Over the past few years, we have seen some incredible artists put their twist on tropes from folk and Americana to push the genres forward and reimagine some long-standing traditions. The multi-faceted Alex Jordan is the latest artist to step into the role of innovator as a young multi-instrumentalist, wise beyond his years. Jordan made a name for himself as a sonic everyman, performing on stage with the likes of Bob Weir and Phil Lesh, providing his musical abilities that sound so natural, as if years of tireless work with multiple instruments and legendary artists isn’t what gave him the prowess he exudes on his solo work. Jordan is gearing up to release his Steve Berlin-produced Queen Kerosene LP and Glide has the world premiere of the album’s second single, the bouncy, undeniably infectious “Emily” which bounces with the revelatory musical instincts of The Band alongside the breezy California harmonies of Jackson Browne.
Jordan’s solo career may just be kicking off but he is bringing his many influences and otherworldly musicianship he honed over the years right to his work as a frontman. The Bay Area native fearlessly blends cosmic folk with bluesy roots music for a kaleidoscope-style look into his ever-growing creativity. The title track for Queen Kerosene arrived as the album’s first single last month, beginning the rollout for his sophomore effort. Berlin and Jordan got together in Austin, Texas to record the upcoming album, which is set to be released on March 24, 2024. The process was a tiring one as everything was recorded in live takes and Jordan scrapped 50% of the album’s original lyrics for what is being described as “Tighter, tauter lines”. This upcoming album follows Jordan’s 2020 debut The Subtle Exhibitionist, which ironically is the best way to describe the second single from his second solo LP.
“The writing process for ‘Emily’ was a little different. My buddy Matt DeScala and I were trading demos, and he sent me a version of ‘Emily’ I bonded with so I asked him if I could run with it.” says Jordan on his brand new single, “I changed the key and the form and heard it in a more R&B inspired light, so I started to fine-tune the story with new lyrics.” This is just the surface of Jordan’s unique approach to rootsy Americana, seemingly using genres as a starting point rather than a blueprint. “Emily” is bursting with a unique personality thanks to the stunning horn section and Jordan’s poetic lyricism. “Matt and I got together once or twice during the recording process to flesh out the lyrics, really focusing on the story. I found the image of comforting someone who has trauma from past relationships compelling. So often we apologize for that which we believe is ‘wrong’ or ‘damaged’ within us” says Jordan “but yet, as we try to find new friends or partners, feeling seen or heard really goes a long way towards healing.”
On “Emily”, Jordan croons “I know you’re in pain It’s not who you are. There’s no need to explain, so come in from the rain and we can heal those scars”, which is just a glimpse at the gorgeous poetry that flows throughout the track. “Being vulnerable with another person is terrifying and with ‘Emily’, I hope to offer words of encouragement to be brave and know that you are not alone.”
You can listen to the world premiere of “Emily” below and look out for Queen Kerosene which is set to be released everywhere on March 8, 2024.
