of the inspirations I have from films, I aspire to have all my visuals look unique and provoke certain emotions.
Other than that, you could find me wandering New York City for the best food spots.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to get in to the music scene?
Even though he is wild’n on Twitter these days, I can not take away the inspiration Kanye West has had on me growing up. I remember listening to “Stronger” blasting and on repeat in the old studio as a kid.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
It is actually a quote from Young Guru, in the Jay-Z’s documentary “Fade to Black”. When a rapper is discussing his frustrations with finding himself as an artist, Guru comically states, “Be the f*%k you”, basically meaning “Just be you”. I love that line. Not elegant, but to the core.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
There will be a lot of people in your ear telling you what to do and what type of music to create. Sometimes the music in your head is hard to explain to someone and even when you created a song and played it for someone, some people don’t always get it at first. There’s a huge world out there and there will be people that connect with what you make. Just stay true to your gut and what you want to represent.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music.” – Jimi Hendrix
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
The Snug Harbor Cultural Center in Staten Island, NY is a beautiful spot to go to. And if you’re looking for food, El Patron is a great Mexican spot that’s open 24 hours. It’s where the locals end up after a long night.
You’re coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
Italy to my father’s hometown in the mountains of Calabria, with the beaches of Amentea not too far. It’s the perfect place to relax.
2/ Who do you see first?
My immediate family.
3/What do you eat first?
Wonton soup. I believe it’s truly the cure for everything.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
1 Water
2 Honey
3 Computer
4 Keyboard
5 Phone
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
INSTAGRAM – https://www.instagram.com/jordanbarone_/
TWITTER – https://twitter.com/jordanbarone_
FACEBOOK – https://www.facebook.com/jordanbaroneredplanet
SOUNDCLOUD – https://soundcloud.com/jordanbarone
YOUTUBE – https://www.youtube.com/JordanBaroneVEVO
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