IN CONVERSATION WITH JORDY

interview by JANA LETONJA

Award-nominated pop disruptor JORDY is back with his latest single DUMB, arriving on 16th April, and despite the title, the track is anything but. A sharp, hook-driven anthem that captures the chaotic pull of diving headfirst into something you know isn’t good for you, DUMB blends humour, vulnerability, and JORDY’s signature self-aware lyricism into a cathartic pop moment built for repeat listens. With over 350 million streams, a devoted global fanbase, and acclaim from outlets like Billboard, Rolling Stone, and PAPER, JORDY has evolved from the breakout success of Just Friends into a fully realised pop auteur. As he continues to push boundaries, both sonically and culturally, this new era signals an artist fully in control of his voice, vision, and impact.

DUMB is such a bold title. What inspired the concept behind the song?

To be honest, I wrote a lot of my next album from a place of pain and moving on from a traumatic relationship, but this song was written on a day when I just needed an escape from reality. I didn’t want to dig into my own mind; I wanted to dance and forget it all. This song truly came from a place of just wanting to have fun.

You describe it as living in the present. What personal experiences shaped this track?

It’s about the escape of it all. I want the song to feel like a night out with your best friends, getting ready and taking shots in the bathroom, laughing and dancing and just living in the moment.

There’s a balance of humour and vulnerability in the song. How do you approach that mix in your writing?

I always try to balance my work with humour and honesty. I think it’s what keeps listeners engaged. I love creating sticky and catchy melodies, and a lyric that someone can sing back to me. But as someone who has always felt very comfortable being vulnerable, it’s always a goal to add some of that as well to help listeners feel seen and heard. 

What did you want listeners to feel the first time they hear DUMB?

I just want them to forget all of the bullsh*t that’s happening in the world and have an excuse to dance their faces off.  

Your songwriting is often described as diaristic. How much of your real life makes it into your music?

All of it. Every song is a reflection of something I have experienced. I wouldn’t do it any other way. 

How do you know when a song is “done”?

It’s kind of a gut feeling. I trust and adore the collaborators I work with, so it’s also a collective feeling. If I feel good, and everyone who works on it feels good, it’s done. You can always change tiny details, but I usually get an intuitive feeling that the song is finished.

You’ve become a strong voice in queer pop. How does that responsibility influence your work, if at all?

I think for me, my experience reflects other queer people’s experience. So as long as I’m being honest and truthful in my music, then I am inherently speaking out about the fact that love is love and everyone is valid in their identities. I always strive to be the artist I needed when I was a kid.

How has your relationship with your audience evolved since Just Friends?

It feels like that song came out forever ago. It’s cool to feel like we have all grown up together. For anyone who has been here since then, just know I love you so much. We have gone through many chapters and many songs, but Just Friends was truly the start of it all. Now, we’re kind of diving into more adult topics because we are older. I think that’s really cool.

You’ve received major recognition, including GLAAD and iHeartRadio nominations. How do those moments impact you?

I really try to live in the moment and celebrate those victories. At the end of the day, this career is the opposite of linear, so any moment of recognition always feels good. The fact that GLAAD and iHeart have supported me over the years is something I never take for granted.

You’re known for your live shows. How does performing your music change your relationship to it?

It just adds to the experience. It helps create those personal relationships with my fans. I have always loved being on stage. That’s really where this started for me. I love to sing, I love to put on a good show. I want to give people a night where they can put all of their problems aside and just be their authentic selves.

What can fans expect from this next era beyond DUMB?

A new album with a bunch of new songs, definitely this nostalgic pop/rock sound I’ve been going for. And of course, shows!

TEAM CREDITS

talent JORDY
photography DANTE VELASQUEZ JR.
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA