JORDAN SMITHY: “I LOVED MUSIC SO MUCH - IT BECAME SUCH A PASSION”

Following on from his time on 'Little Mix: The Search' back in 2020, the unbelievably talented Jordan Smithy has recently released his debut single, titled 'Keep Me Strong.' When speaking about what it has been like for him to have his own music released, he explained that he has been left feeling overwhelmed with the response to the phenomenal and breath-taking single.

The song has inevitably been a part of the difficult grieving process for him, as he described in a recent social media post that his Nan passed away unexpectedly, describing her as his 'Number 1 supporter, always pushing me to follow my dreams,' but he manages to express himself through his music.

"With the song itself, it took me a few days to actually record the vocals on the track in the studio, because when I went to the studio on the second day, I just couldn't sing. I had to go home that day and rest. The next day, when I went back to the recording studio, I had the strength to sing the song and go through it. I put all the emotions that I was going through into the song." However, writing such a personally song came with its challenges. "Writing a song which is really personal to me was very hard for me."

Having also recorded a music video for the single, he explained the process of recording the music video as "really fun." As this is his first official music video as a solo artist, maintaining creative control was extremely important for him. "It was really good being on set and to be back working on music and what I want to do. With the music video, I thought it was going to be very easy, but it was hard at the same time, because there were takes and takes and takes, as the video is just done in one take. We had to get the perfect take."

When speaking about his time on 'Little Mix: The Search,' during which he appeared in band Jasper Blue, he described his time on the show as "a great opportunity," as he got to meet Little Mix, work with their team and meet some good friends. Due to the on-going pandemic, there were some restrictions that no doubt limited certain things that could be done on the show. He also gained advice from member Leigh-Anne Pinnock. "She told me to believe in myself, to keep going and fighting for it."

Music is always something that he has been passionate about - right from a young age. "Back in school, I remember doing plays and productions and I joined the choir. I loved music so much - it became such a passion." After taking GCSE Music, his passion for music continued to increase and has brought him to the stage he is at today.

He derives musical inspiration from artists such as Whitney Houston, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Luther Vandross, Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Adele and Jessie J, with him going on to say that he "loves big voices."

Thinking ahead to next year, he said that he is currently working on new music, with "a few songs in the works. There is so much going on, but I really want to focus on me and what I want to do with my life."

When asked if he had a message for his supporters, he thanked everyone for the support he has received. "Thank you to everyone who has supported me since the start. It means a lot to me. I can't wait for what the future brings!"

Jordan Smithy's debut single 'Keep Me Strong' is out now and is available to purchase and stream through all major responsible purchasing and streaming outlets.

By Rachel Dempster